I'm a big pho fan, and a couple friends has mentioned Mama Pho's homemade spicy sauce. I completely forgot to order it, but I at least got my pho fix. I've had better and I've had worse, I'd say overall it was okay and a decent value. Service was also okay, not exceptional but not bad. The people working there all look like high school kids, or maybe I'm just getting too old. read more

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Really like the veggie pho and Fall Rolls. Broth is amazing and portions are very large. I would highly recommend Mama Pho.

We love Mama Pho! The broth is a little sweeter than other pho places but they're so good! Their portion is massive and the service is always great! Pho prices have gone up so much everywhere else, but their pho is worth it because they give so much!! read more

This pho place seemed like it was not going to be any good because heck, it's in a mall. But it turned out to be pretty good. I was with a Vegan and a Vegetarian and they both got bowls of noodles that they liked. I got the Mama Filet Pho, great big bowl of beef broth with meatballs swimming and tender fillet slices cooking. It was delish. Plus their garlic chili oil was tasty too. Not the best Pho I've had but pretty decent Mall Pho. 4 stars. read more

Okaaaay so I frequent this place but not for their pho.. I actually don't really like their pho flavor... but their fall rolls (like fresh summer rolls but with chicken instead of shrimp).. are RIDIIIIIICULOUSLY delicious. They are always fresh and massive, they are a meal of their own. Soooo if you're craving something fresh and delish def try the fall rolls. Yummmm. My not so favorite part of this restaurant is the super strong smell of cleaning product when you walk in. I don't think I could tolerate eating in there because of the strong smell... so I opt to take it to go. read more

Pho has been a staple in my heart ever since i was young. I may not be Vietnamese but I've had so many bowls of pho in my lifetime I can tell a good bowl from a bad one! Mama Pho does not disappoint. The broth here is hearty, savory and delicious! Portions are just right and the service is good. Craving pho on a hot day in Hawaii is the norm. Being that so many pho places are successful here it's great! Lol. Broth: 8 out of 10. Not to hot and not warm.. I love when pho places give you Plenty of broth. It can really fill you up! Noodles / meat: Noodles weren't over cooked. Added in at the right time! Meat slices were a bit small, but that's okay. I love my fatty flank! Mama pho is a great Vietnamese restaurant To visit when in the area. Everyone should give them a try. read more

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The broth in the pho noodles was tasty. I had the combination pho bowl with a various cuts of meats and protein. Service is always friendly.

Mama Pho is a great place to dine because of their fabulous pho noodle soups. Delish! My boys are huge fans! They were running a special- purchase 100$ is gift certificates and get a bottle of their onolicious volcano sauce (spicy or mild). That goes well on the everything from fried rice, to mandoo, to chicken skewers- yum! Their tapiocas are also a great sweet, cold treat! Kinda pricy- but good food all in all. read more

Good food, friendly and prompt service. It's not too far from home, and is our go-to Vietnamese place when we can't get home cooked.

Took 30 min to get egg rolls. 50 min (and complaints) to finally get bowls of pho. Bo tai chanh was actually just stir-fried beef on a salad. Food comes out of the kitchen randomly with later tables getting their food before earlier ones. We were blamed for the delay - said they didn't bring the 3 bowls because we had appetizers (actually my meal, not table appetizers). read more

Another great pho place, their soup base is amazing and it's my favorite pho soup in all the islands. Nice staff too.

Mama's fried chicken tasted really original, unique, and special, and they even went out of their way to expedite my order because I thought they had some ready-to-go foods like banh mi or summer rolls but they apparently take some time to make (and banh mi is only at Ala Moana) and was short on time before an appointment. A++ service & originality!! read more

Super good service and very clean and modern restaurant! Parking is always pretty easy to find since it's located in the mall. Their pho broth isn't too oily but was still very flavorful. Their summer rolls are fresh and they stuff it with lots of fresh veggies too! Looking forward to coming back here to try more dishes read more

Our friend Yves told us about a place for pho that he tried that was really good, so much so, that he went back twice in one day just to see if he felt the same way the second time. He told us that it was still good. We were like ok now we have to try it for ourselves if he said that as this guy eats out at lots of places and he loves pho and for him to say that this place is really good is saying something. So here we are. The place is smack dab in the middle of the Aina Hina Shopping Center next door to Pieology the pizza place which we also love. Perusing the huge the menu, our eyes zoomed on number 21 Pho with Rare Steak and Flank Steak ($12.50) as that is one of our go to bowls of pho. We both ordered a bowl each and it came out quick. First thing we noticed is how big the spoon is. Then as we were eating and i put my spoon in the bowl and I noticed at the top of the handle of the spoon had a little lip so that the spoon doesn't sink into the pho and get all wet. What a novel idea. Ok enough of the spoon. Made our hot sauce concoction and then we took a sip of the broth and oh my. It was one of the cleanest tasting broths we had both tasted and we knew exactly why our friend came here twice in one day. The bowl had a generous amount of meat and noodles. Some say it is a little on the high side but you know the saying, " you get what you pay for". Well this place is totally legit and yes if we are in the area or want a bowl of one of the best tasting pho we will definitely come back here. Side points: If you don't like pho they have Vermicelli Bowls - Bun. Bringing your children? Perfect as they even have a children's menu. Still hungry or you have a sweet tooth? they have desserts. Fried Bananas & Ice cream $4.95. Four Season $4.95 which is Logan, coconut jelly, green jelly, tapioca seed, red beans, attap fruit and peanuts. Flavored Tapioca Pudding $3.50. Assortment of different flavors. Ok they don't sell alcohol but it is BYOB. read more

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Every time we are in the area, we always come to this shopping center for 2 reasons, eat at Mama Pho and have treats at Uncle Clay's next door. Parking - Aina Haina Shopping Center lot. What we ate - We had our usual, the summer rolls and the Rare Beef and Brisket Pho. The Summer rolls were made to order and super fresh! You can tell the rice paper was just dunked in that warm water and it came out nice and supple. The soup was delicious as always. Very flavorful and always a generous side plate of the complimentary veggies to put in your soup! I ordered extra noodles because my little ones are noodles monsters, but I should have probably ordered some extra broth too...the rice noodles were soaking up the broth fast! Service - always great. They guys there are very accommodating and very polite. Vibe - They recently renovated this restaurant. The tables are a polished wood and the decor is purple. It has a nice, fresh look. Kid-Friendly - They have high chairs and booster seats. The staff is always willing to bring you the five million things you need with kids like napkins, every type of utensil you have, extra bowls, etc...They also do have kids meals too! read more

Mama Pho - Rare Beef and Brisket Pho - Vietnamese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

A must try for everyone's favorite Vietnamese Soup! This little place is located in the same plaza as Foodland and Starbucks in Āina Haina Shopping Center. The Pho Ga (chicken pho) was sooooooo friggin good! Like beyond flavorful and the takeout portion almost matched the dine-in size which was awesome! Everything was so fresh and delicious and I am definitely putting this place in rotation for all Pho Cravings! I would highly recommend Mama Pho if you want amazing Vietnamese food. read more

Love their Pho.... Wish I could eat there more often. Also love their chili sauce. Always so satisfying...

This spot nestled in the middle of the Aina Haina shopping center remains my favorite comfort food in Hawaii. It is not the best pho I have ever had, but it is good enough to leave me full and satisfied and warm on miserable wintery rainy days. They are reasonably priced, and you can get in and out for thirty dollars with two people. Plus, the position cannot be beat and you can run down the block to Foodland or Long's Drugs afterwards. Heck, I've even been known to eat here on nice days while getting my car serviced or after hitting up the library or coming back dehydrated from a hike. But back to the food? The pho meets expectations. Broth is good, noodles are fine, vegetation to be tossed in is as diverse and fresh as whatever was available on the market a day or two ago. Most of the time, they taste Hawaii-grown. Meats are appropriately seared or raw-ish as expected. Rice noodle plates are also good. Rolls are crisp and crunchy or supple and springy as you want. Meats seared and charred to acceptable. Volcano sauce is okay, if a little sweet. Deserts are sweet but not too sweet. Thai tea is a good blend of bitter and sweet. Staff is friendly, although teenagers are always more likely to be distracted by their phones than adult stuff when it comes time to take your order, refill your drink, or pay the bill. The adults definitely remember regulars, and deserve to be tipped just for putting up with their teenage staff. The restroom is outside and requires a combo, or you can just use the one at the pizza place next door. It is reasonably clean. read more

I was craving Vietnamese beef stew!! Yum.. I called the restaurant several times to place a takeout order. I must have called over 4 times, each time letting it ring and ring and no answer. I pictured a packed, busy restaurant. I decided to drive down to place my order. I figured I'd go to Foodland while it was being made. Anyway, when I got there it's was empty. There was one two top. There were three teenagers running this restaurant. They looked more than overwhelmed and confused. Trying their best to organize take out orders. I placed my order and was told 20min. I went to Foodland and came back after 25 min. There were many people coming in to pick up their food while I was there. The workers had a hard time figuring out what was what and who was who. There was a woman waiting the whole time I was there and come to find out her order was just sitting there! And I was asked over and over what I was waiting for. I ended up waiting another 15 min for my order. As I was leaving the tables were starting to fill up too. Omg... This business needs to put at least one experienced employee at the front of the house. Why are you relying on kids to run the restaurant? I've worked in the industry for about 20 years and boy did I feel for these employees. This place is going to lose business quickly if this doesn't get addressed. I know I already found somewhere else to get my Vietnamese beef stew. read more

Pho is a definite cure all for any cold, flu, hangover and so much more! We order the sampler so I could write this review based on different items that went down to the tum-tum! The chicken wings was a tasty yum of just right sweet, the summer,spring and winter rolls were very delicious! The sampler plate is a great opening starter while waiting for your Pho! They have many different options of Pho, my daughter loved the #21 with Rare steak on the outside! She made the comment of wow mom that's a lot of meat..... so I am going with the portion of meat is good! You also have the option to order extra meat- nice option for those who want a meaty Pho. I loved my tripe and tendon Pho. The broth was a little on the sweet side So maybe they add some sugar to the beef broth. Regardless of the sweetness once you add the chili sauce balances out the sweetness! The restaurant itself was very clean, tables was not sticky and they bus tables as soon as someone leaves so you don't have to see used dishes pile up on other tables -- that's a plus in my experience. Floors were clean no trash or food under the tables or in walking path The service was attentive and quick. Parking is good may have to look for a stall if you come during peak hours lunch weekends, but there is parking!! Overall the experience was a star experience - definitely would come back again!! The Happy Fat cells are dancing and full with yummmm!! Hope to see you here in the future! Write your Yelp review and share your experience! read more

My boyfriend and I love to eat here whenever we're in the area (and sometimes we'll make the trip to the East side just for this place). We never have a hard time finding parking, their service is always great, and the interior/vibe of the restaurant feels clean. Being a creature of habit, I got my favorite # 19, beef balls and flank and like always, never disappointed. They're very generous with their garnishes, and if you ask politely they are more than happy to bring out more should you need (I always ask for extra lemons). On our most recent visit, we ordered the green papaya salad and like always, weren't disappointed! The spice level was perfect and topped with fried pieces of garlic and peanuts. I'd definitely order again! read more

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After moving to East Oahu, the hardest part was realizing my favorite pho place was clear across island. We tried the place in HK and I was so disappointed. Then Kaimuki... again...disappointing. When we finally tried Mama Pho, I could have done a happy dance right there on the spot. My taste buds rejoiced! The atmosphere, much like most Vietnamese places with 4 top tables and the long ones for family or singles. Been back a few times and it's always busy with the slightly raised buzzing of conversations from every table. Not bad. The food.... first the pho... the broth was by far, the best yet in the area! A healthy portion of noodles, served with your choice of meats, and the standard plate of bean sprouts, jalapeños, lemon and basil. The chicken salad was good. I think I would have preferred the sauce on the side and it was kinda floating when it arrived but it was definitely tasty. We had the app plate. All the different spring rolls and chicken wings... fantastic! Service was great. Even though it was always incredibly busy, they were always quick and attentive. We will definitely become regulars! read more

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Delicious food with great servicing sizes. Always leave feeling full and happy (and with some left overs). Very clean and practicing social distancing with the seating. read more

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Love this place! Good quality food, my favorite is ther spicy beef soup (#42), all the appetizers are great as well. Great portion and great service! read more

Stop... I mean really stop. Mama Pho is one of THE best places for pho around town. Luckily they have two locations, but be sure to stop by the one in Aina Haina for the best of the best Vietnamese food. Mama Pho has always been a staple in my household ever since they opened up in Aina Haina. On those super chilly days, we'd always opt for Mama Pho to keep us warm. Now would be the good time to write them the review they deserve. As always, our family likes to order the spring rolls and the various types of pho they offer. Although we've tried their vermicelli plates before, nothing will ever beat their pho. I typically order the pho with tendon (if you like tendon, or any sort of "chewy" meat/fat) this is the order for you. My family likes to get the meatball pho, or the mama special that comes with the "works" of different meats they offer. Whatever you choose, you'll never be disappointed. Also, as a side tip, their volcano sauce (i.e. their chili oil) make sure you use it. It's one of the best sauces I've used ever. Not even going to lie about this, but I've probably bought at least 5-6 bottles of their sauce for home. I'll use that on anything like steak or chicken. It's super hot so beware, but make sure you use it. Definitely amazing to have. Overall, I've never ever had a bad experience with Mama Pho. The staff has always been friendly and definitely super helpful. Take Out orders are a breeze and you'll never have to wait over 30 minutes for an order. Either way, whether dine in or take out, the food comes our consistent, fresh, and delicious. I'll always be back here to Mama Pho. Be sure to check them out if you ever get the chance, and why not support local business down on the east Honolulu side for a chance? You'll definitely leave here happy. read more

So many options to dine at inside the Aina Haina Shopping Center that it's hard to choose. I was eating dinner at Pieology when I realized that the Mama Pho I've seen people checking in at was right next door! After discovering this, I made plans to dine here for dinner the following day. It was one pho restaurant I've not eaten at yet so I had to go. Mama's Special Pho (Mama Pho Dac Biet), here I come! Portions are large for a bowl of pho. IMO, the price point was a little high for a bowl of pho. There was so much meat inside my bowl of pho that I was only eating meat after I finished all my noodles half way into my meal. Too bad the portions of veggies on the side weren't as generous and the clean tasting soup was just about average. Their Beef Ceviche Salad (Goi Bo Tai Chan) was my favorite dish for the night. It's a must try if you like raw meat. Nice option for pho in East Oahu. read more

Mama Pho - Mama's Special Pho (Mama Pho Dac Biet) - Vietnamese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Vermicelli noodles tasted like formaldehyde... looked up on internet and yes it is widely used as a preservative in rice noodles. Told staff. Hi they claimed they couldn't taste it. Anyone else had this experience? I've eaten here for years and never tasted this before. It was awful. read more

Third timer. We like the super friendly waiting staff. Noodles were on point, but the broth was saltier for all of us last night. Still would be coming back when we crave pho. read more

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Came here after doing the Koko Head stairs so I was huuungry. I ordered the seafood pho and a Thai iced tea and believe me when I say I had a hard time finishing eveything. My pho could've had a little more seafood in it though but otherwise good portions and friendly and attentive staff made it better. :) read more

Mama Pho - Seafood Pho and a Thai Iced Tea - Vietnamese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Just tried the summer rolls here. A little pricier than most joints at about $8. They were good though and pretty hearty. I would prefer to just pay a few more dollars for a big bowl of pho but if you need something lighter or to go, this would be a good option. I called in my order just before getting there and it was ready once I paid. Staff seemed friendly for the little interaction I had to do for a call in/pick up. Located in Aina Haina Shopping Center next to Pieology, ample parking in the free lot. read more

Mama Pho - Summer rolls. About $8 - Vietnamese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

1. VERDICT/VALUE Yes, you can find slightly cheaper pho places in town; however, if you're hungry and you're in Aina Haina, Mama's Pho has a treat for you with good food, a clean environment, and plenty of seating and parking. Recommended! 2. FOOD Mama's Sampler Platter ($13.95): a summer roll cut in quarters, two spring rolls cut in half, and two chicken wings. What a way to start - it feels a little expensive, but the summer rolls with shrimp were fresh and tightly wrapped, the spring rolls nice and crisp, and the chicken wings left you wishing the platter had more than just two. Pho with Flank Steak ($10.95): Hungry? No problem. Mam's got you covered! It feels $1-$2 more than the competition until you realize the quantity is larger than that of most places. The broth is flavorful without being too sharp, oily, or salty. Mama doesn't skimp on the noodles and the beef was tender. The usual sprouts, lime, and basil are on top to add crunch and extra flavor if you would like it. 3. SERVICE We happened to have a large group of 10 and the two staff serving the restaurant did well in keeping up with us and other patrons - kudos! 4. ATMOSPHERE It's clean (not worried about looking under the table) and it's got space for small and large groups alike at the same time. The parking is plentiful in the mall parking lot, making it even easier to choose Mama's for your next pho fix! read more

Mama Pho - Pho with Flank Steak ($10.95): plenty of noodles in an ono broth topped with sprouts - fantastic! - Vietnamese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

What is Kathy A doing in a Pho restaurant? Everyone who knows me knows I'm not a Pho Phan however on Wednesday the special is Bahn Cahn of which I am a fan. I've been twice, both times on Wednesday and have had the tofu and the fish ball(s) Bahn Cahn. It is quite a drive from Halawa and a bazillion Vietnamese Pho places in between but both Terry K and Lien V have taken me here so I know their discerning palates agree. I've also enjoyed the Summer And the Spring Rolls. Standard fare in most shops and pretty average here too. The servers were very attentive with glasses being filled when lower than half full. The pricing to also average which surprised me given the location. The place is immaculately clean, bright and spacious. I'll be back again on another Wednesday and will try a salad, they do look fresh and awesome. One of the pluses...it's right next door to the new Pieology with a shaded patio so you can bring the kiddies for pizza while you get your Pho on! read more

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This spot is located in the Aina Haina shopping center. I ordered the spring rolls and brisker, beef, and flank steak pho. The service was good. I got my order quite quick. The spring rolls were okay, but nothing special. The pho was okay. It was big and had okay flavor. There was a good amount of meat. Overall, this is a nice spot if you live in the Aina Haina area. read more

Mama Pho - Brisket, Beef, and Flank Steak Pho - Vietnamese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Mama Pho is your neighborhood Vietnamese option in Aina Haina. A bright, open restaurant, they can accommodate small and large groups, and have a small Kids Menu that includes a drink and ice cream for the kiddos. We tried the Vietnamese Beef Stew with French Bread (Saturday feature), the Grilled Pork and Spring Rolls with Noodles, Bun Bo Hue and Thai Iced Coffee. The Beef Stew caught me off guard, it was very similar to Pho with a dark broth and thinly sliced meat, but no noodles or veggies to add in. The Pork and Spring Rolls was pretty good, they give a good amount of toppings and noodles. The Bun Bo Hue was full of sliced brisket and flank. It has round noodles and comes with basil and bean sprouts to add in. I enjoyed the flavor of the soup, beefy with lemongrass and a touch of spice. The Iced Coffee has a roasted, nutty flavor. Service is brisk, just flag someone down if you need something. If you're in the area and hungry for Vietnamese, you're likely to find something you'll like on their menu. read more

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So yesterday while I was playing Santa & dropping off Christmas gifts, I stopped by my friend's house to see if he had time for lunch. Lucky for me my friend had the time, so off we went to look for a new place to eat. I was kinda jonesing for Korean or Vietnamese, but I let my friend choose. He decided on Vietnamese, so we ended up going to the Aina Haina Shopping Center to a place called - Mama Pho'. What can I say about this place, well I think it's relatively new, as I've never remembered a Vietnamese restaurant on the east side of the island. The Restaurant is new & very clean. They were relatively busy (that's a good sign). Prices are a bit on the pricy side. Of course when I come to a Vietnamese restaurant I must try the Pho, as this will tell me how good the food is. I ordered the Mama's special pho, and asked the waiter "what was in it"? He told me a little bit of everything. Cool! Got my order...........and it came in a HUGE bowl. Lots of stuff it it, but the only bad part was some of the meat I had in my soup, the texture of the meat was a bit chalky. The pho soup base was okay, but I've had better..........nothing to write home about. Also, they kinda skimp on the veggies too, as I like a lot of veggies in my pho. When I asked the waiter for more veggies, instead of just getting more for us, he asked "which one"? And I'm thinking..........."are you folks rationing the veggies?............just give me more of it, instead of this little plate for two pho's". Overall I would have given a "3" for the food, but had to take off a point as I didn't care for the service. A young Vietnamese dude with a heavy accent was helping us, and all he did was complain about how much tables he had to watch, as he was the only server working............ For me, I'm thinking............."dude, I don't care about your problems..........just provide service with a smile"! You should be lucky you have a job, especially in a down economy............sooooooooo many people looking for work, that cannot find work. Besides, the harder you work, and if you cover all the tables with great service.............more tips for you! Anyway, got the bill...........(2) bowls of Pho's + (1) Lime drink = $23.56............I gave the waiter who was complaining a $3.44 tip for a grand total of $27.00 for lunch. I'm glad I tried this new place, but I don't think I'll be coming back anytime real soon.............as I've got a better Pho place in Moiliili that I like to go to. read more

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If you're in Aina Hina and craving Pho, this is the place for you. You have one option when it comes to size and they are all $9.25. You get an exceptionally large bowl, but it is mostly noodles. My 18 year old, 6' brother ordered the bbq beef and was finished before I broke apart my chopsticks.......aka, don't order the rice dishes if youre hungry. It's a miniscule amount of food compared to what you get if you order pho. Like Dave L. mentioned, the service is really inconsistent. The female server we had was really great, although she spilled water all over the food when she was refilling our glasses. One of the other servers brought us our food and plopped down each dish in front of my dad, calling out the number listed on the menu. How the heck am I supposed to know which number I ordered?? We tried to ask him, but he was too busy plopping down the next one and calling out that number. We gave up trying to ask him and poked around in the bowls to determine which one was which....annoyingggg. read more

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This was the 3rd time I've been to Mama Pho in Aina Haina. I want to really love this place but its just meh. I like that its a very clean place but the pho isn't flavorful. I like my pho with a strong broth but its pretty weak. And I'm not sure if the spring rolls in my cold vermicelli is made in house but to me, it tastes like the ones you can buy frozen at stores (sorry). The summer roll had too much vermicelli so you don't get much taste of the other things inside. read more

Mama Pho - Spring rolls with cold vermicelli - Vietnamese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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I was hopeful that this place would be the solution to good pho out on the east side, but alas, it was just another mediocre pho place. The noodles were a little chewy but plenty edible if you're looking for pho and are in the Aina Hina area and don't want to drive too far (there really isn't another pho option within a few miles). It wasn't really anything to write home about and it was expensive (almost $10 for a bowl). The Vietnamese iced tea was enjoyable, but again, nothing special, and just expensive. Service isn't that friendly; they tried to give us someone else's credit card and bill, and I don't think they even once smiled. Free parking in the Aina Hina shopping center and there's always plenty of spaces, especially since people go in and out of Foodland Farms all the time. I'm still a loyal Pho Thinh fan, but on a Sunday (when they are closed) perhaps this might be an option if we're desperate. read more

Mama Pho - Vietnamese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Glad we came here to get some delicious Vietnamese food. The grilled tofu spring roll vermicelli is very delicious. It was fast as well. There was one spring roll and 5-6 grilled tofu. I would really like to know how they grilled these tofu, because they have brown tofu skin on the outside, and very soft in the inside. So tasty. The noodles are fresh, and the many herbs they put inside the bowl makes it so fragrant. We were greeted with smiles and fast service. They Vietnamese ice coffee was good too. We intended to try Pieology today, but the line there were super long, and we had an emergency, so just decided to come to Mama Pho, right next door! It was a great choice. read more

Mama Pho - Tofu spring roll vermicelli - Vietnamese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

California approved!..... I have been to 4 pho places here in Oahu and mama pho is the best one so far!!! So full of flavors! The broth is a bit darker than expected but it was full of flavors and not bland!.... And reminds me a bit of home! Esp when you add that mama volcano sauce! (So spicy so garlicky.... so yum) I normally don't drink broth in my noodle soup but this one?! I drank about half! Can't wait to try the other dishes! read more

Mama Pho - Vietnamese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii