Giau cau — also known as bo kho, Vietnamese beef stew — is a hearty, lemongrass-scented stew with tender beef chunks, carrots, and potatoes in a rich annatto-orange broth. Honolulu's Vietnamese restaurants serve it as a comfort staple, and several spots elevate it beyond the basics.
Aloha Vietnamese Foods top-pick
Mon-Sun 11AM-12AM
Aloha Vietnamese Foods lists Beef Stew with Egg Noodles among their top customer favorites, and it is a standout. Their bo kho is rich, aromatic with lemongrass and star anise, with tender beef that falls apart. The option of egg noodles instead of bread makes it a full meal. Late-night Vietnamese comfort food at its finest.
Pho K&A Local Vietnamese Cuisine best-value
Mon-Sun 11AM-10PM
Pho K&A's beef stew is a consistent menu highlight. The broth is thick and aromatic, the beef is tender after proper braising, and the carrots still have some bite. It is the kind of stew that makes you want to soak up every drop with bread.
Pho Viet Thien Hong hidden-gem
Mon-Sun 10AM-9:30PM
Pho Viet Thien Hong's Vietnamese Beef Stew appears on their favorites list, served with proper French bread for dipping. The broth has that deep, slow-simmered quality that comes from hours of braising. The kind of dish that Vietnamese moms make at home, elevated to restaurant quality.