Pho Hoa Noodle Soup

This place is GREAT! In February, I went for the first time one weekend and then went back that same week three times! I went back in May, to find it was closed with a sign on the door stating that it would be closed until Jun 1^st for renovations. When I went back the second week of June, the sign on the building was gone but the sign was still affixed to the door saying that it was closed for repairs but would be opened June 1^st. Now, when I call the number… it’s disconnected and the website is gone as well. This saddens me! This was the BEST Phở Noodles place in the CITY!

The crawfish flavoring is delicious but size of them were minuscule.
Phở was not as good as other local Vietnamese restaurants.

Tasty!!! Quick, staff is helpful and the ambiance is fun.

I’m a sandwhich addict, and Phở Hoa serves the best banh mi in Kansas City; the cheapest, too. I eat here like once per week, and their entire menu is excellent. They’ve got a cool bar (something the other similar restarants in the area don’t have) and the staff is great. Some evenings they do karaōke!
I’d also put their phở among the best I’ve had.

Update: they added sammies (Bahn Mi) to all menus! I found there were on little half pages in the middle of some menus; not all. Now – just flip it over. Options are always listed, so you don’t have to feel like you are inconveniencing the kitchen.
Just another reason why I love this place, they are so kind and accommodating. We were just in ordering Phở to go (and a Bahn Mi for tomorrow, por supuesto) and he was trying to convince us to dine in, but not annoyingly, really dearly. Then, as we were waiting, he surprised us with a treat. At first glance, they looked like regular dinner rolls (see Josh M.‘s photo). Turns out, they were filled with delicious BBQ pork. I asked if they were on the menu and learned a few things. He called them Vietnamese buns, but that is confusing… Cause it is not Bun… Anyway, they are opening another location near Uptown theatre AND will serve them at this locale if you ask. Oh, we will.
Thanks again, Phở Hoa!

Don’t be turned off by the shady part of town, the questionable parking, or the fact that it’s a national concept instead of a family restaurant.
The food tells, and it’s great and worth going to if you are in this part of town and want to switch it up from Vietnam Café. However, if you’ve never been to Vietnam Café, go there first and then come here another time.

A+
I can’t remember if I have reviewed this place before or not and I am too lazy to take the time to look.
This is the best Vietnamese restaurant in town, that I have found. And I believe I have tried a few.
Their Phở is unreal. It makes the stuff at Vietnam Café seemed like water. So much flavor. Plus, the stuff they give you to put in it is extremely fresh and their is an abundance of it.
But the real star is their Bahn Mi. I think they are even better than the Bahn Mi I’ve had on the West Coast (!).
Their service is legit as well. Anytime we have had to wait even just a little while they have brought out free food (BBQ Buns, yo!). They are so nice and epitomize everything that is great about Kansas City and its dining culture.
Found in a very shady part of town but worth the risk. Even go after sundown. No biggie. The lot is lighted.
If you are scared to go alone, I’d be down to go with you at the drop of a hat. This place is a real gem.
Pro Tip: They are getting ready to open a second shop across from the Uptown!

Talk about a diamond in the rough! I would have never gone to Phở Hoa purely because I normally do not go in this area of Kansas City and even if I did, I wouldn’t even see it if I drove by. I was referred to Phở Hoa by my hairstylist because I usually get hungry after my hair cuts. Seeing as my hairstylist is Vietnamese, I didn’t think doubt her recommendation. I mean, she must know what real Vietnamese cuisine should taste like, right? Why not…
My how glad I was that I ventured to this tucked away Vietnamese cuisine haven. Navigating here isn’t the easiest. Make sure you keep your eyes peeled for the «PHO» sign. It’s not facing Independence Avenue but in a small plaza about 3 stores down from the main street.
The menu isn’t complicated. You’ll find rice dishes, vermicelli dishes, and of course phở dishes. I was surprised that they had Banh Mi because I am a huge fan of these yummy Vietnamese sandwiches. You can find a lot of Banh Mi in California but it’s rare to find a very delicious Banh Mi. They also have boba (tapioca pearl) drinks and other fruit smoothies that most Asian restaurants have.
In my first visit, we tried the taro milk tea w/​boba, spring rolls (or summer rolls here) special Banh Mi, and chicken Phở. The taro milk tea was creamy and sweet, but not too sweat. The boba was also soft and chewy, perfectly cooked tapioca pearls. I did not get to taste the Phở but if you order the dark meat chicken, you will get many different parts of the chicken, so stick with white meat chicken if you aren’t into the other stuff. I was thoroughly impressed with the special Banh Mi which included pork, chicken, and Vietnamese meat loaf. All of the meats were marinated and grilled incredibly well. The french baguette was also tasty and fresh. Everything just came together very well and my taste buds were exploding with joy.
I cannot wait to go back and get more Banh Mi and try the vermicelli dishes. I’m salivating right now thinking about that delicious sandwich.

Graffiti on the walls of tastefully decorated Vietnamese (Phở) restaurant attests to the customers’ love for Phở Hoa KC!
On my way to and from work, I stop at Phở Hoa only 3 – 6 times per week for food. What a blessing they are in providing healthy, fresh food. I’m so grateful to have such a healthy, tasty food-​stop in my daily routine!
Spike at Phở Hoa takes me to the next level of joy in the Phở broth. Spike’s staff are dedicated to providing the best Phở and food enjoyment. The team commitment is right there to see.
Phở Hoa (KC) is my home away from home.
Phở…spicy or not… beef…chicken…vegetable. And, the newest off-​menu item: Mi Quang Emphasis on protein, including quail eggs, with a medley of sprouts and a garden of mints and banana blossom.
I recommend chicken Curry – not on the menu – to the ‘newbies’. In season, the crawfish with Spike’s special combination of spices.
Dessert? Vietnamese coffee. Take it ‘to go’.

So, my second experience here was better than the first. Quality of food was superb, wait staff was beyond friendly & recommended items on the menu since my husband isn’t a fan of Phở. He tried the special chicken curry & said it didn’t taste much like curry but all in all still had good flavor. Of course I went for the steak phở and it always goes above my expectations. The ingredients at this restaurant are fresh, good quality and so deliscious. I quite honestly am starting to make this my #1 phở stop instead of Vietname café. I prefer the phở here compared to Vietnam restuarant. Something about the broth that is more flavorful at this establishment. We also went for the shrimp rangoon as our appetizer and my gosh are they good!
We did try something new & that was the smoothies that we decided to get on our way out. My husband went for the strawberry and it tasted like a simple strawberry smoothie. I on the other hand got a avocado smoothie and holy moly! TO DIE FOR! I’ve never had one before and can’t believe I’ve missing out. It was creamy, rich, and packed with flavor. It was the perfect ending to our meal.
P. S. We seen a sign for a «man cave»… we didn’t venture back there, I was honestly kind of scared to but anybody else know what that’s about? LOL!

I hardly ever like to venture out to viet restuarants in Kansas City because we really don’t have many good viet restaurants. I wanted to try Phở Hoa because I have been obsessed with nem nuong spring rolls after having them in Orange County and Dallas. Unfortunately for me the sauce that I was craving is no longer served with their rolls. Apparently I am the only one in KC that likes the other sauce?!? The banh mi here is pretty good. I really like the french bread they use. And adding an over easy egg to the any of the banh mis will make it 10x better! Other must try items are the sweet potato and shrimp appetizer and the crawfish!

Finally a place that makes Vietnamese sandwiches in KC! I’ve been looking for three years! It’s pricier than I’m used to paying, but what choice do I have? They make their own bread too. It’s not the stale, hard kind that cut the roof of your mouth either. The owner’s from Houston and his food is legit. Their house coffee is delicious and their Banh Xeo (Vietnamese Crêpe) is huge. If you are craving it or are curious about it, you should share it amongst friends. I ordered one for three of us to share as an appetizer and we couldn’t finish our phở. They use the BBQ pork they put in their sandwiches, it’s not the ground pork that I’m used to. Whenever I’m craving Vietnamese food, this is the place I will go to. I live right by Vietnam Café and their food is decent, but I do think this restaurant has better tasting food and is worth the drive.
On a different note, when I’m here, I also feel like I’m at home in San Diego because of the diversity of the people who come into eat at the restaurant. Also, I don’t feel like I am the only Asian person in the place, aside from the people who work there. The food and the diversity make me a lot less homesick.

You know, some people get all excited about the BBQ in Kansas City. While there are some good BBQ places in town, (lead by Oklahoma Joe’s!), there are also so pretty darned good Vietnamese restaurants as well. With that said, I would like to proudly, enthusiastically and wholeheartedly recommend Phở Hoa!
This restaurant is beyond charming and exceedingly welcoming. The entire staff truly loves their customers and want to make sure you have a great experience. When you enter the restaurant, you’ll see many, many notes of welcome and thanks written on the walls, a testament to the über friendly atmosphere at Phở Hoa.
The menu is perhaps not as extensive as some other Vietnamese restaurants, but what is on the menu is truly exquisite. I have never been disappointed with anything here and I could especially eat the Spring rolls until I’d practically explode. Yes, they are THAT good! The noodle soups all have tons of flavor and are served piping hot. The rice dishes are also fantastic and I personally LOVE the grilled lemon grass and pork chop. Yes, I will pick up the bone and make sure it is totally devoid of meat. Again, it’s that good. I haven’t yet tried any of their sandwiches, but I will make that a goal… if I can ever get past the lemon grass pork chop!
If all of this isn’t wonderful enough, at this particular time Phở Hoa is also serving OHMYGAWD crawfish. Being from the south, I do love crawdads. So I had to give these a try, when my husband and I went last night. I probably could have eaten at least 10 pounds of them. I really can’t find the adjectives to describe how good they were. I must go back and get more, while the supplies last!
Located right across Independence Avenue from the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences, the restaurant is very conveniently located close to Interstates 35, 70 and the Paseo. The food is utterly phenomenal and you absolutely will not be disappointed.
That’s all I have to say about tha-​at.

Score one for the chain.
That’s likely the only time I’ll ever use those words on Unilocal.This is anything but a typical chain restaurant because it has the look and feel of a local mom and pop joint in a questionable part of town – which is exactly where it’s located.
Tucked in behind the infamous Motel Capri – is it still open? – if so, rooms are surely available by the hour. You get the idea. Next door to a sad looking Halel market and a couple of other nondescript businesses just off of Independence Ave. You don’t end up here by mistake.
The interior is funky, and some. Bad sort of faux tropical decorations that don’t exactly bring Vietnamese food to mind, and the walls are covered with graffiti. Lighting is a bit odd, dark, awkward tables that would be more appropriate for playing cards than dining. Designed by an Asian grandmother on crack? Doesn’t make a lot of sense.
But wait, here comes the phở, and oh my Gawd, is it delicious. My most recent choice was #45, the beef, pork, tripe and meatball phở. It’s all about the broth with phở, and this is outstanding. Plenty of bean sprouts, mint, cilantro and some of the hottest jalapeño slices I’ve tasted in awhile. The tripe seemed toned down – less wet dog, more flavorful. The noodles were fine, not too many, and bits of green onion infused it all. Those gnarly bits of connective tissue and fat that most of you will spit out? Don’t you dare. Bite down, chew. They’re filled with marvelous flavor.
Arrived at 11:20 and only a couple people were seated. I’m thinking this place probably doesn’t have it going on, but within minutes it’s filling up. There are business types from downtown, Hispanic guys wearing painter’s clothing, a couple of families with small children and assorted folks by themselves (me included). All hunched over steaming bowls of Phở and other dishes.
Well, say what you want about the location and the restaurant itself, they put out a fine dish of food. If you’re looking for high dining and atmosphere, move on. If you’re wanting a hot steaming bowl of Vietnamese comfort food, this might fit the bill. Worth trying.

Kim Long and VC still rate higher imo for phở.
Phở Hoa is pricier as well.

My review is high because of their service. Wonderful and helpful staff, they even offered us free pineapple infused vodka, which they were making by hand at the bar. Only downside was the phở broth was extremely salty when we went.

The first time I tried this place, the phở I ordered there was bland and I didn’t make an attempt to come back until this past weekend.
Well, I’m glad I did because it was delicious ! Maybe part of it was because I was hungover? Hm, anyway I ordered phở and banh mi, my go-​to menu items. The phở broth was on point (i must have had a good batch) and the banh mi was fairly good.
With banh mi I like nothing other than the CLASSIC banh mi, cold cut with head cheese, pâté, mayo, pickled daikon and carrots, cilantro… but since they didn’t have that, I ordered the grilled pork banh mi and it was pretty good. I just wish there was more meat in it.
My friends ordered the banh xeo (vietnamese pancake) and the spring roll wrap to roll it in. I love how they bring out the wraps dry and you can soak the wraps yourself. That’s brownie points guys, I like that concept. I tried it in a spring roll form with the banh xeo, lettuce, cucumber as the filling and it was delicious. The banh xeo was crunchy, which added great texture. I will have to order that next time I go there.

Go hungry and start with the shrimp and sweet potato fritters. be sure and wrap them in lettuce and dip them. throw yourself to the mercy of the staff or if your lucky enough to have Spike or his wife wait on you or guide you, all will be good…
return for lunch and you will find a totally different vibe. Try and make it on Chinese new years for the «floor show» I know Phở is not Chinese but then again not every one is Irish but you still like a parade right?.. Been going here sense about his first week open Spike is a great guy, not much turn over in staff so he must be a good boss. He has turned a dead location into a destination and me into a friend.

This place is tucked away from the street on Independence Avenue just behind the Capri Motel to the West of it. It seems a bit strange that this little gem is nestled away behind a no-​tell motel in an area of town that hasn’t seen the last of its seedy days. In fact, on the way home, the hubby and I witnessed the KCMO police face-​pavement a guy. Lovely.
But the food is worth the trip. Typically, I am not a fan of chain restaurants, especially if they’re not a local chain, but this is a definite exception. The phở is just shy of incredible. Today, I had the brisket and meatball phở which arrived with the requisite pile of cilantro, sweet basil, jalapenos and bean sprouts! Mmmm! The hubby’s eyes were almost as big as the gaping pit he calls a stomach. He started out with the sweet potato and shrimp fritters which are simply sweet potato fries and small shrimp that are battered and fried. He also ordered an avocado smoothie that was really nice. It had a nice fresh flavor and was the smoothest smoothie ever. He followed those items with the house special banh mi sandwich which was piled with flavorful meats and a nice cool cucumber. Unfortunately, it also had jalapeño, which left him gulping down water and everything else in sight. In addition, he had the grilled sliced pork with egg. The pork was tender and tasty with nice mild spices that he loved.
Today we got there at about 11:00 which was the perfect time. The service at that time was fast and attentive. We did notice that around 11:30 the place filled up and the service got a bit slower, but overall no complaints.
The décor is a bit strange. It’s very dark in the restaurant and the walls are painted a nice calming green and there are a few decorative accents around the place, but the walls are covered with graffiti written with a black Sharpie which seemed a bit out of place.

I read the Pitch. And thankfully for Phở Hoa, they had placed an ad in there. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have had any idea that this restaurant had arrived into town. I’ve been living in KC for about a year now, and have been truly disappointed as to the availability of Vietnamese restaurants in the area. There’s just not enough of them around. I must add that I relocated here from OKC and have been spoiled since there’s such an abundance of phở restaurants there.
Back to the experience, I went the opening week. I order #15, the phở dac biet. I will admit the broth was flavorful and they certainly put a lot of meat in there. The waiter was very attentive and conscientious of the reputation the Phở Hoa franchise had. So, it was very clear the restaurant was making sure they got the recipe right. I assured him I was enjoying my soup.
The atmosphere is very bright with all of the bamboo decorations and the bright colors. Definitely appeared clean to me. The location of the restaurant itself is hidden. It probably took me and the roommate about 10 minutes (driving in circles) to find the restaurant. Had we not detoured the opposite direction which allowed us to see the grand opening sign, we probably would have never located the place. Management take note: you guys need more signs!
So far so good. I will definitely return to try the rice dishes. The prices are a little higher than what I’m used to paying for phở, but I guess that’s supply and demand right? And one final request: BUN BO HUE! You guys need to look into adding that onto the menu please!!!