BenThanh Vietnamese Bistro
224 19th St, Watervliet, NY
Crema's Take
“Tucked away in Watervliet, this Vietnamese bistro has earned a devoted following for its authentic banh mi that rivals even NYC standards, with a baker-owner who crafts impossibly soft yet crisp bread and extends that same care to knockout pandan sweets and pineapple cookies. The warmth here is genuine—regulars rave about the owners' hospitality and the way every dish tastes like a direct line to Vietnam, making it the kind of place where you'll find yourself daydreaming about your last visit and planning your next one.”
What to expect
Google Reviews
This restaurant was very extremely accommodating and friendly! The food was so tasty and authentic. It was like being back in Vietnam! Taste is most of everything. If you come here you must try the pineapple cookies & pastries. 100% home made.
I live in NYC, and I think this is the best bahn mi I've ever had. The bread was so soft yet crisp and the tofu was so flavorful- in case anyone was curious they have vegan/vegetarian bahn mi! The made to order rolled summer rolls were so fresh and well wrapped. And the owners are so friendly and welcoming. Will be coming back when in Albany!
I will dream about this Bahn Mi until I have it again. It was amazing. My wife's one was amazing as well. This place is fantastic. The food is great. The owners are very lovely people. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. Can't wait to come back and try more of the menu.
The banh mi was delicious. The owner is a great baker. Her pineapple filled cookies are amazing. The pandan sweets are also very good. The three color bean dessert is excellent. Really went all out on the sweets. She is probably the best baker in Watervliet.
Second time in a month visiting and once again, I was blown away by how delicious everything was and how delightful the owners are. I had the steamed noodle and crispy meat phyllo and hubby had the beef pho. There was no artificial taste (we call it "Sysco taste") in anything we were eating so the perfect spicing and balance of flavors and textures really came through. I could have eaten three of the meat phyllo but glad I didn't because the noodle dish was plenty. The home made pickled veggies absolutely make the dish, along with the sauce served on the side. The pho is heavenly, everything you want on a cold day in January! We were given hot ginger tea, the delicious and refreshing three bean dessert and an amazing pineapple cookie to try! Now I feel foolish for not having bought a box of the homemade cookies. But we'll be back! There's plenty of seating and there's easy street parking along the side street. If you're anywhere in the Capital District, the little trip to Watervliet is totally worth it. Do yourself the favor!