Hilo Rice Noodle Soup Restaurant
1990 Kinoole St, Hilo, HI, 96720
Hilo Rice Noodle Soup Restaurant Menu
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Address :
1990 Kinoole St
Hilo, HI, 96720 - Phone (808) 981-5841
- Website https://www.hiloricenoodle.biz
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :10:00 am - 9:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
Categories
Chinese Cuisine
The popularity of Chinese food in America can be adjudicated by the appearance of China Town in many major cities in the United State of America. The popular trend of ordering or opting for Chinese take away food isn't unknown in America. Chinese take away food comes to rescue when you're too tired from work or too exhausted to cook. No one can resist the temptation of eating spicy noodles, shrimp, chicken, beef or pork cooked in the sweet and spicy sauce. The cooking method of authentic Chinese food is a lot different compared to what is served in America.
Generally, Chinese use dark meat small bones and organs to cook dishes but this changes when you are eating American-Chinese fusion food prepared using white boneless meat cooked with broccoli, carrots and onions. Back in China, the food is less spicy and oily as they favor steaming and braising method for cooking the most popular dishes. So, if you have a taste for authentic Chinese food, then try finding a real Chinese restaurant in the city. You can also try the most popular fusion Chinese food like Pecking Duck, Chicken Feet, Hot Pot, Shrimp Dumpling Soup, Mapo Tofu, Wontons, Chop Suey, Egg Rolls and not to forget Fortune Cookies.
There are not many restaurants in America serving authentic Chinese food. A little research on Restaurant Listings directory can help you locate the best Chinese restaurants in the city. Chinese cuisine is continuously evolving, and you can find a variety of dishes categorized as the food for lactose intolerant, gluten intolerant, vegan, vegetarian, and diabetic friendly. So, if you have a group of friends with different taste patterns, save the hassle and visit the nearest Chinese restaurant in your city.
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pat e.
Choi sum beef was really nice and the crispy duck was excellent. This is a place that only tourists who read reviews online will find - we ate outside as we were in bathing suits and such and I watched the patrons going in. All locals, typical Hilo mix of races, shapes and ages. I was told that this is a favorite of the "old timers," and now it's one of ours. We were talking to our realtor (a Hilo native) and he agreed that this is on his short list of good Chinese places to eat. The service was quick and polite, there's tons of parking, no view or much atmosphere, a walk up take out window and several tables outside and a sit down restaurant inside.
(4)Natalie N.
A great bowl of pho and very yummy fresh rolls. Service was great, very friendly people.
(5)Samdooby R.
Ordered on the combo Pho - rare thin steak, flank, brisket, tendon, tripe, and meatballs - SO GOOD. Nice mild beefy flavor to the broth, heavy on the star anise, rice noodles cooked just right, thinly sliced onions and served w/ lemon, mung bean sprouts, Thai basil, and Chinese parsley (cilantro). Everything was fresh and clean tasting. Waiters were friendly and attentive. The only drawback was my co-worker had the lemon chicken and it was bad - soggy batter and overly SWEET lemon sauce. Other than that this place is "ono"...Cheehuu!! FYI - Its a local/Chinese/Vietnamese joint so plenty options! One of MANY things great about Hilo!! Cheehuu!!
(3)Tanya V.
The best food ever, salt n pepper shrimp, honey chicken, house cake noodle, Vietnamese coffespring rolls, n fish fried rice(special) is my favs!!! All hot soups rock!! The staff is so friendly, like family, who else better to cook for u:) fresh food to go or to stay!! Love this place, always a craving.........
(5)Anya E.
Driving up to the building, I asked my husband where the restaurant was because there were no conspicuous signs. I couldn't even see the entry way. Once we drove up closer, I saw a small neon open sign and was told the door was to the left. Hilo Rice noodle has about 6 tables in front and a room in the back with a table that seats 8. That's where we were headed to meet our group. The menu is fairly large and consists of Vietnamese and Chinese items. I had the pho tai (beef pho) as did my husband. Others had chow fun. We all shared a pot of green tea. All of our food arrived within 10 minutes of being ordered which was pretty fast for 8 people. While not terrible, our pho left more to be desired. The rice noodles, beef and fresh veggies were just fine. But the broth lacked flavor. I added quite a bit of shoyu and some sriracha, but the broth could not be rescued. Our party seemed to enjoy their chow fun, so I may have to try the Chinese menu next time. I did have the sweet potato tapioca which redeemed Hilo Rice Noodles. The tapioca was cooked in coconut milk with little chunks of sweet potato. It had just the right touch of sweetness which made this dessert something I wanted more of. Service was great, friendly, attentive, and water constantly refilled. They will also do their best to accommodate your diet preference. One person in our group has health issues and strict dietary restrictions. The kitchen staff was able to create a custom dish that met their needs. I was going to rate HRN 2 stars but added an extra one for their flexibility and accommodation.
(3)I Am B.
i am #thegastroreaper do not eat here! roach and vermin infestation. do not eat here do not eat here do not eat here vermins roaches vermins roaches vermins roaches vermins
(1)Ryder D.
Fast service, ok price, but the food reflects it. Sometimes I felt the quality of the meat in my food had that 'bottom of the barrel' feel.
(3)R Y.
I can't believe how this place got a 4 star average on yelp. I don't mind the fact that the place is a total hole in the wall, but the food was very mediocre at best. There are much better pho and chinese restaurants around. Service was very good, 4 stars. Food was average to below average 2.5 stars. Cleanliness and ambiance is a 1.5 star. Surprised at how many great reviews.
(2)An N.
I don't understand how this place could be voted one of the best places to get Vietnamese noodles. I'm a full-blooded Vietnamese girl who was raised in San Jose, CA. Therefore, I have the credentials to say what passes as Pho and Bun Bo Hue as opposed to lousy broth with some strands of Rice noodles. This place definitely has the later of the two. Admitted, this is a Vietnamese-Chinese Cuisine establishment so there is a LOT more than just the rice noodles. My evaluation is strictly for the soup and noodles section of the menu. IT SUCKS. The only reason I give this place two stars is because the rice noodle with bar b q pork and spring rolls is DIVINE. Takes me straight back to the delis in San Jose. So, short and sweet, DO NOT go here for any noodle soup concoction. Stick to the Chinese dishes and you'll be safe.
(2)JoAnne D.
Had the honey walnut shrimp and salt & pepper squid...both were delicious!!!! Yummy! Definitely going back again to try other things!
(5)Matt C.
To me, Hilo Rice Noodle Soup (referred to as HRNS from here on out) was always that place that we would call when we needed to get a big order of cake noodles for a party or something; and I had no problem with that. But, I not-so-recently learned that they serve boba drinks, and I'd be lying if I said that didn't change the game. Really though, HRNS isn't some restaurant that just popped up out of nowhere by any means. It's always been there (as long as I can remember), serving up great Viet and Chinese food for the masses. From banh mi to mongolian beef, they've got you covered. Being a restaurant that allows you to call before hand and just pick up food, HRNS is always a very convenient and viable option when you need to grab a quick dish to a get-together. However, that's not to say that they aren't also a great place to simply dine-in. With a good number of booths and tables inside their restaurant, along with two dining rooms in the back for larger groups, you can normally count on them to have seats available for you and your crew. They also have lots of seating outside by the pick-up area if you get your plate and decide you just want to enjoy the fresh air while you eat. Parking at HRNS is also a non-issue. Located in a building that used to have a super market in it, there is ample parking at all times of day. I believe on Saturdays there is even a farmer's market sort of thing in the parking lot there, so if you happened to swing by on the weekend you could catch that as well. Really I have nothing bad to say about HRNS. Every time I've been there, I've had great service and good foods. Just an overall good experience. What more could you ask for? I highly recommend that you give them a try if you haven't already!
(5)Lori L.
The family who owns Hilo Rice Noodle Soup Restaurant have both Vietnamese and Chinese roots and that is reflected in their extensive menu. A regular choice for me from the Vietnamese side of the menu is the Cold Vermicelli Noodles with Spring Rolls and BBQ Chicken, they put lettuce at the bottom so it's a complete meal in a bowl. If you'd rather have rice, try the Pork Chop, the chop is thin and well seasoned with lemongrass and spices. From the Chinese side, try the Young Tofu with mushroom and ground pork. The tofu is soft and silky and the gravy has a nice flavor. They also have a wide variety of stir-fries, vegetarian options, and dishes with noodles (chow funn, chow mien, rice noodle, and cake noodle). There is no sign on the exterior--that was stolen years ago--casual indoor and outdoor dinning, or takeout. If you are craving Vietnamese or Chinese food in Hilo, Hilo Rice Noodle is your best option.
(3)Jade F.
The food here is cheap and average. Admittedly as a resident of San Francisco, I have snobbish standards when it comes to Vietnamese and Chinese food. Regardless, the people are nice, the place is clean, and the food will fill you up. Bottom line: I won't go out of my way to return, but I wouldn't turn it down if someone invited me.
(3)Rae N.
If you're craving for pork with a bit of spice, I highly recommend the Salt & Pepper Pork Ribs! It is my favorite dish! If you're thinking of dining in, the inside of the restaurant is beautiful! They have the traditional Chinese umbrellas (uncertain what they are called, I'm sorry if I offend anyone) hanging from the ceiling, and Christmas lights to the light the room :) It's very romantic and lit. Also, I forgot to mention that the spring rolls and the Honeydew bobba drink are awesome!
(4)Loves G.
Don't know why.... but there is no sign for this place. We went strictly by the address and luckily found the place. It looks like a take out joint, but there is a door on the side of the take-out drive in, which is the restaurant. This place was pretty good. It's a 3 star vs a 4, because good pho can easily be found. The service was good though. We had a young gentleman with calico colored hair. He reminded me of a cat. He was friendly and pleasant. Food came out really fast. That's a plus. I ordered the shrimp and pork pho and the lettuce cups with the ground chicken. It was pretty darn good. My bear had the pho with the brisket, tongue and the works and he loved it. For Hilo, this place is good. I would recommend it.
(3)Tiffany T.
So let's drop pretenses. I'm Vietnamese and I'm not from the island. If you expect authenticity then you will be disappointed. If you're looking to satiate a Vietnamese fix and you're only in Hilo for a few days, skip this and wait until you get back to the mainland. This place caters to locals and local preferences. I'm not going to lie, I ate here all the time while I lived in Hilo. I'm a proud punch card holder, but I wouldn't go here if I were on the mainland. Let me start with the positive side. The egg rolls here are terrific. They are longer than the egg rolls I'm used to but are perfect for wrapping up in lettuce and cilantro and dipping in fish sauce. The fish sauce is a little too bland and sweet for my preference but it's not glaringly off. The pho dishes are decent enough and can be good if you're not expecting too much. Sometimes I feel like the herbs aren't fresh enough. You're on an island that's ripe for growing Asian herbs... I expect fresher ingredients. Oh, the thai iced tea is great here too. Now for the negative. What bothers me the most about this restaurant and all other Vietnamese restaurants on the island is how they call egg rolls (the fried kind) egg rolls and spring rolls (the rice paper kind) summer rolls. There is absolutely nothing "spring-like" about a deep fried egg roll. Also, you have to ask for chili garlic, it isn't on the table like how most Vietnamese restaurants have it. When I ask for this, I get weird looks from the servers. It's not weird! Out of the 3 Vietnamese restaurants in Hilo, this one is the best. Don't expect authenticity but do go here if you're a student living in Hilo and are in need of some Vietnamese.
(3)Shin K.
$9 for a bowl of PHO?!?! And for such small amount of noodles and meat? Wowzers. The Pho isn't amazing but just ok. Add the right amount of Sriracha sauce and Hoisin sauce and it's pretty good. We also had the honey walnut shrimp. It was way over-breaded. More breading than actual shrimp. The pho hit the spot so I guess it did what it's supposed to.
(3)Scott F.
A favorite restaurant in Hilo. I have had lunch here at least once a week for the last oh.... 8 years or so. This is a family run business with really good prices, good sized portions, in an OK setting. I can see what the previous reviewers mean.. this is definitely a place to come for a no-frills experience, but I love it nonetheless. (lol) And yeah, the restroom situation is a bit awkward. I think of it as a place for Chinese since I always get the Garlic Chicken over rice, but there is also Vietnamese and other Asian dishes on the menu. This is a great, out of the way place that gives you a real idea of what it is like to live in Hilo-town.
(5)Vee L.
Okay, 5 stars for the Big Island. This is one underrated place in Hilo. good soups, good spring rolls, good fried rice, good service (the chow fun was too sweet though and should be dried fried). This is Hilo, you looking for resort style setting, go to Kona. Oh and I think the name of this place is "Hilo Rice Noodle Shop".
(5)L. T.
The best is their #28 plate. When my office orders from there, there are about 10 out of 13 orders for this plate! It's the cold noodle with spring rolls. It has a bed of vermicelli noodles, lettuce, cucumber, and green onions all under their wonderful spring rolls sprinkled with minced peanuts. They serve it with a great clear fish sauce. It's so good that you'll be glad you have your chopsticks to eat up every piece. Other than this plate, I have tried the salt and pepper squid and the black bean squid. I would rather have the black bean squid since it's basically the salt & pepper squid with great black bean sauce and veggies. Really awesome dish!! Their bubble tea is also really good. The tapioca balls have a great flavor to them and they are not hard or grainy, but just right! They will give you a punch card for these bubble drinks. Buy 10 drinks, get one free. A card is also available for certain plates - buy 10, get one free. I would totally recommend this place! The only gripe I have is that every year they raise their prices. So now my beloved #28 went from being about $7 to $9! :(
(5)Hikari K.
This place is a hidden gem! Literally! Downfall is they do not have a sign so it's hard to find, with that said... it's a very cute, tiny spot. The rare beef, brisket with tripe Pho is delicious!!! I could have had 3 bowls! Hilo rice noodle Soup is my absolute new favorite noodle house here on the Big Island. Service is outstanding!
(4)Roseann E.
I only went to Hilo Rice Noodle two times since knowing about it and finding it is a hidden hole in the wall pretty much. The first time I went I loved it. Second time, it absolutely sucked. The service was horrible and food I couldn't stand the smell. But, mostly it was because when I asked to return my meal because it smelled so bad the waiter gave me a stupid look like he didn't care at all. Terrible! Especially, when I was rushing home from work and bragging about it to my family and took them out. I couldn't believe it! I looked like a total fool. I would never go back there or recomend it to anyone. To make it worse, I work in the food industry and it was a absolute shame.
(1)Aubrey J.
nothing compared to what we have here in so cal, but i do enjoy my pho from hilo rice noodle whenever i need that fix while vacationing in hawaii. my family & i make it a point to dine here at least once with all our cousins before i head back home & it never disappoints! we always come in with a big group & the servers don't mind it at all. they do a great job serving & are quick & efficient. pho with everything is what i always get plus egg rolls. then we leave with boba in hand like a parting a gift. haha the good thing about this place too is that they not only serve vietnamese food but a mix of other asian food... which i guess is typical of many restaurants in hawaii, of course ;)
(4)Shamoo S.
tried their viet sandwich! omg it's to die for! Very unique and flavorful! NO joke!
(5)Carla K.
Hilo Rice Noodle hit the spot today with their beef/tendon/flank pho. Good stuff to help warm you up in the rainy weather. A little more veg would be great, but the broth was flavorful and the place was clean and cute, with the lights and Linus Chao paintings about. Had the lettuce cups before - they're pretty good. And the honey chicken - don't bother, a bit like leftover overfried Panda Express (that was my first impression and it took me over a year to go back there). Anyways, go for the pho!
(3)Winson K.
This is my absolute favorite restaurant on the Big Island. I come here time and time again for absolutely wonderful food that blends Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine. The restaurant owner is a phenomenal chef who I trust to cook any meal for me. My standard protocol is to let her do the ordering and to sit back and enjoy. This is one of the rare hidden gems in Hilo.
(5)Beckalyn A.
Love the pho and cold noodles. We always take out, and our order is always packed neat and tight. Making it easy to carry home and not spill. Their service is fast and friendly.
(5)Patrick L.
Good local noodle shop in not so noodle crazy Hilo Town.
(4)Jesse W.
12/5/07: I've been here many times with both family and co-workers. Middle of the road all-purpose chinese/vietnamese restaurant. Some of the specials are supposedly Taiwanese but I've never tried them (I'm Taiwanese and abit suspicious). Some of the vegetable dishes that I've tasted don't seem to be seasoned enough and could use more salt (this is surprising since most places in Hawaii are overseasoned). Prices are moderate and decor is basic. There is a take-out window with outdoor seating (ala Blane's) for those not looking for waiter service. Bathroom is awkward, it is located in the rear, accessible by walking around outside the restaurant, and then thru the kitchen. Next door is the local shaved ice hangout (Kawate's).
(3)Hilo H.
It's overrated and not always authentic, but the food is not bad. Wait service and portion size decent. Decor is bleh, but seems pretty clean. Nothing phenomenal, but it is open later than most restaurants in town.
(3)Edwin N.
I came here to pick up lunch which was a #34 Chicken and Spring Roll Cold Noodle. You can either dine in or take-out and eat outside, whatever you prefer. Hilo Rice Noodle serves Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine. They are open from Monday through Friday from 10 am to 8:30 pm. On Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm and closed on Sunday. Today was my first time being here in a long long time! I do however remember all those umbrellas hanging upside-down from the ceiling though. The food is a little pricey here but Hilo Rice Noodle does server up really good items. In the past I've ordered the Honey Chicken, House Cake noodles with shrimp and Salt and Pepper Squid. All were at that time...splendid! It's a nice place to go to when you need to break the monotony of Chinese restaurants in Hilo. That is especially when Chinese restaurants are all you see around Hilo town, LOL! Don't get me wrong, I love it but more variety is better. Anyway, Hilo Rice Noodle achieves 4 stars from me....nice job!
(4)Raypermena Lei A.
Found this place on yelp because we wanted soup, and this was the first one that popped up. Followed the directions and wasn't sure if we found the right place. It's in an unmarked building. No signs what so ever. Was only able to identify the restaurant based on the decor I saw from yelp pictures. It's a mixture of Vietnamese and Chinese. Different, I'll give them that. The food was bland- I had the combination fired noodles. The service was not up to par and they need to put a sign to direct customers to pay outside. I didn't even know the two were connected! Work on the signage and maybe more people will come.
(1)Racheal S.
Food is good. Service was ookay. It was a very slow afternoon, yet the girl was still unable to get one of our rice order until the last min we were done w our other dishes. Also really disappointed with how small the dish portions were considering its high price... I feel like getting food at Panda would be much worth for its serving/price.
(3)Jamie D.
I'm surprised how this place has 4 Stars on Yelp. I got the seafood chow fun... It was 98% chow fun and 2% seafood. The noodles just tasted salty. I drenched it with sriracha to make it taste better. Not worth $14. Nice customer service but food needs improvement.
(2)Kraziechic A.
Great food and good service...so far the best Vietnamese food in Hilo by far. I would have given them 5 stars but they forgot to put my meatballs in my pho. They did give it to me after I asked though. The waiter and waitress were very helpful and friendly. Food was fresh and deliciously satisfying. We will be back!
(4)VG d.
3-stars means "A-OK" which accurately describes this local Vietnamese-Chinese restaurant (imho). Good food and service at reasonable prices. My friend and I were visiting from Oahu and found this place on Yelp, but we had a hard time finding it because there is no sign outside, and nothing on the door, but GPS said we'd arrived. So when we asked "Is this Hilo Rice Noodle?" a lady answered "Yes - you must not be local" which I thought was a strange thing to say to a new customer (so perhaps put a sign up? just sayin'...) Okay, that said, the food! - Salt and pepper shrimp - Messy to eat, but really good, so worth it :0} - Mongolian beef - tasty but the beef was tough, thick slices with gristle :0{ - Lettuce chicken cups - these were quite bland, wouldn't get again. :0I If I lived here, I'm sure I would return as there is a lot on the menu that looks really inviting and the service is fast and friendly. All in all, A-OK.
(3)Anissa M.
I went here so often when I lived in Hilo. I practically stopped by once a week. The pho here is great but I am very partial the salt and pepper squid. I even got my friends hooked on it. They have speedy service and great staff that take care of you. They also had the best boba in Hilo (IMO). Give this place a try!!! It's delicious!!!
(5)Morgan K.
Gave the take out window a try, all around a much better experience! Quick and friendly service. You also get a lot more food for the money! I got the following items... Shrimp Chow Fun: Gave this one another try. Ordered it "spicy hot" which was much better than regular. Shrimp Fried Rice: This dish didn't look visually appealing in anyway (see picture) but the flavor was excellent...one of the best fried rice dishes I've had. Vegetable Crispy Noodle: Packed with vegetables and the flavor was on point, definitely a favorite now!
(5)Kristie N.
Our waitress came to our table about 4 times to see if we were ready to order. (Keep in mind we were sitting for no more than 5 minutes.) Food was decent, but service could have been better!
(3)Karen T.
Good food, good service. Go if you're in the area and looking for someplace to eat. I had Chicken Pho Ga. It was pretty good. My sister and husband had some sort of cake noodle dishes that was good too. My brother had a chicken and mushroom dish with shiitake mushrooms. That was really good! To be honest I haven't found many good places to eat at in Hilo but this place would make it in Honolulu. LOL! Would I return? Yes! Would I recommend it to a friend? Yes!
(5)Keri S.
Ok, this is a MUST stop spot. Hilo Rice Noodle aka "HRN." This is a great spot to sit down and catch up with friends. The food, PERFECT! You have to get the "Vice Special." You won't find it on the menu; it is a well-kept secret for the elite :) Also try their spring rolls, sooooo yummy! It comes with three on the plate, I recommend doubling up as we do. To drink, my favorite is the Thai Iced Tea! Also, the bubble drinks are a big hit that come in several different flavors. The service, also PERFECT! Never a glass empty, quick & friendly service.
(5)M C.
Closes at 8:30 and not 9:00 pm as indicated on Yelp. Also, not a minute after 8:30. In an abandoned strip mall.
(1)Kelsey M.
I don't care what anyone has to say about this place, it's a must whenever I visit Hilo. I've never questioned the cleanliness of the restaurant and have always received excellent service. I love the li hing soda. Extra sweet/sour & makes my mouth pucker just thinking about it. I also enjoy their Vietnamese coffee. My favorite food items are the honey walnut shrimp & the chicken lettuce wraps. I could spend hours just looking over their extensive menu but those are what I crave when I'm at home on Oahu.
(5)Odille C.
This place makes amazing noodles and cake noodle. Its location is a little weird, but I am not complaining, their food is so good. Its comfort food and it arrives so quickly. Hilo Rice Noodle is the place to be for noodles.
(5)Bianca Y.
So good, authentic Vietnamese and Chinese. Best Kauyuk I've ever had. Boba was the best too!
(5)Tom L.
This place was a little hard to find for a tourist passing through, but I could tell it is a favorite of the locals. Very friendly service and very reasonable prices. Had the Singapore noodles and salty fish fried rice. Both were very good. Wish I could have tried the Chinese dishes.
(4)Jacqueline G.
Great place for an hour lunch. Service is fast. Dining room is clean and recently updated with a new paint color and decorations. Not a fan of their pho. Too bland in my opinion. The lettuce cups are wonderful for an appetizer or main dish. Steep in price for an appetizer though. $11 I think. Salt and pepper squid is delicious and one of their most popular dishes. My absolute favorite is their Viet chicken sandwich (Banh Mi). Toasted bun, crispy chicken and a nice sauce. Yum!
(3)Sherry O.
Love the Honey Walnut Shrimp! Pho is awesome! Good amount of meat for Pho. Thai iced tea is the best in town. Haven't found one comparable yet. Owner is wonderful.
(4)Kiera Y.
I love the #29! Cold noodles with chicken & spring rolls. The lettuce cups, salt & pepper shrimp, black bean shrimp, basa fish, and salted fish fried rice is also good :) they are very consistent but one less star cause they are pricey. Expect $10 per entree...
(4)Victor C.
This place was great! We almost didn't find it though, since there was no sign on the outside. It is located next to Kawati seed shop. Food was tasty and quick service. Very friendly waitress and quiet ambiance. Had the #14 and fried spring rolls. Both were excellent.
(5)Leanne L.
Super yummy food! Pot stickers are not the frozen kind you get from the store... Spring rolls are crispy and good... Very good minced chicken lettuce wraps... And the banh mi sandwich is my favorite!! Will definitely be back!!! PS- the owner is totally friendly!
(5)Federico I.
Best Vietnamese food in Hilo. Great vegetarian options.
(4)Brennan T.
I've enjoyed my food whenever in the 2-3 times I've visited, but nothing has been a standout to me. Enjoyable Vietnamese and Chinese food.
(3)Holly Z.
Love this place. Great food and a huge menu. I've yet to have something that I didn't like. I also have only tried a quarter of the menu. Great place.
(4)Julie K.
So good! Chicken Noodle Soup (Vietnamese version) for a cold day like today! Or string beans, eggplant, salt/pepper shrimp, minced chicken, cold ginger chicken... So hard to decide...
(5)Michael L.
Stopped here for dinner after visiting Volcanoes National Park. Thank you Yelpers in helping me find this gem of a restaurant in Hilo! The food here is tasty and authentic - had both Chinese and Vietnamese people at the table who could vouch for the food! Had a variety of things we find at home in the Bay Area: Westlake Beef Soup, Hot and Sour Soup, Salt and Pepper Ahi, Salt and Pepper Squid, Mustard Greens with Mushrooms, Honey Walnut Shrimp, Fish Curry, Beef Chow Fun, and the "Vietnamese Special" dish Service was great and overall very high quality food. To be fair, I'm told that the Westlake Beef Soup was a bit on the salty side. Also the chow fun noodles seemed like they were a day old.
(4)Robin S.
Staff is super and we love the salt and pepper squid.
(3)Julie S.
A gem!
(5)Crystal M.
Sorry no stars for this place for Pho and Beef Stew, compared to Pho Viet, well..... It doesn't. Gave it a 2nd chance with the honey chicken and noodles, didn't care for it either, it could have been sitting out a while
(1)Kimi N.
this used to be my favorite Vietnamese restaurant before.. I don't come here for Pho anymore.. I will come here for crispy or cake noodles.. maybeee honey chicken.. too much rice not enough meat
(3)Erynn T.
I don't really eat vietnamese/chinese food, but I loveee a couple things here. 5 stars for my absolute favs: - Honey walnut shrimp - Salt and pepper beef - Sesame chicken It's just sooo good!!! Best honey walnut shrimp ever. Their sesame chicken is my new fav over Miyo's one. And the salt and pepper beef is just something I really enjoy, it's crispy and garlic-y and delish! I also like their summer rolls. And the crispy or cake noodles are good too, but not my fav. Oh and li hing mui soda! Overall good service and good food, large portions. But I only come here if I'm craving one of the aforementioned dishes ;P
(5)Bill B.
This place is a little hole in the wall with no sign, so you really have to know where it is to get there. They have great Pho and fast, friendly service...what more could you ask for?
(4)Ian H.
One of the best places to eat in Hilo. We get take-out from here at least once a month and it's always good! Can't go wrong with the Lettuce Wraps and Fried Summer Rolls.
(4)courtney r.
Best Pho! So good, served piping hot, and great service! This is sort of a hole in the wall type place, so if you aren't looking, you'll miss it. But so worth finding! Always consistent, family friendly, great prices, delicious food!
(5)Anne C.
Salted ahi fried rice. Salty and yummy.
(4)Alan O.
If mussels with black bean sauce is one of your favorites, you must try it here. Absolutely good, and I know this because I kept ladling the sauce onto my rice after I ate all the mussels and veggies. If you don't see it on the written menu, ask the waitress or waiter because they serve it everyday.
(5)Racheal S.
Food is good. Service was ookay. It was a very slow afternoon, yet the girl was still unable to get one of our rice order until the last min we were done w our other dishes. Also really disappointed with how small the dish portions were considering its high price... I feel like getting food at Panda would be much worth for its serving/price.
(3)Jamie D.
I'm surprised how this place has 4 Stars on Yelp. I got the seafood chow fun... It was 98% chow fun and 2% seafood. The noodles just tasted salty. I drenched it with sriracha to make it taste better. Not worth $14. Nice customer service but food needs improvement.
(2)Kraziechic A.
Great food and good service...so far the best Vietnamese food in Hilo by far. I would have given them 5 stars but they forgot to put my meatballs in my pho. They did give it to me after I asked though. The waiter and waitress were very helpful and friendly. Food was fresh and deliciously satisfying. We will be back!
(4)Hikari K.
This place is a hidden gem! Literally! Downfall is they do not have a sign so it's hard to find, with that said... it's a very cute, tiny spot. The rare beef, brisket with tripe Pho is delicious!!! I could have had 3 bowls! Hilo rice noodle Soup is my absolute new favorite noodle house here on the Big Island. Service is outstanding!
(4)Roseann E.
I only went to Hilo Rice Noodle two times since knowing about it and finding it is a hidden hole in the wall pretty much. The first time I went I loved it. Second time, it absolutely sucked. The service was horrible and food I couldn't stand the smell. But, mostly it was because when I asked to return my meal because it smelled so bad the waiter gave me a stupid look like he didn't care at all. Terrible! Especially, when I was rushing home from work and bragging about it to my family and took them out. I couldn't believe it! I looked like a total fool. I would never go back there or recomend it to anyone. To make it worse, I work in the food industry and it was a absolute shame.
(1)Aubrey J.
nothing compared to what we have here in so cal, but i do enjoy my pho from hilo rice noodle whenever i need that fix while vacationing in hawaii. my family & i make it a point to dine here at least once with all our cousins before i head back home & it never disappoints! we always come in with a big group & the servers don't mind it at all. they do a great job serving & are quick & efficient. pho with everything is what i always get plus egg rolls. then we leave with boba in hand like a parting a gift. haha the good thing about this place too is that they not only serve vietnamese food but a mix of other asian food... which i guess is typical of many restaurants in hawaii, of course ;)
(4)Shamoo S.
tried their viet sandwich! omg it's to die for! Very unique and flavorful! NO joke!
(5)Vee L.
Okay, 5 stars for the Big Island. This is one underrated place in Hilo. good soups, good spring rolls, good fried rice, good service (the chow fun was too sweet though and should be dried fried). This is Hilo, you looking for resort style setting, go to Kona. Oh and I think the name of this place is "Hilo Rice Noodle Shop".
(5)Scott F.
A favorite restaurant in Hilo. I have had lunch here at least once a week for the last oh.... 8 years or so. This is a family run business with really good prices, good sized portions, in an OK setting. I can see what the previous reviewers mean.. this is definitely a place to come for a no-frills experience, but I love it nonetheless. (lol) And yeah, the restroom situation is a bit awkward. I think of it as a place for Chinese since I always get the Garlic Chicken over rice, but there is also Vietnamese and other Asian dishes on the menu. This is a great, out of the way place that gives you a real idea of what it is like to live in Hilo-town.
(5)Victor C.
This place was great! We almost didn't find it though, since there was no sign on the outside. It is located next to Kawati seed shop. Food was tasty and quick service. Very friendly waitress and quiet ambiance. Had the #14 and fried spring rolls. Both were excellent.
(5)Leanne L.
Super yummy food! Pot stickers are not the frozen kind you get from the store... Spring rolls are crispy and good... Very good minced chicken lettuce wraps... And the banh mi sandwich is my favorite!! Will definitely be back!!! PS- the owner is totally friendly!
(5)Federico I.
Best Vietnamese food in Hilo. Great vegetarian options.
(4)Ian H.
One of the best places to eat in Hilo. We get take-out from here at least once a month and it's always good! Can't go wrong with the Lettuce Wraps and Fried Summer Rolls.
(4)courtney r.
Best Pho! So good, served piping hot, and great service! This is sort of a hole in the wall type place, so if you aren't looking, you'll miss it. But so worth finding! Always consistent, family friendly, great prices, delicious food!
(5)Anne C.
Salted ahi fried rice. Salty and yummy.
(4)Alan O.
If mussels with black bean sauce is one of your favorites, you must try it here. Absolutely good, and I know this because I kept ladling the sauce onto my rice after I ate all the mussels and veggies. If you don't see it on the written menu, ask the waitress or waiter because they serve it everyday.
(5)pat e.
Choi sum beef was really nice and the crispy duck was excellent. This is a place that only tourists who read reviews online will find - we ate outside as we were in bathing suits and such and I watched the patrons going in. All locals, typical Hilo mix of races, shapes and ages. I was told that this is a favorite of the "old timers," and now it's one of ours. We were talking to our realtor (a Hilo native) and he agreed that this is on his short list of good Chinese places to eat. The service was quick and polite, there's tons of parking, no view or much atmosphere, a walk up take out window and several tables outside and a sit down restaurant inside.
(4)Lori L.
The family who owns Hilo Rice Noodle Soup Restaurant have both Vietnamese and Chinese roots and that is reflected in their extensive menu. A regular choice for me from the Vietnamese side of the menu is the Cold Vermicelli Noodles with Spring Rolls and BBQ Chicken, they put lettuce at the bottom so it's a complete meal in a bowl. If you'd rather have rice, try the Pork Chop, the chop is thin and well seasoned with lemongrass and spices. From the Chinese side, try the Young Tofu with mushroom and ground pork. The tofu is soft and silky and the gravy has a nice flavor. They also have a wide variety of stir-fries, vegetarian options, and dishes with noodles (chow funn, chow mien, rice noodle, and cake noodle). There is no sign on the exterior--that was stolen years ago--casual indoor and outdoor dinning, or takeout. If you are craving Vietnamese or Chinese food in Hilo, Hilo Rice Noodle is your best option.
(3)Rae N.
If you're craving for pork with a bit of spice, I highly recommend the Salt & Pepper Pork Ribs! It is my favorite dish! If you're thinking of dining in, the inside of the restaurant is beautiful! They have the traditional Chinese umbrellas (uncertain what they are called, I'm sorry if I offend anyone) hanging from the ceiling, and Christmas lights to the light the room :) It's very romantic and lit. Also, I forgot to mention that the spring rolls and the Honeydew bobba drink are awesome!
(4)Raypermena Lei A.
Found this place on yelp because we wanted soup, and this was the first one that popped up. Followed the directions and wasn't sure if we found the right place. It's in an unmarked building. No signs what so ever. Was only able to identify the restaurant based on the decor I saw from yelp pictures. It's a mixture of Vietnamese and Chinese. Different, I'll give them that. The food was bland- I had the combination fired noodles. The service was not up to par and they need to put a sign to direct customers to pay outside. I didn't even know the two were connected! Work on the signage and maybe more people will come.
(1)I Am B.
i am #thegastroreaper do not eat here! roach and vermin infestation. do not eat here do not eat here do not eat here vermins roaches vermins roaches vermins roaches vermins
(1)Ryder D.
Fast service, ok price, but the food reflects it. Sometimes I felt the quality of the meat in my food had that 'bottom of the barrel' feel.
(3)R Y.
I can't believe how this place got a 4 star average on yelp. I don't mind the fact that the place is a total hole in the wall, but the food was very mediocre at best. There are much better pho and chinese restaurants around. Service was very good, 4 stars. Food was average to below average 2.5 stars. Cleanliness and ambiance is a 1.5 star. Surprised at how many great reviews.
(2)An N.
I don't understand how this place could be voted one of the best places to get Vietnamese noodles. I'm a full-blooded Vietnamese girl who was raised in San Jose, CA. Therefore, I have the credentials to say what passes as Pho and Bun Bo Hue as opposed to lousy broth with some strands of Rice noodles. This place definitely has the later of the two. Admitted, this is a Vietnamese-Chinese Cuisine establishment so there is a LOT more than just the rice noodles. My evaluation is strictly for the soup and noodles section of the menu. IT SUCKS. The only reason I give this place two stars is because the rice noodle with bar b q pork and spring rolls is DIVINE. Takes me straight back to the delis in San Jose. So, short and sweet, DO NOT go here for any noodle soup concoction. Stick to the Chinese dishes and you'll be safe.
(2)JoAnne D.
Had the honey walnut shrimp and salt & pepper squid...both were delicious!!!! Yummy! Definitely going back again to try other things!
(5)Tanya V.
The best food ever, salt n pepper shrimp, honey chicken, house cake noodle, Vietnamese coffespring rolls, n fish fried rice(special) is my favs!!! All hot soups rock!! The staff is so friendly, like family, who else better to cook for u:) fresh food to go or to stay!! Love this place, always a craving.........
(5)Loves G.
Don't know why.... but there is no sign for this place. We went strictly by the address and luckily found the place. It looks like a take out joint, but there is a door on the side of the take-out drive in, which is the restaurant. This place was pretty good. It's a 3 star vs a 4, because good pho can easily be found. The service was good though. We had a young gentleman with calico colored hair. He reminded me of a cat. He was friendly and pleasant. Food came out really fast. That's a plus. I ordered the shrimp and pork pho and the lettuce cups with the ground chicken. It was pretty darn good. My bear had the pho with the brisket, tongue and the works and he loved it. For Hilo, this place is good. I would recommend it.
(3)Natalie N.
A great bowl of pho and very yummy fresh rolls. Service was great, very friendly people.
(5)Samdooby R.
Ordered on the combo Pho - rare thin steak, flank, brisket, tendon, tripe, and meatballs - SO GOOD. Nice mild beefy flavor to the broth, heavy on the star anise, rice noodles cooked just right, thinly sliced onions and served w/ lemon, mung bean sprouts, Thai basil, and Chinese parsley (cilantro). Everything was fresh and clean tasting. Waiters were friendly and attentive. The only drawback was my co-worker had the lemon chicken and it was bad - soggy batter and overly SWEET lemon sauce. Other than that this place is "ono"...Cheehuu!! FYI - Its a local/Chinese/Vietnamese joint so plenty options! One of MANY things great about Hilo!! Cheehuu!!
(3)Anya E.
Driving up to the building, I asked my husband where the restaurant was because there were no conspicuous signs. I couldn't even see the entry way. Once we drove up closer, I saw a small neon open sign and was told the door was to the left. Hilo Rice noodle has about 6 tables in front and a room in the back with a table that seats 8. That's where we were headed to meet our group. The menu is fairly large and consists of Vietnamese and Chinese items. I had the pho tai (beef pho) as did my husband. Others had chow fun. We all shared a pot of green tea. All of our food arrived within 10 minutes of being ordered which was pretty fast for 8 people. While not terrible, our pho left more to be desired. The rice noodles, beef and fresh veggies were just fine. But the broth lacked flavor. I added quite a bit of shoyu and some sriracha, but the broth could not be rescued. Our party seemed to enjoy their chow fun, so I may have to try the Chinese menu next time. I did have the sweet potato tapioca which redeemed Hilo Rice Noodles. The tapioca was cooked in coconut milk with little chunks of sweet potato. It had just the right touch of sweetness which made this dessert something I wanted more of. Service was great, friendly, attentive, and water constantly refilled. They will also do their best to accommodate your diet preference. One person in our group has health issues and strict dietary restrictions. The kitchen staff was able to create a custom dish that met their needs. I was going to rate HRN 2 stars but added an extra one for their flexibility and accommodation.
(3)I Am B.
i am #thegastroreaper do not eat here! roach and vermin infestation. do not eat here do not eat here do not eat here vermins roaches vermins roaches vermins roaches vermins
(1)Ryder D.
Fast service, ok price, but the food reflects it. Sometimes I felt the quality of the meat in my food had that 'bottom of the barrel' feel.
(3)R Y.
I can't believe how this place got a 4 star average on yelp. I don't mind the fact that the place is a total hole in the wall, but the food was very mediocre at best. There are much better pho and chinese restaurants around. Service was very good, 4 stars. Food was average to below average 2.5 stars. Cleanliness and ambiance is a 1.5 star. Surprised at how many great reviews.
(2)An N.
I don't understand how this place could be voted one of the best places to get Vietnamese noodles. I'm a full-blooded Vietnamese girl who was raised in San Jose, CA. Therefore, I have the credentials to say what passes as Pho and Bun Bo Hue as opposed to lousy broth with some strands of Rice noodles. This place definitely has the later of the two. Admitted, this is a Vietnamese-Chinese Cuisine establishment so there is a LOT more than just the rice noodles. My evaluation is strictly for the soup and noodles section of the menu. IT SUCKS. The only reason I give this place two stars is because the rice noodle with bar b q pork and spring rolls is DIVINE. Takes me straight back to the delis in San Jose. So, short and sweet, DO NOT go here for any noodle soup concoction. Stick to the Chinese dishes and you'll be safe.
(2)JoAnne D.
Had the honey walnut shrimp and salt & pepper squid...both were delicious!!!! Yummy! Definitely going back again to try other things!
(5)Tanya V.
The best food ever, salt n pepper shrimp, honey chicken, house cake noodle, Vietnamese coffespring rolls, n fish fried rice(special) is my favs!!! All hot soups rock!! The staff is so friendly, like family, who else better to cook for u:) fresh food to go or to stay!! Love this place, always a craving.........
(5)Loves G.
Don't know why.... but there is no sign for this place. We went strictly by the address and luckily found the place. It looks like a take out joint, but there is a door on the side of the take-out drive in, which is the restaurant. This place was pretty good. It's a 3 star vs a 4, because good pho can easily be found. The service was good though. We had a young gentleman with calico colored hair. He reminded me of a cat. He was friendly and pleasant. Food came out really fast. That's a plus. I ordered the shrimp and pork pho and the lettuce cups with the ground chicken. It was pretty darn good. My bear had the pho with the brisket, tongue and the works and he loved it. For Hilo, this place is good. I would recommend it.
(3)Tiffany T.
So let's drop pretenses. I'm Vietnamese and I'm not from the island. If you expect authenticity then you will be disappointed. If you're looking to satiate a Vietnamese fix and you're only in Hilo for a few days, skip this and wait until you get back to the mainland. This place caters to locals and local preferences. I'm not going to lie, I ate here all the time while I lived in Hilo. I'm a proud punch card holder, but I wouldn't go here if I were on the mainland. Let me start with the positive side. The egg rolls here are terrific. They are longer than the egg rolls I'm used to but are perfect for wrapping up in lettuce and cilantro and dipping in fish sauce. The fish sauce is a little too bland and sweet for my preference but it's not glaringly off. The pho dishes are decent enough and can be good if you're not expecting too much. Sometimes I feel like the herbs aren't fresh enough. You're on an island that's ripe for growing Asian herbs... I expect fresher ingredients. Oh, the thai iced tea is great here too. Now for the negative. What bothers me the most about this restaurant and all other Vietnamese restaurants on the island is how they call egg rolls (the fried kind) egg rolls and spring rolls (the rice paper kind) summer rolls. There is absolutely nothing "spring-like" about a deep fried egg roll. Also, you have to ask for chili garlic, it isn't on the table like how most Vietnamese restaurants have it. When I ask for this, I get weird looks from the servers. It's not weird! Out of the 3 Vietnamese restaurants in Hilo, this one is the best. Don't expect authenticity but do go here if you're a student living in Hilo and are in need of some Vietnamese.
(3)Shin K.
$9 for a bowl of PHO?!?! And for such small amount of noodles and meat? Wowzers. The Pho isn't amazing but just ok. Add the right amount of Sriracha sauce and Hoisin sauce and it's pretty good. We also had the honey walnut shrimp. It was way over-breaded. More breading than actual shrimp. The pho hit the spot so I guess it did what it's supposed to.
(3)L. T.
The best is their #28 plate. When my office orders from there, there are about 10 out of 13 orders for this plate! It's the cold noodle with spring rolls. It has a bed of vermicelli noodles, lettuce, cucumber, and green onions all under their wonderful spring rolls sprinkled with minced peanuts. They serve it with a great clear fish sauce. It's so good that you'll be glad you have your chopsticks to eat up every piece. Other than this plate, I have tried the salt and pepper squid and the black bean squid. I would rather have the black bean squid since it's basically the salt & pepper squid with great black bean sauce and veggies. Really awesome dish!! Their bubble tea is also really good. The tapioca balls have a great flavor to them and they are not hard or grainy, but just right! They will give you a punch card for these bubble drinks. Buy 10 drinks, get one free. A card is also available for certain plates - buy 10, get one free. I would totally recommend this place! The only gripe I have is that every year they raise their prices. So now my beloved #28 went from being about $7 to $9! :(
(5)Carla K.
Hilo Rice Noodle hit the spot today with their beef/tendon/flank pho. Good stuff to help warm you up in the rainy weather. A little more veg would be great, but the broth was flavorful and the place was clean and cute, with the lights and Linus Chao paintings about. Had the lettuce cups before - they're pretty good. And the honey chicken - don't bother, a bit like leftover overfried Panda Express (that was my first impression and it took me over a year to go back there). Anyways, go for the pho!
(3)Winson K.
This is my absolute favorite restaurant on the Big Island. I come here time and time again for absolutely wonderful food that blends Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine. The restaurant owner is a phenomenal chef who I trust to cook any meal for me. My standard protocol is to let her do the ordering and to sit back and enjoy. This is one of the rare hidden gems in Hilo.
(5)Beckalyn A.
Love the pho and cold noodles. We always take out, and our order is always packed neat and tight. Making it easy to carry home and not spill. Their service is fast and friendly.
(5)Patrick L.
Good local noodle shop in not so noodle crazy Hilo Town.
(4)Jesse W.
12/5/07: I've been here many times with both family and co-workers. Middle of the road all-purpose chinese/vietnamese restaurant. Some of the specials are supposedly Taiwanese but I've never tried them (I'm Taiwanese and abit suspicious). Some of the vegetable dishes that I've tasted don't seem to be seasoned enough and could use more salt (this is surprising since most places in Hawaii are overseasoned). Prices are moderate and decor is basic. There is a take-out window with outdoor seating (ala Blane's) for those not looking for waiter service. Bathroom is awkward, it is located in the rear, accessible by walking around outside the restaurant, and then thru the kitchen. Next door is the local shaved ice hangout (Kawate's).
(3)Hilo H.
It's overrated and not always authentic, but the food is not bad. Wait service and portion size decent. Decor is bleh, but seems pretty clean. Nothing phenomenal, but it is open later than most restaurants in town.
(3)Julie S.
A gem!
(5)Crystal M.
Sorry no stars for this place for Pho and Beef Stew, compared to Pho Viet, well..... It doesn't. Gave it a 2nd chance with the honey chicken and noodles, didn't care for it either, it could have been sitting out a while
(1)M C.
Closes at 8:30 and not 9:00 pm as indicated on Yelp. Also, not a minute after 8:30. In an abandoned strip mall.
(1)Kelsey M.
I don't care what anyone has to say about this place, it's a must whenever I visit Hilo. I've never questioned the cleanliness of the restaurant and have always received excellent service. I love the li hing soda. Extra sweet/sour & makes my mouth pucker just thinking about it. I also enjoy their Vietnamese coffee. My favorite food items are the honey walnut shrimp & the chicken lettuce wraps. I could spend hours just looking over their extensive menu but those are what I crave when I'm at home on Oahu.
(5)Odille C.
This place makes amazing noodles and cake noodle. Its location is a little weird, but I am not complaining, their food is so good. Its comfort food and it arrives so quickly. Hilo Rice Noodle is the place to be for noodles.
(5)Bianca Y.
So good, authentic Vietnamese and Chinese. Best Kauyuk I've ever had. Boba was the best too!
(5)Tom L.
This place was a little hard to find for a tourist passing through, but I could tell it is a favorite of the locals. Very friendly service and very reasonable prices. Had the Singapore noodles and salty fish fried rice. Both were very good. Wish I could have tried the Chinese dishes.
(4)Jacqueline G.
Great place for an hour lunch. Service is fast. Dining room is clean and recently updated with a new paint color and decorations. Not a fan of their pho. Too bland in my opinion. The lettuce cups are wonderful for an appetizer or main dish. Steep in price for an appetizer though. $11 I think. Salt and pepper squid is delicious and one of their most popular dishes. My absolute favorite is their Viet chicken sandwich (Banh Mi). Toasted bun, crispy chicken and a nice sauce. Yum!
(3)Sherry O.
Love the Honey Walnut Shrimp! Pho is awesome! Good amount of meat for Pho. Thai iced tea is the best in town. Haven't found one comparable yet. Owner is wonderful.
(4)Kiera Y.
I love the #29! Cold noodles with chicken & spring rolls. The lettuce cups, salt & pepper shrimp, black bean shrimp, basa fish, and salted fish fried rice is also good :) they are very consistent but one less star cause they are pricey. Expect $10 per entree...
(4)Victor C.
This place was great! We almost didn't find it though, since there was no sign on the outside. It is located next to Kawati seed shop. Food was tasty and quick service. Very friendly waitress and quiet ambiance. Had the #14 and fried spring rolls. Both were excellent.
(5)Leanne L.
Super yummy food! Pot stickers are not the frozen kind you get from the store... Spring rolls are crispy and good... Very good minced chicken lettuce wraps... And the banh mi sandwich is my favorite!! Will definitely be back!!! PS- the owner is totally friendly!
(5)Brennan T.
I've enjoyed my food whenever in the 2-3 times I've visited, but nothing has been a standout to me. Enjoyable Vietnamese and Chinese food.
(3)Holly Z.
Love this place. Great food and a huge menu. I've yet to have something that I didn't like. I also have only tried a quarter of the menu. Great place.
(4)Julie K.
So good! Chicken Noodle Soup (Vietnamese version) for a cold day like today! Or string beans, eggplant, salt/pepper shrimp, minced chicken, cold ginger chicken... So hard to decide...
(5)Michael L.
Stopped here for dinner after visiting Volcanoes National Park. Thank you Yelpers in helping me find this gem of a restaurant in Hilo! The food here is tasty and authentic - had both Chinese and Vietnamese people at the table who could vouch for the food! Had a variety of things we find at home in the Bay Area: Westlake Beef Soup, Hot and Sour Soup, Salt and Pepper Ahi, Salt and Pepper Squid, Mustard Greens with Mushrooms, Honey Walnut Shrimp, Fish Curry, Beef Chow Fun, and the "Vietnamese Special" dish Service was great and overall very high quality food. To be fair, I'm told that the Westlake Beef Soup was a bit on the salty side. Also the chow fun noodles seemed like they were a day old.
(4)Robin S.
Staff is super and we love the salt and pepper squid.
(3)Kimi N.
this used to be my favorite Vietnamese restaurant before.. I don't come here for Pho anymore.. I will come here for crispy or cake noodles.. maybeee honey chicken.. too much rice not enough meat
(3)Erynn T.
I don't really eat vietnamese/chinese food, but I loveee a couple things here. 5 stars for my absolute favs: - Honey walnut shrimp - Salt and pepper beef - Sesame chicken It's just sooo good!!! Best honey walnut shrimp ever. Their sesame chicken is my new fav over Miyo's one. And the salt and pepper beef is just something I really enjoy, it's crispy and garlic-y and delish! I also like their summer rolls. And the crispy or cake noodles are good too, but not my fav. Oh and li hing mui soda! Overall good service and good food, large portions. But I only come here if I'm craving one of the aforementioned dishes ;P
(5)Bill B.
This place is a little hole in the wall with no sign, so you really have to know where it is to get there. They have great Pho and fast, friendly service...what more could you ask for?
(4)Ian H.
One of the best places to eat in Hilo. We get take-out from here at least once a month and it's always good! Can't go wrong with the Lettuce Wraps and Fried Summer Rolls.
(4)courtney r.
Best Pho! So good, served piping hot, and great service! This is sort of a hole in the wall type place, so if you aren't looking, you'll miss it. But so worth finding! Always consistent, family friendly, great prices, delicious food!
(5)Anne C.
Salted ahi fried rice. Salty and yummy.
(4)Alan O.
If mussels with black bean sauce is one of your favorites, you must try it here. Absolutely good, and I know this because I kept ladling the sauce onto my rice after I ate all the mussels and veggies. If you don't see it on the written menu, ask the waitress or waiter because they serve it everyday.
(5)Anya E.
Driving up to the building, I asked my husband where the restaurant was because there were no conspicuous signs. I couldn't even see the entry way. Once we drove up closer, I saw a small neon open sign and was told the door was to the left. Hilo Rice noodle has about 6 tables in front and a room in the back with a table that seats 8. That's where we were headed to meet our group. The menu is fairly large and consists of Vietnamese and Chinese items. I had the pho tai (beef pho) as did my husband. Others had chow fun. We all shared a pot of green tea. All of our food arrived within 10 minutes of being ordered which was pretty fast for 8 people. While not terrible, our pho left more to be desired. The rice noodles, beef and fresh veggies were just fine. But the broth lacked flavor. I added quite a bit of shoyu and some sriracha, but the broth could not be rescued. Our party seemed to enjoy their chow fun, so I may have to try the Chinese menu next time. I did have the sweet potato tapioca which redeemed Hilo Rice Noodles. The tapioca was cooked in coconut milk with little chunks of sweet potato. It had just the right touch of sweetness which made this dessert something I wanted more of. Service was great, friendly, attentive, and water constantly refilled. They will also do their best to accommodate your diet preference. One person in our group has health issues and strict dietary restrictions. The kitchen staff was able to create a custom dish that met their needs. I was going to rate HRN 2 stars but added an extra one for their flexibility and accommodation.
(3)Shin K.
$9 for a bowl of PHO?!?! And for such small amount of noodles and meat? Wowzers. The Pho isn't amazing but just ok. Add the right amount of Sriracha sauce and Hoisin sauce and it's pretty good. We also had the honey walnut shrimp. It was way over-breaded. More breading than actual shrimp. The pho hit the spot so I guess it did what it's supposed to.
(3)Raypermena Lei A.
Found this place on yelp because we wanted soup, and this was the first one that popped up. Followed the directions and wasn't sure if we found the right place. It's in an unmarked building. No signs what so ever. Was only able to identify the restaurant based on the decor I saw from yelp pictures. It's a mixture of Vietnamese and Chinese. Different, I'll give them that. The food was bland- I had the combination fired noodles. The service was not up to par and they need to put a sign to direct customers to pay outside. I didn't even know the two were connected! Work on the signage and maybe more people will come.
(1)Racheal S.
Food is good. Service was ookay. It was a very slow afternoon, yet the girl was still unable to get one of our rice order until the last min we were done w our other dishes. Also really disappointed with how small the dish portions were considering its high price... I feel like getting food at Panda would be much worth for its serving/price.
(3)Jamie D.
I'm surprised how this place has 4 Stars on Yelp. I got the seafood chow fun... It was 98% chow fun and 2% seafood. The noodles just tasted salty. I drenched it with sriracha to make it taste better. Not worth $14. Nice customer service but food needs improvement.
(2)Kraziechic A.
Great food and good service...so far the best Vietnamese food in Hilo by far. I would have given them 5 stars but they forgot to put my meatballs in my pho. They did give it to me after I asked though. The waiter and waitress were very helpful and friendly. Food was fresh and deliciously satisfying. We will be back!
(4)VG d.
3-stars means "A-OK" which accurately describes this local Vietnamese-Chinese restaurant (imho). Good food and service at reasonable prices. My friend and I were visiting from Oahu and found this place on Yelp, but we had a hard time finding it because there is no sign outside, and nothing on the door, but GPS said we'd arrived. So when we asked "Is this Hilo Rice Noodle?" a lady answered "Yes - you must not be local" which I thought was a strange thing to say to a new customer (so perhaps put a sign up? just sayin'...) Okay, that said, the food! - Salt and pepper shrimp - Messy to eat, but really good, so worth it :0} - Mongolian beef - tasty but the beef was tough, thick slices with gristle :0{ - Lettuce chicken cups - these were quite bland, wouldn't get again. :0I If I lived here, I'm sure I would return as there is a lot on the menu that looks really inviting and the service is fast and friendly. All in all, A-OK.
(3)Morgan K.
Gave the take out window a try, all around a much better experience! Quick and friendly service. You also get a lot more food for the money! I got the following items... Shrimp Chow Fun: Gave this one another try. Ordered it "spicy hot" which was much better than regular. Shrimp Fried Rice: This dish didn't look visually appealing in anyway (see picture) but the flavor was excellent...one of the best fried rice dishes I've had. Vegetable Crispy Noodle: Packed with vegetables and the flavor was on point, definitely a favorite now!
(5)Brennan T.
I've enjoyed my food whenever in the 2-3 times I've visited, but nothing has been a standout to me. Enjoyable Vietnamese and Chinese food.
(3)Holly Z.
Love this place. Great food and a huge menu. I've yet to have something that I didn't like. I also have only tried a quarter of the menu. Great place.
(4)Julie K.
So good! Chicken Noodle Soup (Vietnamese version) for a cold day like today! Or string beans, eggplant, salt/pepper shrimp, minced chicken, cold ginger chicken... So hard to decide...
(5)Michael L.
Stopped here for dinner after visiting Volcanoes National Park. Thank you Yelpers in helping me find this gem of a restaurant in Hilo! The food here is tasty and authentic - had both Chinese and Vietnamese people at the table who could vouch for the food! Had a variety of things we find at home in the Bay Area: Westlake Beef Soup, Hot and Sour Soup, Salt and Pepper Ahi, Salt and Pepper Squid, Mustard Greens with Mushrooms, Honey Walnut Shrimp, Fish Curry, Beef Chow Fun, and the "Vietnamese Special" dish Service was great and overall very high quality food. To be fair, I'm told that the Westlake Beef Soup was a bit on the salty side. Also the chow fun noodles seemed like they were a day old.
(4)Robin S.
Staff is super and we love the salt and pepper squid.
(3)Julie S.
A gem!
(5)Crystal M.
Sorry no stars for this place for Pho and Beef Stew, compared to Pho Viet, well..... It doesn't. Gave it a 2nd chance with the honey chicken and noodles, didn't care for it either, it could have been sitting out a while
(1)Kimi N.
this used to be my favorite Vietnamese restaurant before.. I don't come here for Pho anymore.. I will come here for crispy or cake noodles.. maybeee honey chicken.. too much rice not enough meat
(3)Erynn T.
I don't really eat vietnamese/chinese food, but I loveee a couple things here. 5 stars for my absolute favs: - Honey walnut shrimp - Salt and pepper beef - Sesame chicken It's just sooo good!!! Best honey walnut shrimp ever. Their sesame chicken is my new fav over Miyo's one. And the salt and pepper beef is just something I really enjoy, it's crispy and garlic-y and delish! I also like their summer rolls. And the crispy or cake noodles are good too, but not my fav. Oh and li hing mui soda! Overall good service and good food, large portions. But I only come here if I'm craving one of the aforementioned dishes ;P
(5)Bill B.
This place is a little hole in the wall with no sign, so you really have to know where it is to get there. They have great Pho and fast, friendly service...what more could you ask for?
(4)Kristie N.
Our waitress came to our table about 4 times to see if we were ready to order. (Keep in mind we were sitting for no more than 5 minutes.) Food was decent, but service could have been better!
(3)VG d.
3-stars means "A-OK" which accurately describes this local Vietnamese-Chinese restaurant (imho). Good food and service at reasonable prices. My friend and I were visiting from Oahu and found this place on Yelp, but we had a hard time finding it because there is no sign outside, and nothing on the door, but GPS said we'd arrived. So when we asked "Is this Hilo Rice Noodle?" a lady answered "Yes - you must not be local" which I thought was a strange thing to say to a new customer (so perhaps put a sign up? just sayin'...) Okay, that said, the food! - Salt and pepper shrimp - Messy to eat, but really good, so worth it :0} - Mongolian beef - tasty but the beef was tough, thick slices with gristle :0{ - Lettuce chicken cups - these were quite bland, wouldn't get again. :0I If I lived here, I'm sure I would return as there is a lot on the menu that looks really inviting and the service is fast and friendly. All in all, A-OK.
(3)Anissa M.
I went here so often when I lived in Hilo. I practically stopped by once a week. The pho here is great but I am very partial the salt and pepper squid. I even got my friends hooked on it. They have speedy service and great staff that take care of you. They also had the best boba in Hilo (IMO). Give this place a try!!! It's delicious!!!
(5)Morgan K.
Gave the take out window a try, all around a much better experience! Quick and friendly service. You also get a lot more food for the money! I got the following items... Shrimp Chow Fun: Gave this one another try. Ordered it "spicy hot" which was much better than regular. Shrimp Fried Rice: This dish didn't look visually appealing in anyway (see picture) but the flavor was excellent...one of the best fried rice dishes I've had. Vegetable Crispy Noodle: Packed with vegetables and the flavor was on point, definitely a favorite now!
(5)Kristie N.
Our waitress came to our table about 4 times to see if we were ready to order. (Keep in mind we were sitting for no more than 5 minutes.) Food was decent, but service could have been better!
(3)Karen T.
Good food, good service. Go if you're in the area and looking for someplace to eat. I had Chicken Pho Ga. It was pretty good. My sister and husband had some sort of cake noodle dishes that was good too. My brother had a chicken and mushroom dish with shiitake mushrooms. That was really good! To be honest I haven't found many good places to eat at in Hilo but this place would make it in Honolulu. LOL! Would I return? Yes! Would I recommend it to a friend? Yes!
(5)Keri S.
Ok, this is a MUST stop spot. Hilo Rice Noodle aka "HRN." This is a great spot to sit down and catch up with friends. The food, PERFECT! You have to get the "Vice Special." You won't find it on the menu; it is a well-kept secret for the elite :) Also try their spring rolls, sooooo yummy! It comes with three on the plate, I recommend doubling up as we do. To drink, my favorite is the Thai Iced Tea! Also, the bubble drinks are a big hit that come in several different flavors. The service, also PERFECT! Never a glass empty, quick & friendly service.
(5)Edwin N.
I came here to pick up lunch which was a #34 Chicken and Spring Roll Cold Noodle. You can either dine in or take-out and eat outside, whatever you prefer. Hilo Rice Noodle serves Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine. They are open from Monday through Friday from 10 am to 8:30 pm. On Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm and closed on Sunday. Today was my first time being here in a long long time! I do however remember all those umbrellas hanging upside-down from the ceiling though. The food is a little pricey here but Hilo Rice Noodle does server up really good items. In the past I've ordered the Honey Chicken, House Cake noodles with shrimp and Salt and Pepper Squid. All were at that time...splendid! It's a nice place to go to when you need to break the monotony of Chinese restaurants in Hilo. That is especially when Chinese restaurants are all you see around Hilo town, LOL! Don't get me wrong, I love it but more variety is better. Anyway, Hilo Rice Noodle achieves 4 stars from me....nice job!
(4)Matt C.
To me, Hilo Rice Noodle Soup (referred to as HRNS from here on out) was always that place that we would call when we needed to get a big order of cake noodles for a party or something; and I had no problem with that. But, I not-so-recently learned that they serve boba drinks, and I'd be lying if I said that didn't change the game. Really though, HRNS isn't some restaurant that just popped up out of nowhere by any means. It's always been there (as long as I can remember), serving up great Viet and Chinese food for the masses. From banh mi to mongolian beef, they've got you covered. Being a restaurant that allows you to call before hand and just pick up food, HRNS is always a very convenient and viable option when you need to grab a quick dish to a get-together. However, that's not to say that they aren't also a great place to simply dine-in. With a good number of booths and tables inside their restaurant, along with two dining rooms in the back for larger groups, you can normally count on them to have seats available for you and your crew. They also have lots of seating outside by the pick-up area if you get your plate and decide you just want to enjoy the fresh air while you eat. Parking at HRNS is also a non-issue. Located in a building that used to have a super market in it, there is ample parking at all times of day. I believe on Saturdays there is even a farmer's market sort of thing in the parking lot there, so if you happened to swing by on the weekend you could catch that as well. Really I have nothing bad to say about HRNS. Every time I've been there, I've had great service and good foods. Just an overall good experience. What more could you ask for? I highly recommend that you give them a try if you haven't already!
(5)Lori L.
The family who owns Hilo Rice Noodle Soup Restaurant have both Vietnamese and Chinese roots and that is reflected in their extensive menu. A regular choice for me from the Vietnamese side of the menu is the Cold Vermicelli Noodles with Spring Rolls and BBQ Chicken, they put lettuce at the bottom so it's a complete meal in a bowl. If you'd rather have rice, try the Pork Chop, the chop is thin and well seasoned with lemongrass and spices. From the Chinese side, try the Young Tofu with mushroom and ground pork. The tofu is soft and silky and the gravy has a nice flavor. They also have a wide variety of stir-fries, vegetarian options, and dishes with noodles (chow funn, chow mien, rice noodle, and cake noodle). There is no sign on the exterior--that was stolen years ago--casual indoor and outdoor dinning, or takeout. If you are craving Vietnamese or Chinese food in Hilo, Hilo Rice Noodle is your best option.
(3)Jade F.
The food here is cheap and average. Admittedly as a resident of San Francisco, I have snobbish standards when it comes to Vietnamese and Chinese food. Regardless, the people are nice, the place is clean, and the food will fill you up. Bottom line: I won't go out of my way to return, but I wouldn't turn it down if someone invited me.
(3)Rae N.
If you're craving for pork with a bit of spice, I highly recommend the Salt & Pepper Pork Ribs! It is my favorite dish! If you're thinking of dining in, the inside of the restaurant is beautiful! They have the traditional Chinese umbrellas (uncertain what they are called, I'm sorry if I offend anyone) hanging from the ceiling, and Christmas lights to the light the room :) It's very romantic and lit. Also, I forgot to mention that the spring rolls and the Honeydew bobba drink are awesome!
(4)Anissa M.
I went here so often when I lived in Hilo. I practically stopped by once a week. The pho here is great but I am very partial the salt and pepper squid. I even got my friends hooked on it. They have speedy service and great staff that take care of you. They also had the best boba in Hilo (IMO). Give this place a try!!! It's delicious!!!
(5)Tiffany T.
So let's drop pretenses. I'm Vietnamese and I'm not from the island. If you expect authenticity then you will be disappointed. If you're looking to satiate a Vietnamese fix and you're only in Hilo for a few days, skip this and wait until you get back to the mainland. This place caters to locals and local preferences. I'm not going to lie, I ate here all the time while I lived in Hilo. I'm a proud punch card holder, but I wouldn't go here if I were on the mainland. Let me start with the positive side. The egg rolls here are terrific. They are longer than the egg rolls I'm used to but are perfect for wrapping up in lettuce and cilantro and dipping in fish sauce. The fish sauce is a little too bland and sweet for my preference but it's not glaringly off. The pho dishes are decent enough and can be good if you're not expecting too much. Sometimes I feel like the herbs aren't fresh enough. You're on an island that's ripe for growing Asian herbs... I expect fresher ingredients. Oh, the thai iced tea is great here too. Now for the negative. What bothers me the most about this restaurant and all other Vietnamese restaurants on the island is how they call egg rolls (the fried kind) egg rolls and spring rolls (the rice paper kind) summer rolls. There is absolutely nothing "spring-like" about a deep fried egg roll. Also, you have to ask for chili garlic, it isn't on the table like how most Vietnamese restaurants have it. When I ask for this, I get weird looks from the servers. It's not weird! Out of the 3 Vietnamese restaurants in Hilo, this one is the best. Don't expect authenticity but do go here if you're a student living in Hilo and are in need of some Vietnamese.
(3)Scott F.
A favorite restaurant in Hilo. I have had lunch here at least once a week for the last oh.... 8 years or so. This is a family run business with really good prices, good sized portions, in an OK setting. I can see what the previous reviewers mean.. this is definitely a place to come for a no-frills experience, but I love it nonetheless. (lol) And yeah, the restroom situation is a bit awkward. I think of it as a place for Chinese since I always get the Garlic Chicken over rice, but there is also Vietnamese and other Asian dishes on the menu. This is a great, out of the way place that gives you a real idea of what it is like to live in Hilo-town.
(5)Carla K.
Hilo Rice Noodle hit the spot today with their beef/tendon/flank pho. Good stuff to help warm you up in the rainy weather. A little more veg would be great, but the broth was flavorful and the place was clean and cute, with the lights and Linus Chao paintings about. Had the lettuce cups before - they're pretty good. And the honey chicken - don't bother, a bit like leftover overfried Panda Express (that was my first impression and it took me over a year to go back there). Anyways, go for the pho!
(3)L. T.
The best is their #28 plate. When my office orders from there, there are about 10 out of 13 orders for this plate! It's the cold noodle with spring rolls. It has a bed of vermicelli noodles, lettuce, cucumber, and green onions all under their wonderful spring rolls sprinkled with minced peanuts. They serve it with a great clear fish sauce. It's so good that you'll be glad you have your chopsticks to eat up every piece. Other than this plate, I have tried the salt and pepper squid and the black bean squid. I would rather have the black bean squid since it's basically the salt & pepper squid with great black bean sauce and veggies. Really awesome dish!! Their bubble tea is also really good. The tapioca balls have a great flavor to them and they are not hard or grainy, but just right! They will give you a punch card for these bubble drinks. Buy 10 drinks, get one free. A card is also available for certain plates - buy 10, get one free. I would totally recommend this place! The only gripe I have is that every year they raise their prices. So now my beloved #28 went from being about $7 to $9! :(
(5)Hikari K.
This place is a hidden gem! Literally! Downfall is they do not have a sign so it's hard to find, with that said... it's a very cute, tiny spot. The rare beef, brisket with tripe Pho is delicious!!! I could have had 3 bowls! Hilo rice noodle Soup is my absolute new favorite noodle house here on the Big Island. Service is outstanding!
(4)Roseann E.
I only went to Hilo Rice Noodle two times since knowing about it and finding it is a hidden hole in the wall pretty much. The first time I went I loved it. Second time, it absolutely sucked. The service was horrible and food I couldn't stand the smell. But, mostly it was because when I asked to return my meal because it smelled so bad the waiter gave me a stupid look like he didn't care at all. Terrible! Especially, when I was rushing home from work and bragging about it to my family and took them out. I couldn't believe it! I looked like a total fool. I would never go back there or recomend it to anyone. To make it worse, I work in the food industry and it was a absolute shame.
(1)Aubrey J.
nothing compared to what we have here in so cal, but i do enjoy my pho from hilo rice noodle whenever i need that fix while vacationing in hawaii. my family & i make it a point to dine here at least once with all our cousins before i head back home & it never disappoints! we always come in with a big group & the servers don't mind it at all. they do a great job serving & are quick & efficient. pho with everything is what i always get plus egg rolls. then we leave with boba in hand like a parting a gift. haha the good thing about this place too is that they not only serve vietnamese food but a mix of other asian food... which i guess is typical of many restaurants in hawaii, of course ;)
(4)Shamoo S.
tried their viet sandwich! omg it's to die for! Very unique and flavorful! NO joke!
(5)Vee L.
Okay, 5 stars for the Big Island. This is one underrated place in Hilo. good soups, good spring rolls, good fried rice, good service (the chow fun was too sweet though and should be dried fried). This is Hilo, you looking for resort style setting, go to Kona. Oh and I think the name of this place is "Hilo Rice Noodle Shop".
(5)Winson K.
This is my absolute favorite restaurant on the Big Island. I come here time and time again for absolutely wonderful food that blends Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine. The restaurant owner is a phenomenal chef who I trust to cook any meal for me. My standard protocol is to let her do the ordering and to sit back and enjoy. This is one of the rare hidden gems in Hilo.
(5)Beckalyn A.
Love the pho and cold noodles. We always take out, and our order is always packed neat and tight. Making it easy to carry home and not spill. Their service is fast and friendly.
(5)Patrick L.
Good local noodle shop in not so noodle crazy Hilo Town.
(4)Jesse W.
12/5/07: I've been here many times with both family and co-workers. Middle of the road all-purpose chinese/vietnamese restaurant. Some of the specials are supposedly Taiwanese but I've never tried them (I'm Taiwanese and abit suspicious). Some of the vegetable dishes that I've tasted don't seem to be seasoned enough and could use more salt (this is surprising since most places in Hawaii are overseasoned). Prices are moderate and decor is basic. There is a take-out window with outdoor seating (ala Blane's) for those not looking for waiter service. Bathroom is awkward, it is located in the rear, accessible by walking around outside the restaurant, and then thru the kitchen. Next door is the local shaved ice hangout (Kawate's).
(3)Hilo H.
It's overrated and not always authentic, but the food is not bad. Wait service and portion size decent. Decor is bleh, but seems pretty clean. Nothing phenomenal, but it is open later than most restaurants in town.
(3)Jade F.
The food here is cheap and average. Admittedly as a resident of San Francisco, I have snobbish standards when it comes to Vietnamese and Chinese food. Regardless, the people are nice, the place is clean, and the food will fill you up. Bottom line: I won't go out of my way to return, but I wouldn't turn it down if someone invited me.
(3)Edwin N.
I came here to pick up lunch which was a #34 Chicken and Spring Roll Cold Noodle. You can either dine in or take-out and eat outside, whatever you prefer. Hilo Rice Noodle serves Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine. They are open from Monday through Friday from 10 am to 8:30 pm. On Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm and closed on Sunday. Today was my first time being here in a long long time! I do however remember all those umbrellas hanging upside-down from the ceiling though. The food is a little pricey here but Hilo Rice Noodle does server up really good items. In the past I've ordered the Honey Chicken, House Cake noodles with shrimp and Salt and Pepper Squid. All were at that time...splendid! It's a nice place to go to when you need to break the monotony of Chinese restaurants in Hilo. That is especially when Chinese restaurants are all you see around Hilo town, LOL! Don't get me wrong, I love it but more variety is better. Anyway, Hilo Rice Noodle achieves 4 stars from me....nice job!
(4)Karen T.
Good food, good service. Go if you're in the area and looking for someplace to eat. I had Chicken Pho Ga. It was pretty good. My sister and husband had some sort of cake noodle dishes that was good too. My brother had a chicken and mushroom dish with shiitake mushrooms. That was really good! To be honest I haven't found many good places to eat at in Hilo but this place would make it in Honolulu. LOL! Would I return? Yes! Would I recommend it to a friend? Yes!
(5)M C.
Closes at 8:30 and not 9:00 pm as indicated on Yelp. Also, not a minute after 8:30. In an abandoned strip mall.
(1)Kelsey M.
I don't care what anyone has to say about this place, it's a must whenever I visit Hilo. I've never questioned the cleanliness of the restaurant and have always received excellent service. I love the li hing soda. Extra sweet/sour & makes my mouth pucker just thinking about it. I also enjoy their Vietnamese coffee. My favorite food items are the honey walnut shrimp & the chicken lettuce wraps. I could spend hours just looking over their extensive menu but those are what I crave when I'm at home on Oahu.
(5)Odille C.
This place makes amazing noodles and cake noodle. Its location is a little weird, but I am not complaining, their food is so good. Its comfort food and it arrives so quickly. Hilo Rice Noodle is the place to be for noodles.
(5)Bianca Y.
So good, authentic Vietnamese and Chinese. Best Kauyuk I've ever had. Boba was the best too!
(5)Tom L.
This place was a little hard to find for a tourist passing through, but I could tell it is a favorite of the locals. Very friendly service and very reasonable prices. Had the Singapore noodles and salty fish fried rice. Both were very good. Wish I could have tried the Chinese dishes.
(4)Jacqueline G.
Great place for an hour lunch. Service is fast. Dining room is clean and recently updated with a new paint color and decorations. Not a fan of their pho. Too bland in my opinion. The lettuce cups are wonderful for an appetizer or main dish. Steep in price for an appetizer though. $11 I think. Salt and pepper squid is delicious and one of their most popular dishes. My absolute favorite is their Viet chicken sandwich (Banh Mi). Toasted bun, crispy chicken and a nice sauce. Yum!
(3)Sherry O.
Love the Honey Walnut Shrimp! Pho is awesome! Good amount of meat for Pho. Thai iced tea is the best in town. Haven't found one comparable yet. Owner is wonderful.
(4)Kiera Y.
I love the #29! Cold noodles with chicken & spring rolls. The lettuce cups, salt & pepper shrimp, black bean shrimp, basa fish, and salted fish fried rice is also good :) they are very consistent but one less star cause they are pricey. Expect $10 per entree...
(4)Keri S.
Ok, this is a MUST stop spot. Hilo Rice Noodle aka "HRN." This is a great spot to sit down and catch up with friends. The food, PERFECT! You have to get the "Vice Special." You won't find it on the menu; it is a well-kept secret for the elite :) Also try their spring rolls, sooooo yummy! It comes with three on the plate, I recommend doubling up as we do. To drink, my favorite is the Thai Iced Tea! Also, the bubble drinks are a big hit that come in several different flavors. The service, also PERFECT! Never a glass empty, quick & friendly service.
(5)Matt C.
To me, Hilo Rice Noodle Soup (referred to as HRNS from here on out) was always that place that we would call when we needed to get a big order of cake noodles for a party or something; and I had no problem with that. But, I not-so-recently learned that they serve boba drinks, and I'd be lying if I said that didn't change the game. Really though, HRNS isn't some restaurant that just popped up out of nowhere by any means. It's always been there (as long as I can remember), serving up great Viet and Chinese food for the masses. From banh mi to mongolian beef, they've got you covered. Being a restaurant that allows you to call before hand and just pick up food, HRNS is always a very convenient and viable option when you need to grab a quick dish to a get-together. However, that's not to say that they aren't also a great place to simply dine-in. With a good number of booths and tables inside their restaurant, along with two dining rooms in the back for larger groups, you can normally count on them to have seats available for you and your crew. They also have lots of seating outside by the pick-up area if you get your plate and decide you just want to enjoy the fresh air while you eat. Parking at HRNS is also a non-issue. Located in a building that used to have a super market in it, there is ample parking at all times of day. I believe on Saturdays there is even a farmer's market sort of thing in the parking lot there, so if you happened to swing by on the weekend you could catch that as well. Really I have nothing bad to say about HRNS. Every time I've been there, I've had great service and good foods. Just an overall good experience. What more could you ask for? I highly recommend that you give them a try if you haven't already!
(5)Federico I.
Best Vietnamese food in Hilo. Great vegetarian options.
(4)pat e.
Choi sum beef was really nice and the crispy duck was excellent. This is a place that only tourists who read reviews online will find - we ate outside as we were in bathing suits and such and I watched the patrons going in. All locals, typical Hilo mix of races, shapes and ages. I was told that this is a favorite of the "old timers," and now it's one of ours. We were talking to our realtor (a Hilo native) and he agreed that this is on his short list of good Chinese places to eat. The service was quick and polite, there's tons of parking, no view or much atmosphere, a walk up take out window and several tables outside and a sit down restaurant inside.
(4)Natalie N.
A great bowl of pho and very yummy fresh rolls. Service was great, very friendly people.
(5)Samdooby R.
Ordered on the combo Pho - rare thin steak, flank, brisket, tendon, tripe, and meatballs - SO GOOD. Nice mild beefy flavor to the broth, heavy on the star anise, rice noodles cooked just right, thinly sliced onions and served w/ lemon, mung bean sprouts, Thai basil, and Chinese parsley (cilantro). Everything was fresh and clean tasting. Waiters were friendly and attentive. The only drawback was my co-worker had the lemon chicken and it was bad - soggy batter and overly SWEET lemon sauce. Other than that this place is "ono"...Cheehuu!! FYI - Its a local/Chinese/Vietnamese joint so plenty options! One of MANY things great about Hilo!! Cheehuu!!
(3)