New Saigon Vietnamese Restaurant
About
A Taste of Southeast Asia in Hilo Town
Tucked away near the bustling heart of Hilo, New Saigon Vietnamese Restaurant offers a straightforward, no-frills portal to authentic Vietnamese home cooking. The air inside is consistently thick with the savory, aromatic steam of long-simmered beef bone broth, a scent that signals the kitchen's dedication to traditional pho preparation. It is the kind of place where locals head when they want a quiet lunch or a restorative dinner without the pretension of white tablecloths.
The Soul of the Menu
The star of the show remains their classic Pho, which features a clear, nuanced broth that leans heavily into star anise and charred ginger notes. Unlike busier establishments that prioritize speed over depth, the kitchen here allows the flavors to develop fully. Regulars frequently gravitate toward the spring rolls, which arrive wrapped in thin, translucent rice paper, packed with fresh herbs that provide a crisp contrast to the richer noodle dishes. The menu is expansive, covering everything from broken rice plates to spicy lemongrass stir-fries, making it an ideal spot for groups who can’t decide on a single craving.
The Local Experience
The setting is utilitarian and humble, which is precisely why it feels like an genuine piece of Hilo’s diverse food landscape. While the interior is basic and the acoustics can bounce a bit during the lunch rush, the staff moves with a rhythmic efficiency that keeps the crowd turning over smoothly. Parking in this part of town requires a bit of patience during the midday peak, so bring a calm demeanor and a healthy appetite. Whether you are grabbing a quick bowl of noodles before exploring the nearby Big Island scenery or sitting down for a communal family meal, this spot delivers reliable, high-quality comfort food that remains a staple for those in the know.
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Amenities & Features
Location
96 Kalanianaole Ave, Hilo, Hawaii, 96720-4744
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Reviews
Showing 10 of 96 community reviewsBoe DidietGoogle Maps
Recently
Good portion, and tasty.
Zach HoGoogle Maps
Recently
Lovely family restaurant on the island, the pork chop on rice was some of the best I’ve had definitely give it a try when you’re in Hilo 🤙🏻
TysonGoogle Maps
Recently
If you’re in Hilo and looking for the best actually authentic Vietnamese food, come here. Fresh ingredients, kind people and just really great food. Thank you!
Daysha RabangGoogle Maps
Recently
Recently ordered just the pho broth and veggies. Veggies were packed separately include the hoisin and chilis! Broth was flavorful and hot! I have been going to this place since it first opened. The food, service and family is amazing and wonderful and the consistency has never changed. Thank you for serving the Big Island all these years and in the future!
Scott “Süp127” EricksonGoogle Maps
Recently
I'm basically just here to recommend the beef stew, which was so delicous. My jalapeño was a dud, but I can't fault them for that (sometimes they aren't hot). Thoroughly enjoyed it regardless. It was so good, served pho-style. The pad thai was a bit sweet for my companion, but I loved it. Also had the veggie fried rice, which was excellent. Very friendly staff. Mid-grade formal/informal, nice atmosphere for sitting and enjoying your meal, with nice windows in the eating area. They will come take your order but you pay up front when done. Certainly a great place to stop and grab a bite when enjoying the nearby beach park.
Karen GayGoogle Maps
Recently
Older building. Couple that own it were amazing. Very friendly. Had the pho soup. Best broth I have ever had. Looking forward to going there again next time I visit the island.
steven sharrardGoogle Maps
Recently
Love Vietnamese food. I called 40 minuets prior to arriving because we had 15 people and they where ready once we arrived. The service and food was amazing
Tina CGoogle Maps
Recently
They were really nice and let us eat thanksgiving dinner there even though they were closing. I liked the pho broth along with the crispy noodles. But most of all we were just happy to have a place to eat.
Vito AndoliniGoogle Maps
Recently
Great bowl of Pho. Took a long time to receive food, and some people who arrived later received their food first. Restaurant was clean.
Leanne KirkGoogle Maps
Recently
This "hole-in-the-wall" restaurant was recommended to me by a friend. My mom and I finally had the chance to try it, and, boy, what a treat! We ordered takeout since my mom is elderly. We ordered the steamed rice with pork chop - shredded pork and eggs (38), shrimp and eggplant (don't know the number), beef stewed with noodle (3), crispy egg noodles special with shrimp (51), and the Hong Kong rice noodles (33). Everything was delicious! My mom liked the shrimp and eggplant best. (I couldn't find it on the menu, but the server knew what I was talking about). The pork chop and the shrimp and eggplant were among my favorites. I loved the beef stewed with noodle also. It might be easy to overlook this nondescript place, so I wanted to help bring notice to this little gem. Highly recommend!
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