Pho 97

We used to go to the pho restaurant on River street – the one with the long line. Their flavor of the soup was intense and complex. However, over the last year, as costs have risen, they have begun using tougher cuts of meat, making it almost impossible to bite or chew on. Enter Pho 97, located on Maunakea street, between Pauahi and Hotel streets. The restaurant is just big enough to accommodate their clientele without long lines. Their soup stock is also rich and flavorful; maybe just a tad less flavorful compared to the River Street restaurant, but just as satisfying. Of course, their meat is soft and lean, perfect for dipping into the steaming bowls of soup. Their menu also boasts many other dishes – everything from vermicelli rice noodle dishes to fried rice to spring rolls. This will satisfy the local palate. more

Pho 97 is located in downtown Honolulu in the area known as Chinatown. The restaurant's lunchtime clientele is an interesting mix of senior citizens after a morning of shopping and business folks who walk a few blocks from Bishop Street. The pho (Vietnamese soup with noodles) is flavorful, but not overbearing. Likewise, the house special fried rice is relatively light (at least for a rice dish) and is not overly salty or soaked in oil. Even during the busy lunch period, the staff is quick to take an order or refill cups with water. Credit cards are accepted (though I was once told that there was a minimum $10 charge). more