Phở One Vietnamese Restaurant — Restaurant in Honolulu

Best phó on Oahu, in my humble opinion! I was hooked from the very first time I had it at least a decade ago, and have not found better despite a good number of attempts. I’ll get to the food in a sec, but first, you can expect good service, the place is clean and air conditioned, and you can order bottled beer. My only knock would be the parking situation is limited so every once in a while I’ve had to park on Kapiolani Blvd. instead of one of the 12 or 15 stalls reserved for the restaurant (it occupies a spot on the ground floor of a residential apartment building, and shares parking with residents). But that’s not even enough to not give it 5 stars.

Now for the delicious food. The spring rolls appetizer is your standard delicious setup with fresh mint, lettuce for wrapping and vermicelli noodles. I’ll only order it if I’m starving though because the phó portions are generous and is the main event. My go to order is phó with steak and brisket, with only half the usual serving of noodles... this drives my bf crazy but I like less noodles, but more bean sprouts. And a Thai tea. The produce that accompanies every order of phó (basil, sprouts, lime, jalapeños thinly shaved onions) always looks fresh and vibrant. But the whole entire reason for this review and the 5 stars is the BROTH people!!! It is so bomb, so flavorful and has that perfect saltiness, and isn’t sweet like I’ve tasted in other places. It’s 100% what keeps me coming back. It’s super flavorful as is, and it sings with all the fresh herbs and veggies, but when you add your sriracha, sambal and hoisin on a rainy, cool and windy day in Hawaii, it is seriously magic! Not to mention if you’re hungover, whewww this place will cure you quick. Phó One deserves...

This place despite it's name being the typical and popular way for Vietnamese restaurants to be named using "Pho" to start with, has a lot more then just Pho that are fantastic. Basically, what I am saying is look at the other items on the menu over the regular pho offerings.

To start, the appetizer if Grilled Pork Patty Rolls is amazing. Every Vietnamese place offers the same old summer rolls with either shrimp or tofu. Well these kick up a big notch. Much heartier with more depths of flavors, textures, and overall enjoyable appetizer over the standard summer roll.

If you must have soup and something like Pho, try #31 Rice Vermicelli with Duck & Bamboo Broth. It is enough for 2. Lots of tasty lean cold duck over a bed of cabbage and garnished with sweet basil herbs. Comes with a mildly spicy sweet sauce to pour over. Served next to it is the rice vermicelli and broth that you add your traditional Pho fixings to. Need to jazz it? Skip the plum sauce and Siratcha. Go straight for the fresh chili paste to add the kick you want.

Service was friendly and fast. Typical of Vietnamese restaurants. Price was reasonable and especially for the portion size and food quality. I will be back again to try...

Out of the Pho restaurants in Honolulu, Pho 1 is one of the best choices for any meal (yes breakfast included). Pho 1 is my #1 choice to enjoy hot, delicious, Vietnamese soup and noodles. Their noodle bowls have three different bowl sizes: Medium size, which is the normal size, and Large size, which I would recommend ordering, as you get more food for a slightly raised price. They also have an Extra-Large size, which is not listed on the menu, and can only be requested when ordering. The waiters and waitresses are very friendly, and they never make any mistakes on your order. Despite the restaurant always being slightly busy, you usually get your food soon after ordering. The restaurant has lots of options for Pho, hence the name. I recommend that you order either the chicken Pho or the beef Pho, in Large size. Pho 1 also has very tasty vietnamese wrap tray with a variety of vegetables and a wide selection of meat to choose from. It is another one of my favorite items at Pho 1 and I order it every single time I eat there.

In general, Pho 1 is a great Restaurant. If you are visiting Honolulu, you should definitely eat here...