Bánh By Lauren is the house that pandan built. Formerly a pandemic-era pop-up with a devoted online following, the Chinatown bakery is home to their signature bánh bò nướng—a bright green pandan honeycomb cake that remains as delicious, and as photogenic, as ever. You'll also find chiffon cakes and macarons, an outstanding chocolate chip cookie, and a unique Vietnamese-inspired coffee menu. The Lime Drip is like nothing we've ever had before—imagine walking through a citrus orchard in full bloom with a cup of coffee in hand. Get there early to join a line that snakes around the corner, and peer in through the enormous plate-glass windows as you inch closer to the green-accented treats. There's limited counter seating, plus a couple of small tables in the corner. Split a slice of cà phê chiffon cake and catch up with a friend—or simply fill a pastry box to its capacity with chinese sausage-studded scones and bring your treasure home to your loved ones—provided you don’t eat everything on the train first.
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