Hot Pot Heaven opened in Kailua about five years ago, according to business owner Kim Nguyen. Starting this Friday, May 8, the eatery is adding pho to its lunch menu.
From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, the restaurant will offer pho, fresh spring rolls, summer rolls and papaya salad, according to Nguyen. These dishes are bestsellers at its sister restaurant in Pearl City, Pho Heaven.
Pho bowls come with bean sprouts, basil and lime, and are garnished with scallions and onions. Customers can choose from pre-set options or go with the build-your-own pho ($18), which includes a choice of one protein.
“The pho combination ($22) is the most popular,” says Nguyen. “It has rare steak, brisket, meatball, tendon and tripe.”
She notes that the pho beef ribs ($25) — which come with two meaty pieces — is another customer favorite.
Shareable appetizers include spring roll platters ($17), summer rolls ($12) and papaya salad ($17).
The spring roll platter is served with herbs, lettuce and vermicelli noodles.
“You roll it with the lettuce leaves; put in some noodles, some of the herbs and put the roll in at the end,” Nguyen explains.
Summer rolls are stuffed with shrimp, pork, lettuce and bean sprouts, and are served with a creamy peanut sauce. Meanwhile, the shredded papaya salad is topped with shrimp, pork, herbs and roasted peanuts.
Nguyen encourages customers to also try the eatery’s spring roll vermicelli noodle ($17), which features cut, crispy spring rolls served on a bed of veggies and vermicelli noodles.
“A lot of people requested it, so we decided to add it,” she says.
CONTACT
Hot Pot Heaven Kailua
201 Hamakua Dr. Ste. A-102, Kailua
hotpotheaven.com
Instagram: @hotpotheaven
Pho menu available daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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Kelli Shiroma Braiotta can be reached at kelli@alohastatedaily.com.
