Quick Lunch at Mắm

I’ve heard of them a few times from friends but didn’t have much of an idea of what they served and how apparently busy they get. I was walking by when I saw the sign, stepped in with no reservations, and asked if they had a seat for one, and after five mins, they got me a table (tons of people waiting outside with reservations so YMMV if you’re not solo).

I couldn’t tell you if their food is “super duper authentic™ just like mom used to make back in ‘Nam,” but I can tell you after a single bite it reminded me for the first time in a long time of the flavors of the freshly made food I had as a kid visiting grandparents in rural Bangladesh. I got the Tôm Chiên (described as Fried prawns tossed in northern spice mix), and Cà Tím Chiên (Fried eggplant, peanuts, soft-boiled egg, soy sauce), and Vietnamese coffee.

Just an incredibly comforting taste from some otherwise on paper very simply prepared food. Rich, crunchy, and with the perfect amount of spice for the shrimps. The eggplants were very tender and not greasy, and the soft-boiled egg and soy sauce added a nice depth of flavor and savoriness to it. The coffee was great too, very chocolatey and tangy in flavor, better than the acid bomb most places pass off as Vietnamese coffee as if that’s the only note in Vietnamese coffee.

Service was very quick and super friendly despite the place being packed. They offer a cash discount and do not accept gratuity. My only regret is not being hungry enough to try two apps and an entree. The tables were very fun if a bit gimmicky, but eh, who doesn’t like a good gimmick and the grandmas sitting down outside and laughing certainly have no qualms with it.