5 Places Serving The Best Pho in Waikiki
Welcome fellow pho lover!
During a recent getaway to Oahu with my boyfriend, we discovered the island’s mouthwatering multicultural cuisine. And out of all those fantastic dishes, one tasty treat stood out for us – Vietnamese pho.
Throughout our trips to Waikiki, we explored countless restaurants serving this delectable dish, complete with its rich meaty broth, tender noodles, and vibrant vegetables. And trust me when I say it is nothing short of a gastronomic experience!
So after slurping through numerous bowls of pho together (sorry not sorry), I am now excited to reveal the top five places in Waikiki where you should definitely be tasting your next bowl of pho.
We have ranked these eateries based on their flavor profile, succulent textures, eye-catching presentation, and overall value for money.
Warning: After savoring these scrumptious soups from our list of carefully chosen recommendations, don’t blame me if you find yourself craving more and planning your next culinary adventure right away!
So get ready to try the best pho in Waikiki!
Pho One – Best Vietnamese Restaurant in Waikiki
Put ambiance aside when you come to Pho One, as it’s all about the delicious Vietnamese food here. However, the staff mostly speaks Vietnamese, so look up what you want to order before coming.
Try their famous Pho Tai, which includes rare beef slices, and fresh herbs, in a well-seasoned broth, a pho masterpiece that comes in a tub-sized bowl. We also tried their fried spring rolls served with a mountain of veggies and the grilled chicken Bun noodles that were just as delicious.
Don’t miss their Vietnamese coffee, made strong over sweetened condensed milk and ice; it is a real treat that serves as dessert.
You’ll love the no-frills atmosphere at Pho One, as they’ve been serving some of the best Vietnamese pho in Waikiki for years.
- They open early in the day and are always crowded.
- Parking is hard to find, so walk from the nearby Ala Moana Shopping Center.
- The prices are reasonable at $10-15 for pho.
Address: 1617 Kapiolani Blvd Ste 101, Honolulu, Oahu, HI.
Pho Minh Thu
When looking for local food, always go for hole-in-the-wall places, as they have the most authentic flavors, and Pho Minh Thu is just that. Located on the quint Ena Road in Waikiki, this restaurant is in the same building as an Irish saloon and is a very comfortable place to eat.
We tried their traditional-style pho, which has a delicious savory broth packed with meaty flavors and many sides. The barbecue chicken, beef, and curry are great options, but they come in huge portions, so be prepared.
Get a side of the summer rolls and a hefty serving of rice to go with the pho, and you’ll be in a food coma for the rest of the day.
We loved the friendly atmosphere plus the original Vietnamese flavors at Pho Minh Thu, because:
- The restaurant is clean, and the service is great.
- The prices are low at $10 per person.
- They’re a family-friendly place, and the staff is good with kids.
Address: 478 Ena Rd, Honolulu, Oahu, HI.
Pho Bistro II
Located a mile from Waikiki’s major resorts, Pho Bistro II is a family-run restaurant that’s been serving authentic Vietnamese food for years. Even though they’re always packed, the hosts will quickly find you an empty table, as they’re all about the Aloha spirit.
You want to try their House Special Pho made from beef brisket, rare steak, beef flank, tripe, and tendon, which has a flavorful broth and is big enough for two. We also tried their seafood pho, which was just as delicious, and made from fresh catch.
Also try their cold vermicelli noodles and the crowd’s favorite crispy spring rolls with the pho for a tasty combo.
The food at Pho Bistro was amazing and, coupled with friendly service from the family running it. It is one of the best restaurants, because:
- This is a great place for families with children.
- The pho costs between $10-13 and has big portions.
- The parking is cramped outside, so we recommend walking here.
Address: 1694 Kalakaua Ave Ste C, Honolulu, Oahu, HI.
Piggy Smalls
Fine dining meets gourmet-style pho at Piggy Smalls, part of a chain of fantastic Vietnamese restaurants. Their head chef, Kristene Moon, creates rich Asian-fusion flavors on their menu and serves a different style of pho every day.
We tried their house-favorite pho flavors; the Pho 75, served with rare steak & stewed brisket, and the Oxtail Pho, which was flavorsome and loaded with fresh veggies.
They also serve pho with different meats like the Bun Moc with pork, the Pho Ga with chicken, and a vegetarian-style pho, all of which taste excellent.
No matter what flavor pho you try at Piggy Smalls, it’ll be a roller coaster of flavors.
- They also have a great dinner and brunch menu with Korean and Vietnamese options.
- There’s free parking in the nearby parking deck.
- The pho is pricey at $18-20.
Address: 1200 Ala Moana Blvd Ste 665, Honolulu, Oahu, HI.
Related: Best Pho in Oahu: TOP Spots to Satisfy Your Noodle Cravings
Hale Vietnam Restaurant
With plenty of new kids on the block claiming to have the most authentic V-town cuisine, nothing beats Hale Vietnam Restaurant, that’s been around for nearly 30 years in Waikiki. They create traditional Vietnamese flavors that can’t be beaten, and their pho is pho-tastic!
They serve a classic pho soup with almost 15+ combinations of meat, veggies, and noodles to customize the perfect bowl for yourself. We tried the rare steak and cooked brisket pho, which tasted incredibly rich, especially the broth and fresh, seasoned vegetables.
Pair your pho with their spring rolls, served with noodles and lettuce leaves, so you can make your own taco-style wrap!
We devoured the food at Hale Vietnam Restaurant and enjoyed their casual ambiance, as they serve some of the best pho in Waikiki.
- They’re located two miles from Waikiki beach.
- There’s plenty of parking in nearby streets.
- The pho costs $10 for a big serving.
Address: 1140 12th Ave, Honolulu, Oahu, HI.
Top Pho Spots in Waikiki
| Restaurant | Description | Highlights | Address |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pho One | Best Vietnamese Restaurant in Waikiki known for its delicious Vietnamese food. |
| 1617 Kapiolani Blvd Ste 101, Honolulu, Oahu, HI. |
| Pho Minh Thu | Authentic flavors at a comfortable, hole-in-the-wall location. |
| 478 Ena Rd, Honolulu, Oahu, HI. |
| Pho Bistro II | A family-run restaurant near major resorts serving authentic Vietnamese food. |
| 1694 Kalakaua Ave Ste C, Honolulu, Oahu, HI. |
| Piggy Smalls | Gourmet-style pho with rich Asian-fusion flavors. |
| 1200 Ala Moana Blvd Ste 665, Honolulu, Oahu, HI. |
| Hale Vietnam Restaurant | A traditional restaurant with 30 years in Waikiki offering authentic Vietnamese cuisine. |
| 1140 12th Ave, Honolulu, Oahu, HI. |
Wrapping Up: The Best Pho in Waikiki
You can always count on Oahu for the best comfort food, and Waikiki is no exception. The Vietnamese restaurants here have terrific pho, made from fresh broth and piping hot.
We’ve been having pho in Waikiki for a while now, and it never disappoints. Whether you eat it at upscale places like Piggy Smalls, or family-run eateries like Pho Bistro II, you’re in for some terrific flavors.
So head to the restaurants in this article to try out the best vietnamese restaurants in Waikiki!
FAQ
What makes Vietnamese restaurants unique in Waikiki?
Vietnamese restaurants in Waikiki, such as Pho One and Hale Vietnam Restaurant, are known for their authentic flavors, traditional dishes, and friendly atmosphere that showcase personal observation and experience from the locals and tourists alike.
How would you describe the delicious pho at these Vietnamese restaurant establishments in Waikiki?
The delicious pho served at various Vietnamese restaurant options in Waikiki boasts rich meat-based broth loaded with delicate noodles and fresh vegetables—making it an irresistible dish packed with a burst of flavors.
Have you tried the pho french dip at any best Vietnamese restaurants around?
While I haven’t personally encountered a “pho french dip” offering among the best Vietnamese restaurants in Waikiki, they excel at various noodle soups like their specialty phos that cater to different taste preferences with combinations of meats, veggies, and noodles.
Which are some renowned places to enjoy fried shrimp along with amazing pho experiences?
While not specifically mentioned for fried shrimp offerings, places like Pho Bistro II and Piggy Smalls serve up amazing pho alongside other delectable treats like seafood varieties or crispy spring rolls that can be a great accompaniment to your meal.
What’s special about the pho offered by well-known Pho Restaurants like Phở Old Saigon?
Phờ Old Saigon is one remarkable example among many reputable Phở Restaurants where customers can expect a delightful balance between well-seasoned savory broth and perfect noodle texture reflecting years of culinary expertise ingrained into every bowl served there.
In terms of noodle texture ideal for consuming delicious phō dishes, what should one expect when visiting these popular eateries?
The optimal noodle texture expected while enjoying delicious phō at acclaimed eateries should be smooth, tender yet firm enough to hold their shape and absorb the flavorful broth—contributing to satisfying overall gastronomic experiences.
Can you recommend any amazing pho dishes that have a unique twist on traditional Vietnamese flavors?
Certainly! Piggy Smalls is known for its intriguing Asian-fusion flavor profiles. Their daily rotating selection of pho options showcases creative takes on classic Vietnamese dishes, such as vegetarian-style pho or the Bun Moc with pork, adding a refreshing spin for adventurous diners.
What factors make these establishments the best Vietnamese restaurants in Waikiki?
The best Vietnamese restaurants in Waikiki consistently deliver genuine flavors through high-quality ingredients and skilled preparation techniques while offering friendly service and excellent dining experiences as part of their commitment to showcasing authentic culinary traditions.
Last Updated on August 20, 2023 by Brigitte