A southeast Asian eatery that drew a steady following from Columbia University students and Morningside Heights residents has served its final meals, just over two years after it first opened.
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Ban Ban Shop, at 2911 Broadway between 113th and 114th streets, permanently closed on May 29 after announcing the news on Instagram. In a May 26 post, the restaurant told followers the decision came with mixed emotions and thanked its customers, friends and community for their support, inviting people to stop in one last time to say goodbye before the doors shut for good.
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When the restaurant opened in 2023, celebrity chef Nils Noren brought a menu of customizable banh mi sandwiches, bao buns, grain bowls, salads and maki rolls to the space, rounded out by chicken noodle soup, kimchee slaw and Vietnamese iced coffee. A native of Sweden, Noren earned a Michelin star at KB in his home country and served as executive chef at Aquavit, with past stops at Red Rooster, Num Pang Kitchen and the International Culinary Center.
The Broadway storefront occupied part of the former Bernheim and Schwartz space, which was subdivided, with Hex and Co. taking the larger share. Ban Ban Shop filled the remainder, alongside now-closed neighbor Loco Coco.
Regulars filled the comments on the closure announcement with notes of disappointment, a sign of the loyal base the spot built during its short run near campus.
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