GREAT EATS HAWAII: PHO CA DAO

Monday, June 6, 2016

PHO CA DAO

808 SHERIDAN STREET

HONOLULU, HI 96814

808-888-4146

HOURS: Daily 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM

www.yelp.com/biz/pho-ca-dao-honolulu-2

After a recent visit to Wall Mart on Keeaumoku Street we left our car in the lot and walked across the street to the new 808 Center where Pho Ca Dao is located. I did not want to eat Vietnamese Pho on this day because it was just too hot. Happy to see that the menu here included a wide variety of meat, vegetable and noodle dishes along with Banh Mi Sandwiches which I love. The restaurant was pretty empty but very clean which I liked. We were greeted by a smiling waitress who brought us menus and some much needed ice water. Ordered the Spring Rolls ($7.75) which are cut into small pieces and served with lettuce, fresh mint, rice noodles and the House Sauce. Added a little hot sauce to my Spring Roll and wrapped it up like a burrito. The Ground Pork and Vegetable filling was very good and the fresh lettuce and mint added great texture and flavor. The Green Papaya Salad ($9.25) was absolutely delicious. One of the best Grenn Papaya Salads I have ever tasted. So light, fresh and tasty. Liked the Shrimp but really did not understand why they placed four pieces of Pork on the plate. The Combo Sandwich ($6.95) was filled with large slices of Steamed Pork and Ham. I ordered the sandwich without the mayo and added jalapeños. Loved the fresh bread and flavor of the sandwich but next time will request more of the Pickled Daikon and Carrots. The was a really good Banh Mi for $7. Overall we loved our visit to Pho Ca Dao and would highly recommend the place. I cannot wait to return and try some more menu items and the Pho. Would love to see a small family business like this succeed and prosper.

Update 8/16 - Returned to Pho Ca Dao and once again enjoyed the Spring Rolls and Green Papaya Salad. Both were as I remember - delicious. The Pho here had an odd taste to the broth but my Daughter enjoyed it. The Beef Chop Suey was pretty bad with a large bed of dry noodles and bland vegetables and beef. Really needed some seasoning or sauce especially for the noodles.