Nonla Express at Tangram Mall is a fresh and modern Vietnamese spot that brings quick, casual dining to Flushing with a lot of heart. It’s been open for a little while now, and we finally stopped in to give it a try. Right away, the space feels clean, bright, and efficient perfect for a fast meal without sacrificing quality. The real standout here, though, is the staff. The team is incredibly friendly, attentive, and clearly takes pride in their work, which adds a level of warmth that’s rare in quick-service settings.
We ordered a wide range of dishes to get a feel for the menu. First was the salted limeade, a classic Vietnamese drink made with preserved salted lime, sugar, and water over ice. It’s meant to balance salty, sweet, and tart flavours but here, the salt overpowered everything, and the lime wasn’t punchy enough to brighten it up. Traditionally, the salt should enhance the lime and bring out the sweetness, but this version felt a bit unbalanced. Definitely an interesting drink to try if you’re curious, but not one I’d rush to reorder.
The summer rolls were a solid starter fresh and light, with shrimp, vermicelli, greens, and herbs wrapped in rice paper and served with a creamy peanut dipping sauce. We also tried the lemongrass chicken wings, which had a nice aroma and slight char, but the flavor could’ve gone deeper. Lemongrass is known for its citrusy, fragrant punch, especially when paired with chili or garlic, and these wings could’ve used a bit more of that brightness to really stand out.
For something heartier, we got the Pho & Spice with beef. It had a kick from the added chili, but the broth itself lacked the depth and richness that defines a great bowl of pho. Traditionally, pho broth is simmered for hours with beef bones, charred onion and ginger, and spices like star anise, cinnamon, and clove. The result should be aromatic and savory with layers of flavor. Here, the broth was clean and mildly spicy, but didn’t quite have that bold umami base pho lovers are used to.
We also tried two of their classic rice plates: shaking beef (bò lúc lắc) and Cơm Sườn Nướng, or grilled pork chop over rice. The shaking beef featured tender cubes of beef stir-fried in soy and oyster sauce, but it missed that seared, caramelized finish that gives the dish its signature flavor. On the other hand, the pork chop was nicely grilled and marinated, with that slightly sweet, savory balance that pairs beautifully with the broken rice, pickled veggies, and nước mắm (fish sauce). It’s a beloved Vietnamese comfort dish, simple but deeply satisfying.
The food overall is easy to enjoy and approachable, though a few items felt like they needed just a little more refinement in flavor or technique. Still, for a newly opened spot, Nonla Express shows a lot of promise. What they may lack in some flavor depth right now, they more than make up for with heart, speed, and hospitality.
This is the kind of casual neighborhood spot that feels good to support laid-back atmosphere, fast service, and a team that’s genuinely proud of what they’re serving. With time, the flavors will likely deepen and the menu will hit even harder. For now, it’s already a solid option if you’re in Tangram Mall and craving Vietnamese comfort food in a chill,...
Read moreNónLá Express provides a fresh taste using natural ingredients by balancing speed with quality. Their dishes capture the rich and aromatic essence of Vietnamese cuisine in a timely manner. The tablet makes it easy for you and your friend(s) to order from their menu. Depending on the time and day, I highly recommend ordering the combo as it gives you many dishes to try.
The Summer Roll was delicious. The shrimp, vermicelli, lettuce, and herbs were perfectly balanced. None of the flavors overwhelmed the other. It paired especially well with the savory peanut dipping sauce. The Lemon Grass Chicken Wing was decent. The chicken wings were fried to perfection, although the lemongrass flavor was a bit weak. I do wish the lemongrass and spices were a bit stronger.
As for the main dishes, my friends and I tried the Shaking Beef and the Pork Chop. The Shaking Beef is a perfect, packed meal for anyone. The wok-seared beef cubes are tender. Not only that, but you can really taste the garlic, onions, and peppers that were cooked alongside it. Unlike the Lemon Grass Chicken Wing, you can taste the lemongrass that marinates the pork chop. Not only does this add flavor to the pork chop, but it pairs perfectly with the shredded carrots & radishes, tomatoes, and mixed greens.
The only main issue I have is the Salted Limeade. The Limeade is made with fresh lime juice, lightly salted, and served over ice. However, rather than lightly salted, it was more heavily salted. I wish they add more lime juice and cut back on the salt so that the sweet-salty taste is more even. Other than that, I do wish to come back to try their Sugarcane Juice. I heard good things and I hope it lives up to my...
Read moreIf you're looking for an authentic Vietnamese dining experience with fresh, natural ingredients, this restaurant is a must-try! The dishes are bursting with vibrant flavors, thanks to the high-quality herbs, vegetables, and responsibly sourced meats. You can really taste the difference when ingredients are this fresh—the pho broth is rich and aromatic, the spring rolls are crisp and packed with herbs, and every dish feels light yet satisfying.
What I love most is their commitment to natural cooking—no excessive MSG or artificial additives, just wholesome, delicious food. The menu offers a great balance of traditional favorites and modern twists, all made with care. Plus, the atmosphere is cozy and inviting, making it perfect for a casual meal or a special occasion.
Highly recommend for anyone who appreciates clean, flavorful Vietnamese...
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