Five Vietnamese noodle carts have started serving pho in Prospect Park since May 2024. Vendors report crowds and frequent sellouts by early afternoon.

Local vendors, many of them recent arrivals from Vietnam, began setting up pho carts at the Parkside Avenue entrance in early May 2024. The carts offer beef and chicken pho for $10 to $12 per bowl. Most open around 10 a.m. on weekends, serving both neighborhood regulars and visitors to the park.

The city has not issued formal permits for these carts. The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene confirmed that inspectors visited the site on May 25 and issued a warning, but allowed the vendors to continue operating pending a follow-up. Vendors say they rely on word-of-mouth and social media to attract customers, and many operate without a fixed schedule.

Demand for Vietnamese noodles in Prospect Park has grown steadily. According to vendor Thi Nguyen, her cart serves more than 100 bowls on a busy Saturday. Most customers are local residents, but some travel from other boroughs after seeing photos on Instagram or TikTok. Nguyen said, “Word gets out fast, and we always run out by the afternoon.”

Not all park visitors are happy with the new food options. Some nearby residents have raised concerns about trash and crowding. The Prospect Park Alliance has said it is monitoring the situation and working with city agencies to balance public use of park space with commercial activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many pho carts are currently operating in Prospect Park?

As of June 2024, there are five Vietnamese noodle carts operating regularly near the southern entrance at Parkside Avenue, typically on Saturday and Sunday mornings.

Are the pho vendors officially permitted by the city?

Most of the pho carts do not have formal city permits. The Department of Health has issued warnings but has not removed the vendors, while monitoring continues.

What times do the pho carts open and how quickly do they sell out?

Most carts begin serving around 10 a.m. on weekends and tend to sell out of pho by 3 p.m., with peak crowds late morning and early afternoon.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Vietnamese pho carts are operating in Prospect Park as of June 2024?

There are five Vietnamese noodle carts operating near the southern entrance at Parkside Avenue as of June 2024.

Are the pho carts in Prospect Park officially permitted by the city?

Most of the pho carts do not have formal city permits; the Department of Health has issued warnings but allowed them to continue operating pending follow-up.

What are the prices for pho at the Prospect Park carts?

The carts serve beef and chicken pho for $10 to $12 per bowl.

When do the pho carts in Prospect Park open and when do they usually sell out?

Most carts open around 10 a.m. on weekends and typically sell out by 3 p.m.

What concerns have local residents raised about the pho carts in Prospect Park?

Some local residents have raised concerns about trash and crowding due to the carts.

Editorial Transparency. A first draft of this story was produced with AI-assisted writing tools, then reviewed for accuracy and tone by the named editor before publication. More on our process: Editorial Policy.