The Place: Bistrot Ha is this year’s follow-up to the tiny Lower East Side favorite Ha’s Snack Bar. I have not yet had a chance to visit the beloved French-Vietnamese wine bar, which is teeny tiny and not so easy to score a table.
Their follow-up is larger, but not any easier to find a place to sit. In fact, I was not able to find a place to sit, but the host offered me standing room. I thought that was only reserved for Broadway theaters and commuter buses.
Since I was solo and not looking for a long drawn out evening, I chose to stand at a little counter by the window. It felt like my own little secret alcove where I had a great view to people watch, but also could turn my head and feel like I was somewhat part of the bustling dining room.
The menu leans pretty Vietnamese and had some interesting choices, but there was one appetizer that just sounded so interesting to me and all I really felt I needed for my solo standing room only meal.
The Dish: When I expressed interest in the Fried Yuba, the waiter applauded my instinct and let me know this was recently chosen as one of Grub Street’s top dishes of the year. I had no idea.
I guess that seal of approval confirmed my order and I’m so glad this was the one thing I tried here.
This was somewhere between a dumpling, a crepe, and an egg roll and was fascinating. Thin layers of fried yuba (delicate tofu skin) hugged a filling comprised of a pork and shrimp patty with herbal and peppery notes. It was finished with a sweet-funky nước mắm fish sauce.
Delicate, refined, and with all the balanced flavors of a great Vietnamese dish, I have to heartily agree with Grub Street. I would have been knocked off my seat if I had one. Price: $23
| BISTROT HA |
| 137 Eldridge Street (between Delancey and Broome Street), Lower East Side |
| Instagram: @has_dac_biet |
