Bún riêu — the tangy tomato-and-crab noodle soup — has a solid presence in Honolulu's Vietnamese restaurant scene. Several Chinatown and Kalihi spots serve it well, with the tart tamarind-tomato broth and crab paste chunks that define the dish.
Kim An Vietnamese Restaurant top-pick
Kim An lists bun rieu as one of their customer favorites, and it's easy to see why. The tomato broth is properly tangy with visible crab paste chunks, and the garnish plate is generous with fresh herbs, banana blossom, and water spinach. This is a kitchen that clearly serves a Vietnamese clientele, so the flavors aren't pulled back for tourist palates.
Pho Vietnam best-value
Pho Vietnam's bun rieu delivers the goods — bright red tomato broth with proper acidity, generous crab cake pieces, and a side of herbs that lets you customize each spoonful. Their version leans more toward the southern style with its sweeter tomato base and abundant toppings.
Super Pho Chinatown hidden-gem
Super Pho Chinatown is a newer entry to the scene that's been building word of mouth. Their bun rieu is straightforward and satisfying — tangy broth, solid crab content, and fresh acccompaniments. For a Chinatown quick lunch, it hits the spot without overcomplicating things.nnFrom Kim An's tangy Kalihi bowl to Pho Vietnam's southern-style rendition, Honolulu's bun rieu scene delivers the vibrant tomato-crab noodle soup that's one of Vietnam's most visually striking bowls.