Madame Vo — Review by Tastemade
New York, United States — Vietnamese
Madame Vo is a Vietnamese restaurant in New York's East Village that celebrates family recipes and the strength of Vietnamese women through its menu and design. The standout dishes include the most popular short rib pho with a deeply flavorful 24-hour broth, wings inspired by the owner's father, and an impressive deep-fried lobster dish. The restaurant successfully brings authentic Vietnamese cuisine to New York with a modern, design-forward approach that blends Vietnamese heritage with downtown New York aesthetics.
What was great: The short rib pho broth simmered for 24 hours, the Madam Wings with perfect balance of sweet and salty, the deep fried lobster with scallion and jalapenos, the make-your-own spring roll platter, restaurant design blending Vietnamese and New York aesthetics, authentic family recipes, the overall concept celebrating strong Vietnamese women
What could improve: Nothing mentioned
The Dishes
The Madam Pho with short rib is the showstopper and most popular dish, selling 300 to 400 bowls daily. The broth is made by simmering different cuts of meat and bones for 24 hours before adding short rib and brisket, creating an exceptionally rich and flavorful base that the reviewer said he could sip all day. The Madam Platter offers an interactive experience where diners make their own spring rolls with barbecue pork sausage, grilled chicken, pork, shrimp, and peanuts. The barbecue pork sausage is particularly praised for its quality. The Madam Wings are double-fried and seasoned simply with fish sauce, garlic, sugar, and black pepper, delivering perfect balance between sweet and salty umami flavors. The standout showstopper dish features deep-fried lobster topped with scallion and jalapenos, served in noodles embedded with lobster roe that brings additional umami flavor. This dish is inspired by the owner's aunt and represents the restaurant's philosophy, as it requires a female lobster.
The Experience
Located in the East Village, Madame Vo embodies a unique aesthetic that merges Vietnamese heritage with downtown New York culture. The restaurant features a sitlo (Vietnamese taxi) in the window as a symbol of Vietnam and source of livelihood, original artwork celebrating strong Vietnamese women throughout history, and a black and white color scheme reflecting New York sensibilities. The menu and entire concept are inspired by generations of strong Vietnamese women in the owners' families. The owners explain that everything on the menu represents authentic dishes that were highlights in their memories growing up. The atmosphere successfully balances a nice mix of downtown New York and Vietnam, creating an inviting and culturally rich environment.
Value and Pricing
Specific pricing is not mentioned in the transcript, though the dishes presented suggest upscale casual dining. Given the quality ingredients like fresh lobster and the extensive preparation time for the broth, the restaurant appears to offer good value for the quality and authenticity provided.
Notable Moments
I could sip that all day.This comment about the short rib pho broth captures the depth and quality of the signature dish. The owners share the origin story of how they met and realized they couldn't find authentic Vietnamese food in New York that matched what they grew up eating, inspiring them to open the restaurant in 2016-2017. The discussion about the lobster dish being inspired by the owner's aunt, who wouldn't share the recipe as a trade secret, adds personal and humorous depth to the menu.
You've done a really good job bringing Vietnamese food to New York City in a way that maybe New York City has never seen before.
The Verdict
Madame Vo is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking authentic Vietnamese cuisine with a modern, design-forward approach in New York City. The restaurant excels at honoring family recipes while creating a welcoming space that celebrates Vietnamese culture and the women who shaped these culinary traditions. The short rib pho alone is worth the visit, but the entire menu demonstrates creativity and respect for authentic flavors. This restaurant is perfect for those seeking meaningful dining experiences that combine excellent food with cultural storytelling and beautiful design.