Seeking Out Specials at Pho My Lien

August 19, 2012 By Ali Resich

Even though I don’t live in Aiea, I’ll take a drive from East Oahu to Westridge Shopping Center any day of the week to get my fill of Pho My Lien’s irresistible Vietnamese flavors. From the freshness of ingredients that burst out of every plate to the unbelievably affordable prices, it doesn’t get any better than owner and chef Lien Bui’s homemade cooking.

“The food is so fresh,” agrees longtime friend and business partner Walter James. “She makes it all right in front of you.”

Bui and husband Tommy Dang have been on the restaurant scene for 10 years now, and have gained patrons from every corner of the Island along the way.

When their eatery moved from Waikiki to Aiea in 2010, devotees didn’t hesitate to follow the aroma of fresh pho all the way to Kaonohi Street.

And hungry diners everywhere — including James and I — will frequent the restaurant more than usual next month to indulge in all of its September specials.

Once you’ve found the cozy spot, you have permission to get lost in the Vermicelli Special for September ($7.99), which features a bottomless bowl of vermicelli noodles topped with fresh cucumber, mint, sliced carrot, bean sprouts and a choice of pork, beef or chicken. Rounding out the deal are two spring rolls that present an addicting crisp and golden shell.

“That’s a lot of good food,” says James.

Shrimp Papaya Salad with Summer Roll ($7.99) is another September feature that presents a healthy dose of shredded green papaya salad — so crisp and refreshing — as well as a summer roll filled with veggies, shrimp and noodles. A sprinkling of peanuts tops off the flavors.

Both the Vermicelli Special and Shrimp Papaya Salad are taken over the edge when enjoyed with Bui’s delicious house sauce.

Fried Rice with Shrimp ($9.99) also will heat up next month’s specials menu with a mix of peas, carrots, egg, shrimp and Jasmine rice that wonderfully combine with soy sauce, salt, garlic and a touch of sweetness for that fried-rice flavor you know and love.

“Yea, the shrimp is my favorite. That rice is delicious,” adds James. That makes two of us.

Be sure to check out Dining Out‘s coupon on Page 20 to take advantage of these pho-bulous feasts.