Pho Huong Lan

Reviews

• Gina M.

  star star star star star 1 June 2026

  We were feeling a cold coming on, so wanted something warm and broth-y. We found this place after a quick search and thought we'd give it a try.
  
  It's hidden away - you can park in the Chinese Cultural Plaza and take the elevator or stairs down to the ground floor. The restaurant is in a side shopping area.
  
  There's a line of chairs outside for people to wait (a good sign in my book). Lucky for us, we were having a late lunch, so there wasn't much of a wait.
  
  I got a large combo pho and my boyfriend got an XL beef ball pho. As always, we try the broth as-is first before we add anything. Omg - it was one of the best pho broths I've had! It definitely hit the spot and we'll be back another time for sure.

• Nicole H.

  star star star star star 30 May 2026

  This is my favorite place for pho on the island! It's perfect every time. Trust me, I'm Viet! TBH, I think Huong Lan's pho is better than that of many spots in Vietnam. I've been coming here at least once a month for years. There was a period of time when my mom and I ate pho here every Saturday. The food is reasonably priced. The workers are super nice. I usually just park in the Cultural Plaza and take the elevator down because it's easy (they validate), but if I see street parking right outside, I'll take it.
  
  I always order the pho tai bo vien (pho w/ sliced rare steak and beef balls). IMPORTANT: ASK FOR THE STEAK ON THE SIDE. It keeps your meat from overcooking too soon. When you get your pho, season it how you like before putting in all the meat. I add hoisin, Sriracha, fish sauce, and lemon. I also pluck Thai basil leaves, gather culantro ones, hold all of them together, tear them into smaller pieces, and throw them in. My parents taught me how to use the herbs. I was told they make the pho fragrant. I don't eat the leaves, but my parents do. You may be thinking, "Nicole, you completely alter the broth. You can make any place's pho just as good if you add all those condiments." 1) I'm just enhancing and elevating the pho!!! 2) No, you can't! I perform this ritual wherever I eat pho, and Huong Lan still comes out on top.

• Chelsea S.

  star star star star star 26 May 2026

  I'm still on the search for the "perfect pho" but so far this place has been ranked my #1.
  
  Came here on a Saturday during lunch and there was a line outside. We waited less than 5 minutes but it was quite busy. Parked on the street with only an hour or so on the meter so we had to eat quick. Its in the Chinese Cultural Plaza, on the side towards Maunakea St, in that enclosed alley looking part.
  
  I ordered the Medium pho with the slices of steak and my boyfriend got the large size of that as well. The soup was very, very delicious and they give a good portion of noodles as well. The veggies were fresh, not wilted and well-sized. Some pho isn't that tasty but from the first sip of this soup, the taste kicked me in the mouth. It was even better when I added the garlic chili oil and plum sauce. O.O
  
  Service was fast and efficient, for us. Another couple had an issue with their order not being put in but I am basing this review on our experience. Just be attentive on who takes your order and how long it takes. Might need to say something when you see 3 other parties who came after you get their food before you.
  
  Prices are good! Pho at some places are like $12/$13! What a rip off! This place is so cheap at $9 for the medium size! And then the bigger sizes are a $1 more.. or something. But Gee-WHIZ -- this is a good price for some good food.
  
  Man, if the parking didn't SUCK in Chinatown and downtown, I'd definitely come back asap. I will try to make it out here as much as possible because this pho is da bomb. Such a treat!

• Anela A.

  star star star star star_border 23 May 2026

  SIMPLE DONE WELL
  Located on the outskirts of Chinatown- easy enough to pull up street side to run in and grab your takeout order, or find a meter if you're lucky. I found it to be Spacious, clean and cool with very friendly staff. Prices are reasonable- pho was around $10 depending on the size (M-XL). Beef broth is super rich and flavorful and the noodles were pretty luscious. Spring rolls are made of chicken and vegetable and were pretty good. Nice find!

• Mari H.

  star star star star star 21 May 2026

  I tried so many pho places in Honolulu, but this is the best one! I come here every week and order beef & brisket pho with their soy milk and a flan.