Best Pho in Oahu: TOP Spots to Satisfy Your Noodle Cravings
Aloha, fellow food lovers!
Today, we dive headfirst into the Oahu culinary scene, hunting down the best Pho in Oahu. Our journey leads us through popular eateries, from crowded spots to snug cafes, all in search of the perfect bowl of this enchanting Vietnamese noodle soup. It’s a blend of Hawaiian magic and authentic Vietnamese zest, making Pho a top-choice dish across this gorgeous island.
This fascination began at The Pig & The Lady. Known for their stellar Vietnamese fare, this Oahu Pho place ignited our love for pho. It was so spellbinding, that on our recent Oahu trip, we scoured the island, tasting pho from quaint local joints and conventional Vietnamese establishments.
Look: My pho obsession peaked to the point where I proposed the idea of eating pho daily, earning me a constant reminder from my partner!
So, are you ready for a flavorful tour of the top pho restaurants in Oahu? Prepare to witness the magic of this noodle wonder like never before, based on our Pho reviews.
But be warned: tasting these aromatic broths could spark an insatiable desire for more. And if you find yourself booking a flight back to Oahu specifically for pho, well, I warned you!
So, let’s embark on this foodie expedition and uncover the best eateries in Oahu, especially those known for their top-notch Hawaiian Pho!
The Pig and The Lady – Best Vietnamese Restaurant in Oahu
Vietnamese cuisine meets Asian fusion at The Pig and The Lady, a fine-dining establishment located a block away from Honolulu’s Chinatown. Their Vietnamese food is excellent and packed with flavors, but make sure to get reservations as they’re packed.
You want to start with their Banh Mi Pho with french dip. The Banh Mi is a crowd favorite and consists of a slow-cooked beef brisket served on a baguette with their rich pho 75 dipping sauce.
There’s a delicious variety of pho on their menu, with choices of meat like beef, oxtail, chicken, and even a vegan pho. My boyfriend had the Pho 75, which had a rare steak in the broth, and I tried the classic Pho Ga Tron with chicken.
Since this place made us fall in love with pho, I can rave about it for hours, so try it yourself and land in a food coma!
Don’t miss The Pig and The Lady on your next trip, as they serve the best pho in Oahu.
- End your meal with their light cheesecake topped with fish sauce (it’s incredible!)
- There’s plenty of street parking outside the restaurant.
- Their pho costs nearly $18 a bowl.
Address: 83 N King St, Honolulu, Oahu, HI.
Piggy Smalls – Best Pho in Honolulu
Come for the ambiance, stay for the pho, because Piggy Smalls serves excellent food in a great atmosphere. They’re part of a chain of restaurants under the Pig and The Lady, so you can expect the Vietnamese food here to be just as good.
Their head chef whips up a different style of pho for each day of the week, so a new flavor awaits on every visit. First, try the spectacular Bun Moc pho made from a rich pork and shiitake mushroom broth, with meatballs, vermicelli noodles, and loaded with fresh veggies.
My boyfriend and I loved their beef brisket pho, and everything about the dish, from the piping hot bowls of broth to the presentation, was excellent.
Besides pho, they have a great dinner menu with authentic Vietnamese dishes, and Korean-style food, like crispy chicken wings, Budae Jjigae stew, and Black Truffle pasta.
Make sure to stop by Piggy Smalls in Honolulu and enjoy their scenic outdoor seating with the best pho in Honolulu.
- There’s free parking in the nearby parking deck.
- The pho costs $18 and comes in a generous serving bowl.
- The chefs at Piggy Smalls are terrific, and you can meet them after your meal.
Address: 1200 Ala Moana Blvd Ste 665, Honolulu, Oahu, HI.
Pho Bistro II – Best Pho in Waikiki Oahu
Pho Bistro II is a family-run restaurant serving authentic Vietnamese food, especially pho, that’s prepared fresh. They’re best described as off-the-beaten-path, a short walk from Waikiki’s mainstream hotels, and usually packed with hungry locals (so you know it’s good.)
You want to try their chicken pho soup with vegetables, and a side of sauces, which is delicious and filling. If you find the pho here bland, try adding a sauce mixture of Hoisin, sriracha, and roasted garlic to give it a nice kick.
They also have great beef and oxtail pho, which we didn’t try, but people on tables nearby did and raved about the broth.
Pair your pho with their crispy spring rolls, lemongrass chicken with rice, and pork chops, which are tasty and local favorites here.
We loved the food and homely vibe at Pho Bistro II and recommend everyone visiting Waikiki to try them as they make some of the best pho in Waikiki Oahu.
- Their prices range from $10-20 for pho, appetizers, and mains.
- Parking is difficult to find outside, so walk here after parking near Waikiki’s resorts.
- Their menu also has great vegetarian dishes.
Address: 1694 Kalakaua Ave Ste C, Honolulu, Oahu, HI.
Pho Saigon
You’ll find plenty of restaurants with Saigon (origin city of pho) in the title serving Vietnamese food in Oahu, but Pho Saigon was the clear winner for us. They’re a casual restaurant with a variety of traditional dishes on their menu and a good selection of pho.
The house favorite is their beef and tendon pho, which comes in a large bowl with plenty of rice noodles and a good helping of meat. I tried their Pho Tai, and my boyfriend had the Spicy Beef soup, which we loved, as the toppings were fresh and the pho tasted amazing.
They also serve delicious sandwiches, rice vermicelli, and a vegetable platter with crispy fried noodles, which are great as side dishes with the pho.
Pho Saigon has to be on your list of places to try Vietnamese food from in Oahu, especially their pho.
- The prices are around $13 for pho.
- They have refills for vegetables and rice without extra charges.
- There’s lots of free parking outside the restaurant.
Address: 1538 Kapiolani Blvd Suite 101, Honolulu, Oahu, HI.
Wrap Up: Best Pho in Oahu Hawaii
The pho in Oahu is a treat for your tastebuds, as it’s loaded with authentic flavors, and either served with a fusion-style dish or on its own. Hawaii is known for its diverse culinary scene, and Vietnamese food is a standout, especially the delectable Vietnamese pho.
We highly recommend stopping by the numerous pho restaurants lining Oahu’s streets that serve Vietnamese food, especially the ones mentioned in this article. In particular, Pho Factory is one spot that is lauded by locals for its great pho.
Whether it’s your first time trying pho at a pho restaurant, or you’re a regular, the best Vietnamese restaurants in Oahu won’t disappoint. It’s a culinary journey that is pretty pho-bulous!
| Restaurant | Description | Highlights | Address |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Pig and The Lady | Vietnamese cuisine meets Asian fusion. Start with their Banh Mi Pho with french dip. They serve a variety of pho including beef, oxtail, chicken, and vegan pho. |
| 83 N King St, Honolulu, Oahu, HI |
| Piggy Smalls | Excellent food with a great ambiance. They offer a different style of pho each day. It also serves authentic Vietnamese and Korean-style dishes. |
| 1200 Ala Moana Blvd Ste 665, Honolulu, Oahu, HI |
| Pho Bistro II | Vietnamese cuisine meets Asian fusion. Start with their Banh Mi Pho with french dip. They serve a variety of pho, including beef, oxtail, chicken, and vegan pho. |
| 1694 Kalakaua Ave Ste C, Honolulu, Oahu, HI |
| Pho Saigon | A casual restaurant with a variety of traditional Vietnamese dishes. Known for their beef and tendon pho. They also have sandwiches, rice vermicelli, and more. |
| 1538 Kapiolani Blvd Suite 101, Honolulu, Oahu, HI |
FAQ
Which Vietnamese restaurants in Honolulu HI offer amazing pho and outdoor seating?
Piggy Smalls, a sister restaurant of The Pig and the Lady, is known for its great pho dishes and scenic outdoor seating. Located at 1200 Ala Moana Blvd Ste 665, Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii.
Can I find rare beef with thin slices in pho dishes at Vietnamese restaurants in Honolulu?
Yes, you can enjoy rare beef with thin slices at Pho Saigon located at 1538 Kapiolani Blvd Suite 101, Honolulu, Oahu. Their Pho Tai dish uses tender rare steak slices in their flavorful broth.
Are there any favorite dishes to try from Vietnam alongside amazing pho?
Crispy spring rolls, lemongrass chicken with rice, and pork chops are popular favorite dishes that pair well with delicious bowls of pho served in many Vietnamese restaurants around Honolulu.
In which part of town can I find Phở Old Saigon—an interesting-sounding gastronomy destination?
Phở Old Saigon seems like an intriguing place! While we don’t have an exact location for this pho restaurant on hand now—do check out our recommendations such as Pho Saigon at 1538 Kapiolani Blvd Suite 101, Honolulu for delicious pho options.
How does the Vietnamese open kitchen concept enhance my dining experience?
A Vietnamese open kitchen allows you to observe your food being prepared with care and expertise. This interactive aspect can make your meal even more enjoyable and provide a sense of connection with the cuisine’s traditions.
Can I find pho places in Honolulu that serve rare steak pho as their specialty?
Absolutely! The Pig and The Lady, located at 83 N King St, Honolulu, serves an exceptional rare steak pho known as Pho 75—definitely worth a visit when craving this savory soup sensation.
What are the primary ingredients in Vietnamese pho noodle soup?
In a typical Vietnamese pho noodle soup, the main ingredients include rice noodles,with a unique noodle texture, a flavorful broth made from chicken or beef bones, and various spices such as star anise, cinnamon, and cardamom. Protein options like chicken or beef are also added to the dish.
What garnishes can be added to enhance my lunch at a Vietnamese restaurant?
At most Vietnamese restaurants, especially when having lunch with Pho dishes like pho old Saigon style, they provide traditional garnishes like Thai basil leaves, bean sprouts, lime wedges, and jalapenos slices for adding spice and flavor according to personal taste preferences.
How is take-out service at the best Vietnamese restaurants in Honolulu HI known for their Pho King specialty?
Take-out service at some of the best Vietnamese restaurants in Honolulu Hawaii is usually efficient and convenient. They ensure that your favorite Pho King dish stays warm and fresh until consumption by packing it carefully with separate containers for broth and other ingredients while maintaining its quality during transportation. The huge portions served are just as satisfying as the flavors.
For a different pho experience, check out Pho Time, another beloved pho place in town. The journey along the Mekong in culinary form has never been this exciting!
Last Updated on August 13, 2023 by Brigitte