Chao Hawaii — Restaurant in Honolulu

My lunch visit to Chao was a mixed bag of delight and mild disappointment, but overall a memorable experience I’m eager to repeat. I was initially let down to find out they were out of the Hamachi Crudo and Hamachi Poke, which I’d been excited to try based on the menu’s tempting descriptions, but though the staff handled it with warmth and professionalism, they could have quickly suggested alternatives that would have turned my mood around. That said, we ended up ordering the Lemongrass Chicken Rice ($17) and Ginger Chicken Rice ($19), and both were outstanding—the lemongrass-infused chicken with nuoc cham and house pickles was a perfect harmony of savory and tangy, while the chicken fat rice added a rich depth, and the Ginger Chicken Rice with its poached chicken, ginger scallion, and savory sipping broth was a comforting, flavorful delight that warmed me up. As I sat there enjoying my meal, I couldn’t help but notice others around me savoring dishes I’m determined to try next time, like the Vietnamese Chicken Salad with its fresh lotus stems and lime vinaigrette, and the Crispy Spring Rolls that looked irresistibly crunchy with their pork and veggie filling. The Oxtail Pho caught my eye too, with its aromatic 24-hour beef bone broth and slow-cooked oxtail, and I overheard someone raving about the Soft Shell Crab Pasta, which I’ve already added to my future order list with its lemongrass and garlic beurre monte sauce. The ambiance was cozy and modern, with warm lighting that made the space feel inviting, and my Vietnamese Iced Coffee with Sea Salt Foam was a refreshing pairing, its depth and subtle sweetness enhancing the flavors, while I’m curious to sample the Ube Dream others were enjoying with its tropical vibe. The service was great—my server was attentive, and water was refilled appropriately. We opted to skip dessert, but next time we might try the Coconut Flan, which I imagine to be a creamy, caramel-kissed treat with seasonal fruit. There is an option to pair your food with a glass of Chardonnay from their wine list, adding a touch of elegance. Located in a convenient spot, Chao was easy to get to, but the parking can get busy as the restaurant shares Nu'uanu Shopping Center with Starbucks, Paradise Poke, and O'Reilly Auto Parts. If you're walking in for lunch like we did, I recommend arriving close to 11 AM when they first open to avoid a wait. Otherwise, Open Table accepts reservations for Chao. Despite the initial hiccup, the quality of the Lemongrass and Ginger Chicken Rice, the staff’s care, and the promise of future dishes like the Oxtail Pho or Soft Shell Crab Pasta make Chao a place I’ll definitely return to—I’d just suggest calling ahead to check on popular items! They also have a robust take-out business with a couple of 15-minute parking stalls right in front of the restaurant. They also have a clean and convenient restroom...

Kinda disappointed at this place, my Vietnamese wife, daughter and me went in looking to eat and the first thing they ask you is to give them your phone # , I asked for a reason and the host said it was for when I call in, well he ain't got to worry about that because the food wasn't anything to write home about. We had the Beef salad which had no flavor, it was supposed to be cooked in lime but there was no lime flavor and it was sweet salty as if they just drizzled sweet Thai chili sauce and fish sauce on it and called it day. Spring rolls were oily and had no flavor. My wife ordered the duck salad which she thought would be the same as any other Vietnamese restaurant but it wasn't, it was just some mixed greens with some out of the bag dry duck breast and some 1000 island dressing. Daughter had lemongrass ban mi and was also bland, as a matter of fact it tasted more like curry than lemongrass. I had the Softshell Crab noodles everyone raves about. the initial bite was extremely disappointing, all I tasted was kaffir lime and grease, there was no balance, maybe they need to incorporate the crabs into the pasta instead of just placing them on top. Service was OK, a little shy and maybe undertrained and inexperienced not only on service but also food and drink; there were no suggestions or questions about us wanting drinks, we had to ask for a cocktail menu, they have about 5 cocktails on the menu but a lot of bottles on the shelf. I noticed the "bar keeper" looking at the recipes in a binder and that alone made me feel like I wouldn't trust her with a margarita. prices were decent but not good enough to make me want...

Open for six weeks so cutting them a break. it is a soft opening so I am hopeful things evolve and improve. The Good: Nicely designed, lively and loud, great bar seating area, very friendly service (big hats off to Caleb the bartender). The menu felt like it was all over the place. Almost like it was created by group consensus. Needs a bit more refinement and focus. Highlight dish was the Cerviche. Disappointed dish was the salt & pepper calamari and the beef carpaccio (beef slices far too big to eat in one bite.. we had to ask for a knife). Honorable mention the soft shell crab pasta (needs some work as it is a bit flat maybe add some acid) and the dessert.

The cocktails were totally on point and really saved the evening. The location is fantastic and easy to get to with plenty of parking in the lot. I really think Chao has potential and if the kitchen can step it up this might be a regular go to for us. Oh the prices were reasonable. Two people, three cocktails, five dishes, and tip $150. We ordered more than we needed, but it is a new restaurant and we are both chefs so had to check things out. Will be back in six months...