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A Top Taste of Vietnamese Dining

Digest On the Menu

December 21, 2014

Story By: Kyle Galdeira | Photos by: Anthony Consillio

Tommy Dang and Lien Bui have worked diligently for decades to serve up delicious fare from their homeland of Vietnam at Pho My Lien. And satisfied diners continue to reap the rewards, as the delectable dishes offer incredible taste and value.

Pho My Lien serves up fresh and fulfilling Vietnamese fare to its constantly growing legion of loyal customers, as the owners have offered popular home-style dishes since opening their previous Waikiki locale in 1999. The dynamic culinary duo moved to their current home in Westridge Shopping Center four years ago, and customers have followed. For three consecutive years, Pho My Lien has been selected one of Hawaii’s top three pho purveyors as part of Star-Advertiser‘s Hawaii’s Best People’s Choice Awards.

“We’ve been serving these dishes for 15 years now, and we are popular with both the older and younger generations,” says Walter James, a longtime friend and financial adviser to Dang and Bui. “We’re a family-style restaurant with great prices. Consistency in the items we offer also is very important to us — the same taste, same ingredients, same preparation.”

Crispy Won Tons ($7.95 for 12) is the newest creation to grace the menu, and it already has become a customer favorite. James explains that after making pierogi — Polish dumplings that are boiled then fried, and resemble large ravioli — the dish inspired Bui to create won ton, which was added to the menu last month.

“She cooked up a batch, and it came out really good. The won tons are like potato chips — eat one and you can’t stop,” James says of the new dish, which is accompanied by a savory dipping sauce.

Pho My Lien’s extensive menu also features sauteed selections, such as Shrimp Fried Rice ($10.95). The colorful go-to rice plate features fresh shrimp and vegetables blended together with a hearty portion of perfectly seasoned rice. Hot Spicy Curry ($10.95) also steals the show, as the savory creation lures diners with a delightful aroma and a choice of chicken, beef, shrimp or tofu.

Diners also rave about Hot Spicy Lemongrass Stir-Fried ($7.95). The zesty dish comes with a choice of chicken, pork, beef, shrimp or tofu, and as James explains, customers may have it mild or spicy, depending on their desired level of heat.

As an inside scoop for Dining Out readers (remember to mention this article), the restaurant is offering Green Papaya Salad (regularly priced at $7.50) for just $4.99 throughout the remainder of December. The salad features a refreshing mix of shredded green papaya and shrimp mixed with mint leaves, peanuts and a house-special dressing.

“You get great value for your money,” James says. “We have a lot of loyal customers, and we’d like to thank them during the holiday season for their loyalty and friendship in supporting the business. We appreciate the local community and those who come back again and again.”

Pho My Lien is open for lunch and dinner daily and offers a 10 percent military discount. As a reminder, the restaurant will be closed New Year’s Day.

Pho My Lien

Westridge Shopping Center
98-150 Kaonohi St. Suite B213-B, Aiea
Daily, 10 a.m.-10 p.m., and 8 p.m. Sundays
Note: Takeout orders are welcomed, and customers are encouraged to inquire about catering options and hosting large gatherings (please provide at least four days’ notice for groups up to 40 people), including holiday parties.

Aiea, HI 96701

Ilima Awards
Hawaii's Best