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Truly un-‘pho’-getable dishes

A La Carte

August 16, 2020

Story By: Nicole Monton | Photos by: Pho One

Crispy Spring Rolls ($13)

Pho One has been serving up the island’s best pho for nearly two decades — and this year brought home another Honolulu Star-Advertiser Hawaii’s Best Award for its efforts — and it’s all due to its traditional cooking process and made-with-love approach.

The restaurant’s pho is simmered in beef bone marrow (and other parts, like brisket) for long periods of time, which adds to the rich home-cooked flavor.

“There are many different ways people like to have their pho,” explains general manager Melanie Nguyen. “My specific way of having a bowl of pho is to always add a splash of fish sauce, and I suggest you ask for our ‘fatty beef broth.’ This is the beef fat that floats to the top of the pot after hours of cooking, and will give your bowl of pho much more flavor and depth in taste. Then, you can add any of the pho condiments and herbs that are given with your pho.”

Vietnamese Saigon Sandwich ($8.50)

Non-pho favorites, meanwhile, include Simmered Catfish in a clay pot — usually paired with the Vietnamese Sour Soup — that’s served with rice or vermicelli noodles, as well as an array of vermicelli bowls and sandwiches.

The bowls are noteworthy for their hearty helpings of protein (ranging from spring rolls and tofu to BBQ pork and BBQ chicken) and plentiful veggies like lettuce, cucumber, mint, bean sprouts and pickled daikon. It all comes with a side of fish sauce that can be added for the perfect burst of flavor.

Wrap it up Tray ($23)

“The most popular protein combo is spring roll and BBQ pork,” notes Nguyen. “Because of its healthy ingredients, (the bowls) have become a top favorite for many customers who are looking for a light and refreshing meal.”

To keep its staff and patrons safe and healthy, Pho One has switched back to serving only takeout meals during this time.

“We are eager to open back up for dine-in service as soon as cases decline,” adds Nguyen. “We hope that everyone can still enjoy our take out services until then.”

To cater to all cravings, Pho One’s entire menu is available for takeout, so customers can enjoy everything from noodles and rice plates to the eatery’s famous pho from the comfort of home.

Honolulu, HI 96814

Ilima Awards
Hawaii's Best