Pho Viet
in Aiea, Oahu
Well, It seems like I’m posting more places in Oahu than in Hilo recently. During the holidays, I visit Oahu more since a lot of my family is there. So I’m sorry that I’ve been slacking with the Big Island places!
According to Pho Viet’s sign, they claim have the “best soup in town”. A strong statement considering the amount of Pho places on Oahu, although I’m not sure how many there are in Aiea.
The restaurant is a very small, but inviting place. There was only one other family there at the time we went (which was quite late).
We started with the spring rolls (I forgot the prices, but it was ~$5).
Along with the spring rolls came a nice vinegary sauce, lettuce, carrots, cucumbers, mint and some thin rice noodles. I guess you eat it like this?
Eating these were a real pleasure. The spring rolls were very light and crisp with a delicate flavor. There was not much meat filling, but it was still tasty. When eaten with everything else, it was great because of the contrast of textures and flavors.
I also ordered a large Beef & Meatball Pho (~$6). There was also a small for about $5.
I should admit now that I’m not a Pho expert (I’ve even been misprounouncing it for some time!), so it is quite hard to gauge what a good pho should taste like. With that said, I can tell you that I did enjoy this pho. Everything tasted fresh. The soup was very flavorful and had a distinct anise flavor… stronger than what I had at 1 Plus 1 Cafe or Hilo Rice Noodle Shop back in Hilo, but I liked it. The beef was served nice and rare, and the meatballs were very tender and had a good flavor. The garnishes were given very generously and the basil was very fresh.
Later, I went condiment hunting and found this:
Not sure what it is, but I think I put too much in mine. Very spicy and garlicky! Good, though. 
Overall, this place was very good. The service was also friendly and attentive.
Pho Viet
99-163 Moanalua Rd Aiea
Aiea Hawaii 96701
Ph: (808) 486-7688
December 1st, 2005 at 12:10 am
Hi James,
Interesting. I’m not sure exactly what type of chilli sauce that is, but it looks quite spicy. I haven’t been to this pho place before, but the prices seem quite reasonable.
The next time you’re back here, please visit Pho 97 which is located on Maunakea St. In my opinion, they serve the best pho on the island. Second favorite? Probably Bac Nam near McKinley HS.
December 1st, 2005 at 4:00 pm
Reid, yeah, the sauce was pretty overpowering! Thanks for the suggestions… I will keep those places in mind next time.
December 1st, 2005 at 7:16 pm
it seems that pho restaurants are becoming a dime a dozen but for good consistency i like cuu long…they have two locations, one in pearl kai shopping center and the other in chinatown on the corner of river st. and hotel st. i just found your blog website and i think the other guy reid’s and i absolutely love it. keep up the good work:)
September 26th, 2006 at 10:19 am
i concur wit sherry….cuu long in pearl kai da bes’. i go deah wit my family wenevah i go home fo’ visit. and get planny good kine places in chinatown, too. ho brah, not enuff time fo’ eat all da places - plate lunch, okazuya, hawaiian, korean - i like go wen i come. i jus’ come home fo’ eat, it seems like. eh, you buggahs doin’ a great job wit da site. keep it up!
May 22nd, 2008 at 11:58 am
I’m a huge fan of Pho Mai on King St. It’s a small restaurant with a regular lunch crowd. Prices are very reasonable. I usually have an order of spring rolls, beef pho, and a soda for about $14. The owner is a very friendly man, and once you’ve been in a few times, he brings you your order without even asking.