Phở Quê Hương — Restaurant in Honolulu

Searching for a new local Pho restaurant since moving recently to Oahu, came upon this place thought we'd give it a try. Upon walking in, noticing the place was pretty empty for a Fri night, we were greeted by two different waitresses, one younger and one elder (I'm sorry they never gave their names). The elder telling us to take a seat at a very small table against a wall that still required clearing, while the younger waitress, setting two menus down at a clean, roomier table invited us to take a seat as she multi tasked her way around, assisting other guests. As we were about to sit down, the elder waitress returned, snapped and informed us that the table is needed for other customers arriving and insisted that we wait for the small table to be cleared. The younger waitress told her it was okay. By now we were confused by it all, especially since the restaurant was at less than half capacity. Now my husband is a bigger guy and we tend to order plenty of food and we use the space, so I thanked her and said we'd like to stay where we were and took our seats. Just as we were finally settled, a pretty intimidating waitress shows up telling us that she cleared the other table and insisting we move and take it now. We move tables, but after experiencing what we already knew (not enough space), disappointed and extremely uncomfortable with the staff and service, we leave. I'm so sorry we couldn't stay, it was all a bit too much, particularly noticing two other customers and at least one gentleman at tables suited for four. We honestly were just looking for a little Aloha, a good night and superb broth. Your younger waitress for what it is worth,...

Strange that there are so many Viet eateries in Chinatown. From the outside, looks like rest of chinatown(rundown), BUT once you step inside, you’ll see it is a bustling updated place. The menu was expansive and definitely would have something for everyone in your party. It’s not a pho place at all, meaning they don’t just have Pho in many forms and some rice plates. They have Pho and other soups, crepes, fresh sugar cane through a press, lettuce wraps and hot pot just to name a few. Staff very friendly and great recommendation on the chicken wings. Btw this is probably the first time that a chicken wing dish is ALL flats. SO if you are one to like only flats, then order it. Also it’s tamarind flavored. Was flavorful but can’t really taste the tamarind. Very tasty, not overwhelming season. Bun Rieu was pretty good. This place is not playing around. Even gave container of shrimp paste for you to enhance your soup or for those hard core flavor lovers. Lots of veggies to put into soup(banana blossom and bean sprouts). Egg roll was also a hit. Saw mostly black fungus but the flavor was there, and crispy too. Gave some noodles, pickled veggies and lettuce to wrap and dip in fish sauce vinaigrette. Extremely impressed given it’s located in Chinatown and on Hawaii. Must be the large amount of competitions between the restaurants. None the less, this place is a definite stop over if you need a Viet food fix during your stay OR just need some good food compared to many of the disappointing eateries in the tourist area. I highly recommend. You will not be disappointed. Tip: Portions are pretty big so...

Like most Banh Mi in Hawaii, the sandwiches were not comparable to a street vendor in HCMC. Literally you could buy Banh Mi from any cart in Saigon for about a dollar and it would be better. In my opinion, the true test of a good Banh Mi is always the Banh Mi Dac Biet. You cannot fake this sandwich. Either it is good....or its just BS. This is the Vietnamese style combination lunchmeats and pate. If made right, it is the best! Many shops in the states do gimmicky Banh Mi with BBQ this, or Tofu that.....and I am sure it is ok but...whatever.

First of all, a good Banh Mi shop gets their baguettes fresh at least daily. Never frozen! They slightly toast to give it a little crunch. This shop....the bread was rock hard and no chewiness at all. I bought for sandwiches, two were combos, and the other two were BBQ pork. The BBQ sandwich bread reminded me of something you would find in Foodland or somewhere.

The last thing I did not like was, the prices for the sandwiches were advertised at $7 on the window before you entered, and on their takeout menu. But, they quietly charged me $8 a sandwich, without warning. When I asked about it, they claimed that they are charging more even though the menus say otherwise until they get rid of all their to-go menus. Guys, use a darn ink pen!

I am not Vietnamese, but I have been to Vietnam three times......for the food. This Banh Mi is not that good, not at all. But, it will work in a emergency situation. Most Pho shops make good Pho......but not so good on Banh Mi. Banh Mi shops usually make good to great sandwiches. Give it a try and let me know...