Pho My Lien Offers Soup-er Taste, Value

With the goal of offering quality dishes bursting with flavor and freshness, and doing so in a casual, inviting atmosphere, Pho My Lien has built a stellar reputation as one of Oahu’s preferred dining destinations for Vietnamese-inspired cuisine.

Owners Tommy Dang and Lien Bui have worked diligently for decades to serve up delicious fare from their homeland — and satisfied diners continue to reap the rewards as the tasty dishes offer incredible taste and value. It comes as no surprise to learn that Pho My Lien was deemed one of the top three pho purveyors as part of Star-Advertiser‘s Hawaii’s Best People’s Choice Awards for three consecutive years.

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 initially opening their previous Waikiki locale in 1999.

The dynamic culinary duo moved five years ago to their current home in Westridge Shopping Center, adjacent to Pearlridge, and customers have followed.

“Everything we serve includes fresh ingredients and vegetables that are delivered daily,” says Walter James, a longtime friend and financial adviser to Dang and Bui. “We’ve been serving these dishes for 15 years now, and we are popular with both the older and younger generations. 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.”

Pho My Lien’s name stems from the traditional noodle soup, which Vietnamese rely on as a daily elixir that clears the head and warms the heart. Pho ($8.50 for large) is served with basil, cilantro, bean sprouts, jalapeno peppers, lemon or lime wedges and multiple sauces, so diners can craft the soup to their liking. Pho comes with choices of beef, chicken, mixed vegetables or shrimp and squid ($9.50 for a large portion containing seafood selections).

As the summer days continue to heat up, Pho My Lien is rewarding customers by offering a can’t-miss July special. As an inside scoop for Dining Out readers (remember to bring the restaurant’s coupon from this issue and mention this article), the restaurant is offering Green Papaya Salad (regularly priced at $7.50) for just $4.99 throughout July. The salad features a refreshing mix of shredded green papaya and shrimp mixed with mint leaves, peanuts and a house-special dressing.

Pho My Lien’s extensive menu also features sautéed dishes and customer favorites, such as Mixed Vegetables Sauteed ($7.95). The dish comes with a choice of chicken, pork, beef, shrimp or tofu sautéed to perfection, along with fresh broccoli, carrots, celery, cabbage and garlic in a savory sauce. Shrimp Fried Rice ($10.95) stands out as a go-to rice plate with fresh shrimp and vegetables mixed with a hearty portion of perfectly seasoned rice.

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, diners have the choice of ordering the creation mild or spicy.

“You get great value for your money,” James says. “We’re conveniently located right across from Pearlridge, and offer plenty of free parking. We appreciate our loyal diners who continue to come back again and again.”

Pho My Lien is open for lunch and dinner daily and offers a 10 percent military discount. The restaurant owners and staff take pride in serving local service members, and were recognized by 94th Army Air & Missile Defense Command for providing “host support” to soldiers in recent years.

Takeout orders are welcome, and diners 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 birthday and graduation parties.

Pho My Lien

Westridge Shopping Center
98-150 Kaonohi St. Suite B213-B, Aiea
488-4900
Daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and 8 p.m. Sunday