Mamma Hai — Restaurant in City of Syracuse

If you are a fan of Vietnamese food, you need to try Mamma Hai’s! During the Syracuse Dining Weeks, their lunch special was phenomenal. The lunch special included your choice of bahn mi, a taro egg roll (which is absolutely to die for), and a bottle of water. The first time that I ate here, I was not let down. The lemongrass coconut curry chicken bahn mi is incredible. The toasted peanuts compliment the tender braised chicken but does not overpower it. I particularly enjoyed the fact that the coconut curry braising liquid is used as a sauce to moisten the bread and to give a bit of liquid to the sandwich. This gives the sandwich the perfect balance between the saucy chicken and the crusty French baguette that is expected with a bahn mi. The taro egg roll is downright amazing. The first time I had one, I was mesmerized by the texture and flavor of the taro pairing with the thin crispy exterior of the egg roll wrap. My second time dining in I ordered the Marco Polo bahn mi, which as the name implies, has influence from Asia as well as Europe. This sandwich has a homemade steamed chicken sausage, sliced pepperoni, and char siu pork (which is a Cantonese barbecue pork), and their signature house pate. While I was initially hesitant about pepperoni on a bahn mi, I decided to trust the chef’s menu and ordered it. I was drawn in with the homemade pate and stayed for the mouth watering combination of meats. The pepperoni being my favorite of the combination, giving a slight but not over the top element of heat that I look for in a bahn mi. Keeping with my weekly habit of stopping at Mamma Hai’s, I opted for the Mixed Mien Noodles on this overcast rainy day. The noodles were the perfect combination of flavors, textures, with a slight heat and acidity. Absolutely to die for. Please stop in and try one of Mamma Hai’s famous banh mi’s today! You won’t be disappointed! Best of luck Mamma...

I tried the vegan banh mi and the vegan noodle bowl. Both were definitely decent. But, I have had better vegan banh mi elsewhere (though not in Syracuse), and I wouldn't have gotten the noodle bowl had I known that it was served cold. The prices here are reasonable though and the lady at the counter was very nice. I have to give this place credit for having vegan options that are more than just an afterthought. If you're looking to try Vietnamese food, but don't eat meat, this place is definitely worth a try! And if you do eat meat, they've got you...

I ordered the coconut curry chicken sandwich yesterday for lunch and it was so dry I went back to make sure I didn't get someone else's food (it looked like pulled pork and while it tasted fine there was no evidence of curry or coconut in the taste). The cashier confirmed that it was indeed chicken and then sarcastically and with contempt said "there's a C on the bag for a reason". Incredibly rude, I'll spend my money elsewhere next time I'm in the Salt...