Bananas, a New American restaurant from Chef-Owners Chris Ng (previously of Blue Ribbon and Bond St) and Kyaw Lwin (previously of Yakiniku Futago, Hasalon and Michelin-starred Shmoné), opens in the heart of the East Village. Bananas is an expression of the team’s take on Asian American food, incorporating classic Asian flavors with Western cuisine. The phrase “Bananas” has previously been used as a slur to describe Asian Americans who are ‘yellow’ presenting but culturally white due to their upbringing in America. Bananas offers a signature menu of American favorites with elements of Asian cooking. 

Bananas (opened in January 2025) was founded by Chef-Owners Chris Ng and Kyaw Lwin. Chris Ng is a native New Yorker, raised in Rego Park, Queens. He has previous hospitality experience from numerous restaurants and hotels, including Bond Street, Blue Ribbon Sushi, and the Waldorf Astoria, and also completed the Culinary Arts Program at the French Culinary Institute. Executive Chef and Partner Kyaw Lwin has spent time in highly acclaimed kitchens in New York City, including Yakiniku Futago, Chef Eyal Shani’s Hasalon, and Michelin-starred Shmoné. The team's first joint venture will build upon their years of industry experience to offer their diverse and personalized perspectives through Bananas, offering innovative Asian and American-inspired dishes while highlighting seasonal ingredients.