Find out the favorite New York restaurants of the staff at the Asia Society and Museum , a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to fostering understanding of Asia and the Pacific. Check back every month for a new staff pick, and let their food discoveries in New York inspire you to try a new restaurant! Look out for the purple symbol in the restaurant listings indicating it's an Asia Society Staff Pick!!

Staff:
Niki Haas
Merchandise Coordinator, AsiaStore

Recommendation:
Nha Trang Centre
148 Centre Street
btw Walker and Bayard
212-941-9292

Type of Food: Vietnamese

Favorite Menu Items:
The best item on the menu is by far the Bun with Grilled Shrimp: hot vermicelli noodles with lettuce, carrots and peanuts, that you mix together with a delicious, light sauce. I like it with the grilled shrimp, but it's also available with pork, beef or a spring roll sliced on top.

What kind of occasion would you recommend this restaurant for?
This is totally casual place. It would be good for a big group because there is a huge menu with a lot of options, and it is very inexpensive.

How would you describe the atmosphere of this restaurant?
This place is no-frills, but the staff is so friendly and solicitous. There is a container with chopsticks on the table and paper napkins. It's a great place for a Sunday afternoon meal.

In general what else do you like about this restaurant?
The food is consistently tasty and I've gone enough times that the staff recognizes my friends and I.

How did you come across this restaurant?
I stumbled across it after getting a facial in Chinatown.