Ha’s Snack Bar: A Taste of What’s to Come!

Nestled in the heart of the Lower East Side, Ha’s Snack Bar is quickly captivating food enthusiasts with a dazzling mix of French and Vietnamese flavors. While the restaurant is currently finding its footing, many believe it serves as a mere prelude to something even grander set to unveil soon.

Imagine savoring tamarind-butter snails that electrify your senses, or enjoying a brilliantly brulée’d coconut bread pudding that’s deliciously charred, with coconut ice cream oozing down the sides. These standout dishes showcase the culinary genius of chefs Sadie Mae Burns-Ha and Anthony Ha, a couple that has been creating a buzz since their pop-up days with Ha’s Đặc Biệt – meaning 'house special' in Vietnamese.

Since its December opening, the tiny space has been packed to the brim, despite minimal promotion, thanks to a two-week Instagram teaser. With just a handful of portable cooking apparatus and a charming Parisian ambiance, it’s a testament to what skilled chefs can conjure without a full kitchen setup.

Burns-Ha and Ha initially viewed Ha’s Snack Bar as a practice run, hinting at a more ambitious venture on the horizon. In a couple of months, they aim to shift gears to a casual ambiance featuring wine bar staples like oysters and pâté, right around the corner in a larger venue that promises to take their creativity to new heights.

Their relationship began back in 2015, starting at Mission Chinese Food, a tiny diner known for its strikingly innovative offerings. The spirit of culinary exploration from those days shines through in every dish on the Ha’s Snack Bar menu, which features a delightful progression from bite-sized delights to extravagant full plates.

The menu doesn't shy away from adventurous pairings. Sample a single oyster smothered in spicy verde, or relish the delicate taste of a sweet-and-sour seafood stew, where contrasting flavors harmonize perfectly. And be sure to save room for dessert, as their standout creations, including exquisite pies with ultrathin buttery crusts, are a must-try.

What makes Ha’s cuisine exceptional is the purposeful combination of French technique and Vietnamese flair. Each dish bursts with clever components, aimed at enhancing traditional flavors. For instance, a dish of black pudding comes alive with tangy kumquats and a delicately warm puff pastry.

Additionally, the restaurant's ambiance complements the culinary experience. With only 24 seats and an intimate vibe, it encourages community and interaction among diners. The warm, moody decor adorned with floral arrangements, crafted by Burns-Ha’s mother, heightens the cozy atmosphere.

While manageable crowds and limited reservations hint at the restaurant's transition from pop-up to permanent fixture, eating at Ha’s is an experience worth every moment. The drink menu also surprises patrons with inventive choices that pair exceptionally well with the meals.

However, as with any growing establishment, there are little quirks to navigate: cramped seating, occasional delays, and dishes that might not hit the mark every time. But with flavors this inventive and that hint at even greater potential, anyone willing to overlook minor discomforts will taste the future of gastronomy right here.

Are you ready to savor what New York's most exciting new restaurant has in store? Don’t be surprised if this incredible dining experience is just the warm-up act for something spectacular!

Stay tuned for more culinary adventures as Ha and Burns-Ha explore their vibrant vision for the next chapter in dining!