JoJu: Modern Vietnamese Banh Mi & Fries on the Upper East Side

JoJu Introduce

In a city where culinary innovation is a way of life, JoJu has carved out a special niche for itself by offering a modern, creative twist on traditional Vietnamese street food. Situated on the Upper East Side, this casual and cozy spot is a favorite for those looking for a quick bite that is anything but ordinary. JoJu has taken the classic banh mi sandwich and elevated it with unique flavor combinations and high-quality ingredients, creating a truly memorable experience. This isn't your average sandwich shop; it's a destination for adventurous eaters and comfort food lovers alike. The menu is focused and well-executed, proving that sometimes, doing a few things exceptionally well is the key to success. For busy New Yorkers on the go, JoJu provides a satisfying and flavorful escape, and the fact that it's become a beloved neighborhood spot for many speaks volumes about its quality and appeal.

The core of JoJu’s success lies in its inventive menu and dedication to fresh flavors. The banh mi sandwiches are the star of the show, served on perfectly toasted baguettes and filled with a variety of delicious fillings. The Caramel Pork Banh Mi, for example, is a fan favorite, praised for its "weird but in the most delicious way possible" sweet and savory flavor profile. The pork is cooked in a caramel sauce, creating a unique taste that pairs perfectly with the fresh cucumber and shredded carrots. Beyond the sandwiches, JoJu’s specialty fries are a must-try. The Double Fried Fries are celebrated for their impressive crispiness, and the Loaded (JoJu) Banh Mi Fries, topped with the same flavorful ingredients as the sandwiches, are a meal in themselves. The menu also offers a selection of rice bowls and spring rolls, as well as refreshing drinks like Vietnamese Iced Coffee and Thai Iced Tea, providing a complete and satisfying meal for any craving. JoJu has successfully blended traditional Vietnamese flavors with a modern New York sensibility, creating dishes that are both comforting and exciting.

JoJu is conveniently located at 1603 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10028. This address places it in a vibrant area of the Upper East Side, easily accessible for both locals and those exploring the city. The restaurant is situated near several subway stations, including the 86th Street station for the Q, 4, 5, and 6 trains, making it a simple and quick stop for anyone traveling by public transport. While specific details on physical accessibility are not provided, its nature as a walk-up, counter-service spot suggests it is designed for convenience. Paid street parking is available in the vicinity, which is standard for the area. The restaurant’s simple and casual setup is perfect for a quick stop, whether you're grabbing a meal to go or eating in for a fast and satisfying lunch.

JoJu offers a number of services to accommodate the diverse needs of its customers.

Takeout is a primary service, catering to the busy, on-the-go lifestyle of New Yorkers.
Delivery and no-contact delivery options are available, allowing you to enjoy their food from the comfort of your home or office.
Dine-in service is offered for those who prefer to eat on-site in a casual atmosphere.
Curbside pickup provides a convenient and efficient way to retrieve your order without having to go inside.

JoJu is known for several key features and highlights that make it a favorite among its patrons.

The menu is focused on comfort food with a healthy twist, offering a quick bite that is still satisfying and made with fresh ingredients.
The atmosphere is casual, making it a perfect spot for a no-fuss meal.
It is highly popular for lunch and solo dining, making it a great choice for a quick and satisfying midday meal.
The restaurant is good for kids, making it an easy option for a family outing.
Payment is convenient, as they accept both credit and debit cards, as well as NFC mobile payments.
The menu features unique and inventive dishes, with a focus on modern takes on classic Vietnamese food.
The JoJu Fries are a particular highlight, praised for their impressive crispiness and flavorful toppings.

Contact Information:

Address: 1603 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10028, USA

Phone: (646) 799-9475

For anyone looking for a unique and delicious meal on the Upper East Side, JoJu is definitely worth choosing. The rave reviews from real customers highlight the core reasons why this place is a must-visit. The food is consistently described as "amazing," with patrons praising the unique flavor combinations and the high quality of the ingredients. The Caramel Pork Banh Mi, in particular, has captivated diners with its delicious and "weird" taste, demonstrating JoJu's ability to create a truly memorable dish. The specialty fries are another major draw, with one customer even noting they are "impressively crispy" and a meal in themselves. Beyond the food, the convenience and quality of the service are also highly regarded. The ability to grab an order to go that travels well for a short walk is a major plus for a city on the move. JoJu offers a perfect balance of fast service, delicious comfort food, and a creative menu that keeps people coming back to try new things. It's more than just a quick lunch spot; it's a neighborhood gem that has perfected the art of the modern banh mi, making it a standout choice for anyone in New York.

JoJu Menu

Fries
Loaded (JoJu) Banh Mi Fries $14.95
The (JoJu Banh Mi) Fries upgraded with a runny egg and beef bulgogi! double fried fries topped with pork house sauce, spicy mayo, spicy green sauce, pickled daikon & carrots, cilantro & jalapeños. ***Please notify a staff if you have dietary restrictions or allergies.
Double Fried Fries $7.95
Crispy seasoned double fried fries. ***Please notify a staff if you have dietary restrictions or allergies.
Kimchi Fries $10.45
Double fried fries topped with mild spicy mayo, mild kimchi, chopped scallions, cilantro, and jalapenos. ***Please notify a staff if you have dietary restrictions or allergies.
Loaded Kimchi Fries $14.95
The Kimchi Fries upgraded with a runny egg and beef bulgogi! Double fried fries topped with mild spicy mayo, mild kimchi, chopped scallions, cilantro, and jalapenos. ***Please notify a staff if you have dietary restrictions or allergies.
(JoJu) Banh Mi Fries $10.45
JoJu's fried fries topped with pork house sauce, spicy mayo, spicy green sauce, pickled daikon & carrots, cilantro & jalapeños.***Please notify a staff if you have dietary restrictions or allergies.

Rice Bowls
#1B. The "(JoJu)" Bowl $15.95
Vietnamese Caramel Pork and grilled pork sausage meat. Bowl comes with white rice, pork house sauce, kimchi, pickled red onions, fresh cucumber, pickled daikon & carrots, fresh cilantro, and fried shallots. ***Please notify a staff if you have dietary restrictions or allergies.
#5B. Caramel Pork Bowl $14.95
Sweet & savory pork glazed with Vietnamese Caramel sauce. Bowl comes with white rice pork house sauce, kimchi, pickled red onions, fresh cucumber, pickled daikon & carrots, fresh cilantro, and fried shallots. ***Please notify a staff if you have dietary restrictions or allergies.
#3B. BBQ Pork Bowl $14.95
Traditional Vietnamese pork sausage meat. Bowl comes with white rice pork house sauce, kimchi, pickled red onions, fresh cucumber, pickled daikon & carrots, fresh cilantro, and fried shallots. ***Please notify a staff if you have dietary restrictions or allergies.
#6B. Ginger Seitan Bites Bowl $16.95
Seitan bites (made from Soy and Tofu) sautéed in ginger and aromatics. Bowl comes with white rice, pork house sauce, kimchi, pickled red onions, fresh cucumber, pickled daikon & carrots, fresh cilantro, and fried shallots. ***Please notify a staff if you have dietary restrictions or allergies.
#2B. Lemongrass Chicken Bowl $16.95
24-hour marinated grilled thigh meat in lemongrass sauce Bowl comes with white rice pork house sauce, kimchi, pickled red onions, fresh cucumber, pickled daikon & carrots, fresh cilantro, and fried shallots. ***Please notify a staff if you have dietary restrictions or allergies.
#4B. Beef Bulgogi Bowl $17.95
Korean style thinly sliced rib-eye beef. bowls come with pork house sauce, kimchi, pickled red onions, fresh cucumber, pickled daikon & carrots, fresh cilantro, and fried shallots.***Please notify a staff if you have dietary restrictions or allergies.

Sandwiches
#11 Bulgogi "Bomb Me" Banh Mi $18.95
Korean-style thinly sliced beef bulgogi loaded with mild kimchi and a runny fried egg. Sandwich comes on toasted baguette, with mayonnaise, cucumber, pickled daikon & carrots, and cilantro. ***Please notify staff if you have dietary restrictions or allergies.
#3 BBQ Pork Banh Mi $13.95
Traditional Vietnamese pork sausage meat. Sandwich comes on toasted baguette, with mayonnaise, cucumber, pickled daikon & carrots, and cilantro. ***Please notify staff if you have dietary restrictions or allergies.
#1 Classic Banh Mi $13.45
slices of traditional Vietnamese ham & headcheese with pork pâté spread. All sandwiches comes on toasted baguette, with mayonnaise, cucumber, pickled daikon & carrots, and cilantro. ***Please notify staff if you have dietary restrictions or allergies.
#8 The "(JoJu)" Banh Mi $15.95
Traditional Vietnamese ham & headcheese, pork pate, & traditional Vietnamese pork sausage meat. Sandwich comes on toasted baguette, with mayonnaise, cucumber, pickled daikon & carrots, and cilantro. ***Please notify staff if you have dietary restrictions or allergies.
#5 Caramel Pork Banh Mi $13.95
Sweet & savory pork glazed with Vietnamese Caramel sauce. Sandwich comes on toasted baguette, with mayonnaise, cucumber, pickled daikon & carrots, and cilantro. ***Please notify staff if you have dietary restrictions or allergies.
#12 The "Sweet (JoJu)" Banh Mi $15.95
Traditional Vietnamese ham & headcheese, pork pâté spread, Vietnamese caramel pork. Sandwich comes on toasted baguette, with mayonnaise, cucumber, pickled daikon & carrots, and cilantro. ***Please notify staff if you have dietary restrictions or allergies.
#4 Beef Bulgogi Banh Mi $16.95
Korean-style thinly sliced rib-eye beef with a hint of mild kimchi. Sandwich come with toasted baguette, mayonnaise, cucumber, pickled daikon & carrots, cilantro.***Please notify a staff if you have dietary restrictions or allergies.
#2 Lemongrass Chicken Banh Mi $15.95
24-hr marinated grilled thigh meat in lemongrass sauce. Sandwich comes on toasted baguette, with mayonnaise, cucumber, pickled daikon & carrots, and cilantro. ***Please notify staff if you have dietary restrictions or allergies.
#9 The "(JoJu) Monster" Banh Mi $17.45
JoJu's signature sandwich. Traditional Vietnamese ham & headcheese, pork pate, traditional pork sausage meat, and a runny fried egg. Sandwich comes on toasted baguette, with mayonnaise, cucumber, pickled daikon & carrots, and cilantro. ***Please notify staff if you have dietary restrictions or allergies
#10 "Hot Chick" Banh Mi $16.95
grilled lemongrass chicken loaded with mild kimchi & spicy mayo spread. Sandwich comes on toasted baguette, with mayonnaise, cucumber, pickled daikon & carrots, and cilantro. ***Please notify staff if you have dietary restrictions or allergies.
#6 Ginger Seitan Banh Mi $15.95
Seitan bites (made from Soy and Tofu) sautéed in ginger and aromatics. Sandwich come on toasted baguette with mayonnaise, cucumber, pickled daikon & carrots, and cilantro. ***Please notify a staff if you have dietary restrictions or allergies.
#13 Green Eggs & Ham Banh Mi $13.95
Traditional Vietnamese ham and two fried eggs with spicy green sauce. Sandwich comes on toasted baguette, with mayonnaise, cucumber, pickled daikon & carrots, and cilantro. ***Please notify staff if you have dietary restrictions or allergies.
#7 Vegetarian Ham(Seitan) Banh Mi $14.95
Seitan (made from soy and tofu) cold cut slices. Sandwich come with toasted baguette, mayonnaise, cucumber, pickled daikon & carrots, cilantro.* **Please notify a staff if you have dietary restrictions or allergies.

Specialty Drinks
Vietnamese Iced Coffee $7.95
The ultimate jolt! Traditional Hot Vietnamese Phin filter espresso with condensed milk poured over ice. Topping not included. ***Please notify a staff if you have dietary restrictions or allergies.
Mojito $8.75
Iced non-alcoholic sparkling & refreshing drink with mint and lemon slices, real fruit pulp concentrate. ***Please notify a staff if you have dietary restrictions or allergies.
Thai Iced Tea $7.95
Thai Tea with dairy milk , lightly sweetened. Topping not included. ***Please notify a staff if you have dietary restrictions or allergies.
Lemon Thai Iced Tea $7.95
Thai Tea with lemon, lightly sweetened. Topping not included. ***Please notify a staff if you have dietary restrictions or allergies.
Bottled Water $4.00

Spring Rolls
Crunchy Monster Spring Rolls $6.95
2 rolls of 8 inch fried spring roll filled with ground pork and vegetables, wrapper made of wheat. ***Please notify a staff if you have dietary restrictions or allergies.
Vegetable Egg Rolls $6.95
3 rolls of fried vegetable spring rolls, wrapper made of wheat. ***Please notify a staff if you have dietary restrictions or allergies.

JoJu Details

Service options
Curbside pickup
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Popular for
Lunch
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Offerings
Coffee
Comfort food
Healthy options
Quick bite

Dining options
Lunch

Atmosphere
Casual

Crowd
Locals

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards

Children
Good for kids

Parking
Paid street parking

JoJu Photos

JoJu Location

JoJu

New York New York County New York 2nd Avenue

1603 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10028, USA

JoJu Reviews

An average rating of ★4.8 from 86 user reviews.

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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

This place has been eyeing me every time I leave the subway station and it has finally pulled me in, and I am soooo glad it did! A modern take on Vietnamese sandwiches and they are amazing.The sandwich I got was the Caramel Pork Banh Mi which was reeeeeally good. The pork is cooked in a caramel sauce which is such a unique flavor combination. I got it because it sounded weird, and it definitely was weird but in the most delicious way possible!!! Paired so well with the cucumber and I also loved the shredded carrot on top. The bread was toasted really well and I got two sauces on the side to sample with the sandwich. The spicy mayo was like any standard one so it was good, but the spicy green sauce was incredible!!! Definitely getting more of that next time.I also tried the Joju fries, which were double fried so they were sooooo crispy. Like impressively crispy I loved these SOOOOO MUCH. They were topped with all the same toppings in the sandwich so it was such a good item. The portion felt large too so I would totally come back and order just this as the meal.Got a thai tea too because why not, its as great as any thai tea is. Yum!The inside of the store was cute but I ordered my stuff to go, it traveled well for the 5-7ish minute walk before I ate. I will definitely be back to try other items because this was awesome!
April 20 · Patrick Zajac
Perfection ❤️ I grabbed the carmel pork banh mi and a Thai iced tea, both of which were so flavorful. A good balance of pork to veggies, though I do wish there was a touch more cilantro.
August 17 · Katie Del Angel
Really amazing food! We ordered Caramel Pork Banh Mi, Beef Bulgogi Bowl, and Kimchi Fries. Fantastic flavors and it just hit the spot after walking all over NYC. I ate the bowl before taking a picture because I could not wait. It just smelled so good. The spicy mayo sauce is so addictive and the fries were crispy and delicious. It's a small shop so there may not be enough space to sit if it's busy. But I would 100% be back the next time I'm in the city.
August 03 · Thea Vijaya Kumar
We were quite excited that JOJU opened a new location on Upper East Side near us. The banh mi was great - authentic flavors and very generous portions. The JOJU & the SWEET JOJU were excellent. The finely shredded and pickled carrots/veggies toppings was exceptionally. This JOJU will be a weekly visit! Cheers!
April 10 · Sweetpea Showroom
I was excited to try this place as I saw a huge line for it the day before, but I was very disappointed with the food. I tried a grilled pork bowl which looked unappetizing to begin with and tasted even worse. Also, the rice texture was off, as if it were undercooked. I felt the caramel pork banh mi sandwich was just as underwhelming as the bowl. The bread was not tasty and the pork flavor was not for me. I also had the JoJu fries which were okay. The Vietnamese iced coffee was mediocre. The restaurant was really clean and had a nice aesthetic which I appreciated. The employees were patient, seemed lovely, and were happy to take my order. Unfortunately, JoJu was not my cup of tea and will not be returning.These opinions are my own and I mean absolutely no hate towards JoJu!
January 26 · Vesper Lynd