Pho K&A Local Vietnamese Cuisine — Restaurant in Honolulu

This was the best Vietnamese food I've had in a very long time. My credentials, I come from Vancouver, the home of some of the most beloved Vietnamese Cuisine from family owned like Song Huong (my go to on the eastside) to Pho 37 in Richmond to everything along Kingsway which is known as little Saigon.

But let me tell you, I didn't expect my 3 min research in Hawaii on Google would have landed me at Pho K&A. After a long day of beach and Ala Moana, we were trying to get some redemption from the terrible pho at a bougie place (not to be named). First search showed a lot of places available in the area. All 4.1 stars and above. But Pho K&A caught my eye and I immediately checked videos and photos. I don't make pho broth, however, I can see a good pho broth! Immediately knew I had to go here compared to some other photos I saw.

Atmosphere, clean, bright, and inviting. The first gush of pho broth aroma filled our noses and I knew instantly I was at the right place. Kevin greeted us, took us to our seats and the service was immaculate from start to finish.

Now let's get to the Food because that's really what matters. After we ordered and we received our plate of condiments, I noticed something that you never see in Vancouver. Sawtooth Coriander! The beloved herb from Vietnam that in Vancouver, after 25 years of being a foodie, I have never seen. Not to mention the generous amounts of mint, Thai basil, shaved green onions and bean sprouts... I've never been to Vietnam but watched enough to know, this was the real deal!

Then came the spring rolls. Do yourself a favor, get the spring rolls. Served in a way that's true to Vietnam, it came with lettuce for wrapping, cucumbers, pickled veggies, Thai basil, mint and vermicelli. Of course, nuoc cham for dipping was included. Wrapped all together and pour some sauce over it, heaven!

The Pho Dac Biet and Bun Bo Hue were absolutely amazing. I asked for fresh Thai chili and Kevin's mom happily cut me up some, served enthusiastically as I told her how amazing the food was. The broth, the key to all good pho was balanced, not too herby, not too sweet... That first sip you take before you add anything... It was divine. Better than anything I've had in Vancouver (no offense, I still love my go to restaurants, I promise). And the meats they did not skimp on. Generous portions both in meat and bahn pho.

Lastly, don't leave without trying their new Coconut Dessert! Made with fresh coconut water, it was refreshing and I almost didn't get to taste it because my wife wasn't going to share!

I've said a lot and I normally don't in Google reviews. If you're in Hawaii, this is a must try and it will become your Hawaii staple. I hope Kevin and Fam come to Vancouver...

The best authentic Vietnamese cooking I've had at a restaurant, in a very long time. I'm originally from Houston, a city whose love language is built on diverse and savory flavors. Pho K&A's food is a love language.

We came here when a different restaurant we wanted to go to was booked up down the road. We then googled asian restaurants in the Honolulu area and stumbled upon Pho K&A.

We came in as a group of 5 and I wanted to show our friends what Vietnamese food is outside of the typical banh mi and pho. We decided to do family style so everyone could try everything and started our meal with the gỏi gà (Vietnamese chicken salad), moved on to the bánh xèo tôm (shrimp pancakes), then the entrees bò lúc lắc (shaking beef), cá kho tộ (braised catfish in clay pot), bò kho (beef stew) with a side of bread for dipping, and ended dinner with dessert with the caramel custard flan, chè khoai môn (taro tapioca), and chè ba màu (three colored bean dessert). We couldn't rave about the food enough. All of it was fresh and the flavors brought me back home to my grandmother's kitchen, surrounded by family and laughter. Also adding in, the chef and owner does not use any MSG in her food, everything (broths etc.) is made fresh daily and that is how you know the chef's food is a labor of love.

You can't go wrong choosing to come eat here. A stumbling of restaurants lead to a very serendipitous night. Coming back to Texas, I am missing this restaurant. Pho K&A gets 5...

As a Vietnamese born and raised in Vietnam, I approve the fact that this place serves 100% AUTHENTIC Vietnamese cuisine!!! We ordered the banh mi chao , bun bo hue and pho tai - which I didn’t take pictures. The banh mi chao was just BOMB, full of flavors, big portion, tender beef. However the bread could be better imo. Cafe sua da was excellent. I’m not a fan of pho so I have no opinion on pho and BBH. We came back on another day for the canh chua(sour soup). This was lit af. The BEST canh chua I’ve ever had in the states. I was so good that I devoured it right away without taking any food pic lol. Service was…just a little bit slow, it just meant the food were made to order hehe, but super friendly and helpful. The owner suggested us that dine-in cafe sua da would be better than to-go because it was made different.

The price? Yes it was on the higher side but the location was right in the heart of Waikiki, just 5 mins drive from the front beach. Parking was painful but we managed to find a parking in nearby area and walk to the place.

Overall 10/10 if you just care about the food quality and...