JoJu — Restaurant in New York

This was my first time visiting this spot in person — I used to just get their food delivered when I lived nearby. The place was pretty busy, with lots of people waiting to pick up their orders, which says something about how popular it is!

We ordered ahead on their website for pickup, and everything was ready right when we arrived, which was super convenient. I went with the Lemongrass Chicken Bánh Mì, Crunchy Monster Spring Rolls, and Vietnamese Iced Coffee.

The bánh mì was tasty — especially the lemongrass chicken, which had great flavor. But honestly, the bread was a bit disappointing; it didn’t really live up to what I expect from a good bánh mì sandwich. The spring rolls were nice and crisp, but I felt like there wasn’t enough filling for something called “Crunchy Monster” — they were pretty long and skinny, not as hearty as I hoped.

As for the Vietnamese iced coffee, it wasn’t really my favorite, maybe a bit too strong or just not quite the flavor I was expecting.

All in all, it’s a decent place if you want a quick, flavorful bite. But if you’re really after a killer bánh mì, I think there are better spots out there. Still, it’s worth a visit if you’re nearby and want something...

I ordered The Sweet, the classic banh mi, the baseline banh mi by which to judge all banh mis and this place can bring it! They were inspired (according to an article I read) by their first experience having Vietnamese sandwiches from under the Manhattan Bridge, which is where I had my first and the place that I keep returning to (now moved to a roomier location on Grand St) for both my memory and measurement of what a proper banh mi ought to be. Joju's banh mi has the same delicious flavors, slightly more refined. The pickled carrot/daikon salad is chopped more finely and flavored more subtly and there is enough that you get a taste in every bite. The meats are nice and salty and also amply packed so that no single flavor is lost. A great sandwich that improves on the original (with the price to show for it, but is typical for midtown Manhattan).

The in store ordering system is efficient (giant iPad) and my order came out pretty quick when I ordered a little after noon...

Overall: Joju is one of my go to lunch spots while in midtown and it certainly doesn't disappoint. Protein option definitely depends on the person, but I'd recommend the lemongrass chicken. The fries here are a decently sized portion, more suitable for a group than as a side for one person.

Ambiance Joju has a very efficient layout where you order by yourself with kiosks, where some of them have contactless payment options. There's a big open space to support the takeout orders, but still some seating available for those that want to dine in.

Food and Drink Lemongrass Chicken Banh mi I've been to Joju multiple times and tried a bunch of their protein options, but I think the best one might just be the chicken. I also like to get spicy mayo in the sandwich as well as on the side, just for extra sauce.

Cold Brew Thai Tea Thai tea is naturally a very sweet drink, but I think this one might be one of the stronger tasting...