Sao Mai

7 ratings
$$ • Vietnamese Restaurant
Reported NOT to have a gluten-free menu, but gluten-free options are available
Reported GF menu options: Pho
Safety Rating
3 ratings

As rated by the community

203 1st Avenue
New York, NY 10003

Most Recent Reviews


Symptomatic Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Been eating here pretty consistently without any problems. That said, I’ve only had the Pho and Bun. When ordering, remember to tell the waitstaff to omit the beef ball, fish ball, or fish cake if any of those are in your order.

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Updated 10 months ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Claim the pho dish is GF but the “meat ball” in there was questionable. Felt a little sick after eating. Hanoi House was way better.

Updated 5 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


My first experience here was pretty good but the second was terrible. I am celiac, when I first tried Sao Mai, before being seated I asked about gluten free options because I'm celiac. I was assured they have tons of gluten free options and to ask my server about them.

It seemed to true at the time, most items on their menu were gluten free. I was very surprised the summer roll sauce was gluten free, I asked if it was then, what the ingredients were and specifically about the hoisin sauce being gluten free. Each time I was assured it was gluten free. I'm Vietnamese and know summer roll sauce (peanut sauce) can be made gluten free but I've never found a restaurant that makes it gluten free. Which I understand because it's more expensive, however this waiter assured me it was. Well it's not, I'm also pregnant and was going through morning sickness so I wasn't sure what was going on when I got sick that night.

I did like the food, so we went back again. This time our companions, who are not gluten free had 2 issues with their orders. They were really busy and it was Saturday night so the ordering issues can be over looked if everything else was great. I ordered gluten free summer rolls again and no peanut sauce was served so I asked there server for some. He tells me it's not gluten free, I let him know that my last waiter told me it was and if he could remind the other waiters that would be great. He replies well all brown sauce is not going to be gluten free in asian cooking..... That statement gets under my skin because it's not true. Yes, a lot of asian restaurants don't have gluten free options but I asked so many times about the peanut sauce.

If you are celiac or have gluten allergies don't go here. If you just like to eat GF it's an okay option.

Celiac friendly?

No

Updated 6 years ago read full review

This establishment is NOT a dedicated gluten-free facility and may not be safe for those with celiac disease. Please contact the establishment directly to inquire about safety precautions.

Gluten-Free Features

  • Allergen List
  • Pho

Categories

  • Asian
  • Dinner
  • Lunch
  • Restaurant
  • Vietnamese

Photos


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More Reviews


Overall Rating

Review


Nous avons été malade, à déconseiller

Updated 7 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 7 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


great service, very knowledgeable. many options. great price especially for location.

Updated 7 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Incredible food. Most Vietnamese things are naturally gluten free minus added sauces. Had pho with summer rolls with fish sauce. Waiter actually understood gluten allergy. Also really cheap. Dinner for 2 was $34 and huge portions

Updated 8 years ago read full review

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