This is an excellent, small, family owned and run Vietnamese Restaurant. They have a very diverse, tasty menu items. My favorite is the curry crab and garlic fried rice. But, YOU won't be disappointed with any menu item.My friends from Japan and I just happened upon Bac Nam. We had just visited the Makiki Christian Church around the corner. Our party needed a rest. We were tired of walking. And, we all desperately required a good, healthy, tasty and filling meal. So, we decided to try Bac Nam Restaurant. What an unbelieveable find. The dishes are absolutely delicious.We had no introductions to this restaurant. But, the kind family style service and stunning dish flavors immediately won us over. And, since then, I have become a long-time, dedicated fan of theirs.My favorite is the combination of curry crab and garlic fried rice. Some of the restaurant patrons, who passed by my table, nodded and remarked that the dish was one of their favorites too.Later, I discovered that customers from all over Japan including as far north as Hokkaido, are their devoted patrons.My Vietnamese friends, who later came to Hawaii from Boston for a visit, also gave their full, strong stamp of approval along with their seal of authenticity.For all these reasons, I highly recommend the Bac Nam Restaurant for your's and your family's next stop. Give them a try. I believe, you will not be disappointed.Parking: Free parking stall behind the restaurant.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Curry
p masu.
When I come to Hawaii, I go to eat crab curry almost every time. My family of four ordered crab curry (big) + bread, and this time we also ordered Vietnamese steamed dumplings. The crab curry was consistently delicious. If you don't like coriander, I think it's best not to order steamed gyoza. There are 7 to 8 free parking spaces behind the store.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: 蟹 カレー と フランス パン
Yummy Yummy
The crab curry is delicious, and the owner of the restaurant is very kind and personable.Parking: Only a few parking spaces in the back
Recommended dishes: 蟹カレー crabmeat curry
Michael H.
We were in the mood for pho, and I was taken to a Vietnamese restaurant that the locals go to for pho. There's parking in the back of the restaurant if you don't want to park on the street. As you walk in the restaurant, you can smell the broth. There is also additional searing if you walk to the left as soon as you enter the restaurant.I ordered the summer roll, spring rolls, and the steak pho. The summer roll comes in a single order, and I ordered the roll with shrimp and pork. The summer roll was loosely wrapped, so it fell apart as I was eating the roll. The spring rolls came with vermicelli noodles and vegetables. The broth on the steak pho was delicious! I think I finished most of the soup even after I ate my bowl of pho. The service was good as well. We had waters at our table as soon as we sat, and they were always filled. I didn't read about the crab curry until I left the restaurant, so that will be ordered on my next visit. Thank you Terry K. for taking me here!
橋爪美木
The old man told me that I didn't need to order so much when I was ordering without being a business person, and in the end he was right. very nice uncleIt would be better if they were friendly and the store was clean.Food is delicious.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: カニカレー
Eugene Yi
I guess this restaurant must have been here for a long time. I always drove by and finally went to eat. Pretty good pho, etc. They serve no hot tea though. Parking in the rear.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Charles
Delicious pho! You won't be disappointed. Quick and easy bites off of S King St.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Brent
The crab curry is delicious and is a must try. I really like their pho too. Owners are awesome, my three year old son claims Bac Nam his favorite restaurant, and I don’t disagree with him! Price is on the lower side too!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Green Papaya Salad
Daniel D.
Absolutely loved this place. The food was really flavorful and at the perfect temperature and had a great texture. It came out really fast too and the owner was just such a pleasure to talk to. He really cares about this place and it comes through in the food. The ambiance was nice it was very clean and simple. I'm definitely coming back to try to try the famous crab curry next! (I got chicken)
Walter P.
Food is awesome! If you're a carnivore, order the short ribs and if you're a vegetarian, order the sautéed eggplant with tofu or the lemon grass tofu with rice.
Bac Nam, a small unassuming popular Vietnamese restaurant, sits at the former Washington Saimin Stand between Pensacola and Piikoi streets. Opened in May 2004 by husband-and-wife owners Tam and Kimmy Huynh, Bac Nam means "North South" in Vietnamese. While the Huynh's are from North Vietnam, the restaurant's authentic menu offerings include both northern and southern areas of Vietnam.Husband Tam is in the front of the house, and acts as the greeter, host, server, busser, and cashier. Wife Kimmy is in the kitchen, supervising the kitchen staff in preparing your delicious orders. Kimmy has a passionate interest in Vietnamese cooking and has perfected her recipes using fresh ingredients with lots of leafy greens and aromatic herbs complemented with bone broth soups and rice noodles.Bac Nam's menu is extensive, incorporating about 100 items, some that are not offered in other Vietnamese restaurants, and include:* Appetizers: spring/summer rolls, steamed dumplings, chicken wings, shrimp ball, fried shrimp.* Salads: green papaya, chicken, lemon/tamarind beef, lotus root, sweet & sour, jellyfish.* Roll-Ups: bbq pork, chicken, beef, shrimp, fish, tofu, Vietnamese crepe.* House specialties: bbq chicken/pork/lamb, lemongrass chicken/fish, ginger chicken, shaken beef, sautéed squid, shrimp (garlic/tamarind/salt & pepper/braised), crispy noodles, fried rice, sautéed veggies.* House curries & hotpots: chicken/beef/lamb/shrimp/crabmeat curries; oxtail hot pot, hot & sour soup, veggie soup.* Noodle soups (pho): meat, chicken, seafood, tofu, chicken long rice, won ton.* Cold vermicelli noodles: with spring rolls, chicken, pork, beef, shrimp, tofu.* Rice plates: bbq chicken/pork/shrimp, lemongrass chicken/tofu/shrimp, ginger chicken, pork chops, short ribs, sautéed veggies, braised pork belly.* Desserts: caramel custard flan, sea kelp & mongo bean, tapioca.* Drinks: Vietnamese coffee, lemonade, soy bean, iced tea, soda.Popular items include the spring/summer rolls, steamed dumplings, and the creamy crab curry made with carrots, onions, potatoes, lemongrass, red peppers, coconut milk, and crab meat. Side orders of rice are drizzled with oil, garlic, and green onion.Back in town for a weekend visit, Yelper Jolene L. coordinated a dinner for a group of 12 friends one evening and while everyone ordered their own, we were able to sample some of the dishes. Some of the dishes that were ordered were: steamed dumplings, curry crab with bread, vermicelli with spring rolls and bbq pork, beef salad, short ribs, and grilled beef wrapped in lot leaves.As I have a small appetite, I chose the Vietnamese steamed dumplings as my main meal. Six steamed dumplings with fillings of marinated shrimp, pork, and onions, were nicely presented and topped with cilantro, chopped green onions, and crispy fried shallots. It was served with a delectable house-made fish sauce that was slightly salty, sweet, spicy with shredded carrots, daikon, chili peppers, lime juice, and spices, for dipping. Made with tapioca flour, the dumpling wrappers were chewy and sticky. The dumplings reminded me of the Chinese half moons, but only chewier and stickier, and were delicious with all the garnishes and spices! Customer service was satisfactorily delivered by the personable owner, Tam, who is gracious, friendly, and accommodating. He took our orders, served them, refilled our water glasses, and periodically came around to ensure that everything was okay.There's a small spacious dining room as you enter, and our group was seated on a long table in another room off to the side. This side room is great for private parties. It's BYOB, so the wines were flowing!Hours of operation are Mon to Sat, 11a to 2:30p for lunch and 5p to 8p for dinner; Sun closed. There are a few free parking spaces in the back of the building and metered parking on So. King Street fronting the restaurant (be aware of tow away during rush hour).Good food and fellowship with friends made this dinner an enjoyable one! A great time spent in enjoying delicious Vie
Terry K.
WHERE DO ALL THE LOCALS GO AND WHO KNEW????? My first visit to Bac Nam was quite the hootSo here are a few things you should know1. looks can be deceiving. there is a larger seating area to the left of the entrance to Bac Nam2. parking is an arduous task. They have 5 assigned stalls in the rear of the building for first come first park diners. Street parking available during the day or after 6:30 pm for dinner3. take out dishes are very popular4. if you have questions ask TAM who is the owner, operator, dishwasher, etc. You get the picture? He's so personableI am a creature of habit so rather than to try a new dish, I ordered my usual spring roll salad (sliced spring rolls, vermicelli over shredded vegetables) with their sweet chili sauce. It was HUGE, such that I consumed only half of what they served (HINT- order food to share or eat family style) So that said, I am unable to speak to the other dishes they prepareSoft drinks available for purchase. Water served upon seating. Adult beverages ? BYOBFun Fact- Toan D was the catalyst for our going here. Jolene L our organizer had never dined here either. This was a FIRST for many of us attendees
Jerry Ferguson
Love the lamb
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
LJ Andres
Always good service and good food. We like the shaken beef and oxtail soup. Sometimes we get the beef roll ups. We had the halo dessert.
Eidan Seth
Waiter was very nice, and food was spectacular. Beef short ribs were perfect!
This is an excellent, small, family owned and run Vietnamese Restaurant. They have a very diverse, tasty menu items. My favorite is the curry crab and garlic fried rice. But, YOU won't be disappointed with any menu item.My friends from Japan and I just happened upon Bac Nam. We had just visited the Makiki Christian Church around the corner. Our party needed a rest. We were tired of walking. And, we all desperately required a good, healthy, tasty and filling meal. So, we decided to try Bac Nam Restaurant. What an unbelieveable find. The dishes are absolutely delicious.We had no introductions to this restaurant. But, the kind family style service and stunning dish flavors immediately won us over. And, since then, I have become a long-time, dedicated fan of theirs.My favorite is the combination of curry crab and garlic fried rice. Some of the restaurant patrons, who passed by my table, nodded and remarked that the dish was one of their favorites too.Later, I discovered that customers from all over Japan including as far north as Hokkaido, are their devoted patrons.My Vietnamese friends, who later came to Hawaii from Boston for a visit, also gave their full, strong stamp of approval along with their seal of authenticity.For all these reasons, I highly recommend the Bac Nam Restaurant for your's and your family's next stop. Give them a try. I believe, you will not be disappointed.Parking: Free parking stall behind the restaurant.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Curry
When I come to Hawaii, I go to eat crab curry almost every time. My family of four ordered crab curry (big) + bread, and this time we also ordered Vietnamese steamed dumplings. The crab curry was consistently delicious. If you don't like coriander, I think it's best not to order steamed gyoza. There are 7 to 8 free parking spaces behind the store.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: 蟹 カレー と フランス パン
The crab curry is delicious, and the owner of the restaurant is very kind and personable.Parking: Only a few parking spaces in the back
Recommended dishes: 蟹カレー crabmeat curry
We were in the mood for pho, and I was taken to a Vietnamese restaurant that the locals go to for pho. There's parking in the back of the restaurant if you don't want to park on the street. As you walk in the restaurant, you can smell the broth. There is also additional searing if you walk to the left as soon as you enter the restaurant.I ordered the summer roll, spring rolls, and the steak pho. The summer roll comes in a single order, and I ordered the roll with shrimp and pork. The summer roll was loosely wrapped, so it fell apart as I was eating the roll. The spring rolls came with vermicelli noodles and vegetables. The broth on the steak pho was delicious! I think I finished most of the soup even after I ate my bowl of pho. The service was good as well. We had waters at our table as soon as we sat, and they were always filled. I didn't read about the crab curry until I left the restaurant, so that will be ordered on my next visit. Thank you Terry K. for taking me here!
The old man told me that I didn't need to order so much when I was ordering without being a business person, and in the end he was right. very nice uncleIt would be better if they were friendly and the store was clean.Food is delicious.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: カニカレー
I guess this restaurant must have been here for a long time. I always drove by and finally went to eat. Pretty good pho, etc. They serve no hot tea though. Parking in the rear.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Delicious pho! You won't be disappointed. Quick and easy bites off of S King St.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
The crab curry is delicious and is a must try. I really like their pho too. Owners are awesome, my three year old son claims Bac Nam his favorite restaurant, and I don’t disagree with him! Price is on the lower side too!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Green Papaya Salad
Absolutely loved this place. The food was really flavorful and at the perfect temperature and had a great texture. It came out really fast too and the owner was just such a pleasure to talk to. He really cares about this place and it comes through in the food. The ambiance was nice it was very clean and simple. I'm definitely coming back to try to try the famous crab curry next! (I got chicken)
Food is awesome! If you're a carnivore, order the short ribs and if you're a vegetarian, order the sautéed eggplant with tofu or the lemon grass tofu with rice.
Restaurantji Recommends
Bac Nam, a small unassuming popular Vietnamese restaurant, sits at the former Washington Saimin Stand between Pensacola and Piikoi streets. Opened in May 2004 by husband-and-wife owners Tam and Kimmy Huynh, Bac Nam means "North South" in Vietnamese. While the Huynh's are from North Vietnam, the restaurant's authentic menu offerings include both northern and southern areas of Vietnam.Husband Tam is in the front of the house, and acts as the greeter, host, server, busser, and cashier. Wife Kimmy is in the kitchen, supervising the kitchen staff in preparing your delicious orders. Kimmy has a passionate interest in Vietnamese cooking and has perfected her recipes using fresh ingredients with lots of leafy greens and aromatic herbs complemented with bone broth soups and rice noodles.Bac Nam's menu is extensive, incorporating about 100 items, some that are not offered in other Vietnamese restaurants, and include:* Appetizers: spring/summer rolls, steamed dumplings, chicken wings, shrimp ball, fried shrimp.* Salads: green papaya, chicken, lemon/tamarind beef, lotus root, sweet & sour, jellyfish.* Roll-Ups: bbq pork, chicken, beef, shrimp, fish, tofu, Vietnamese crepe.* House specialties: bbq chicken/pork/lamb, lemongrass chicken/fish, ginger chicken, shaken beef, sautéed squid, shrimp (garlic/tamarind/salt & pepper/braised), crispy noodles, fried rice, sautéed veggies.* House curries & hotpots: chicken/beef/lamb/shrimp/crabmeat curries; oxtail hot pot, hot & sour soup, veggie soup.* Noodle soups (pho): meat, chicken, seafood, tofu, chicken long rice, won ton.* Cold vermicelli noodles: with spring rolls, chicken, pork, beef, shrimp, tofu.* Rice plates: bbq chicken/pork/shrimp, lemongrass chicken/tofu/shrimp, ginger chicken, pork chops, short ribs, sautéed veggies, braised pork belly.* Desserts: caramel custard flan, sea kelp & mongo bean, tapioca.* Drinks: Vietnamese coffee, lemonade, soy bean, iced tea, soda.Popular items include the spring/summer rolls, steamed dumplings, and the creamy crab curry made with carrots, onions, potatoes, lemongrass, red peppers, coconut milk, and crab meat. Side orders of rice are drizzled with oil, garlic, and green onion.Back in town for a weekend visit, Yelper Jolene L. coordinated a dinner for a group of 12 friends one evening and while everyone ordered their own, we were able to sample some of the dishes. Some of the dishes that were ordered were: steamed dumplings, curry crab with bread, vermicelli with spring rolls and bbq pork, beef salad, short ribs, and grilled beef wrapped in lot leaves.As I have a small appetite, I chose the Vietnamese steamed dumplings as my main meal. Six steamed dumplings with fillings of marinated shrimp, pork, and onions, were nicely presented and topped with cilantro, chopped green onions, and crispy fried shallots. It was served with a delectable house-made fish sauce that was slightly salty, sweet, spicy with shredded carrots, daikon, chili peppers, lime juice, and spices, for dipping. Made with tapioca flour, the dumpling wrappers were chewy and sticky. The dumplings reminded me of the Chinese half moons, but only chewier and stickier, and were delicious with all the garnishes and spices! Customer service was satisfactorily delivered by the personable owner, Tam, who is gracious, friendly, and accommodating. He took our orders, served them, refilled our water glasses, and periodically came around to ensure that everything was okay.There's a small spacious dining room as you enter, and our group was seated on a long table in another room off to the side. This side room is great for private parties. It's BYOB, so the wines were flowing!Hours of operation are Mon to Sat, 11a to 2:30p for lunch and 5p to 8p for dinner; Sun closed. There are a few free parking spaces in the back of the building and metered parking on So. King Street fronting the restaurant (be aware of tow away during rush hour).Good food and fellowship with friends made this dinner an enjoyable one! A great time spent in enjoying delicious Vie
WHERE DO ALL THE LOCALS GO AND WHO KNEW????? My first visit to Bac Nam was quite the hootSo here are a few things you should know1. looks can be deceiving. there is a larger seating area to the left of the entrance to Bac Nam2. parking is an arduous task. They have 5 assigned stalls in the rear of the building for first come first park diners. Street parking available during the day or after 6:30 pm for dinner3. take out dishes are very popular4. if you have questions ask TAM who is the owner, operator, dishwasher, etc. You get the picture? He's so personableI am a creature of habit so rather than to try a new dish, I ordered my usual spring roll salad (sliced spring rolls, vermicelli over shredded vegetables) with their sweet chili sauce. It was HUGE, such that I consumed only half of what they served (HINT- order food to share or eat family style) So that said, I am unable to speak to the other dishes they prepareSoft drinks available for purchase. Water served upon seating. Adult beverages ? BYOBFun Fact- Toan D was the catalyst for our going here. Jolene L our organizer had never dined here either. This was a FIRST for many of us attendees
Love the lamb
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Always good service and good food. We like the shaken beef and oxtail soup. Sometimes we get the beef roll ups. We had the halo dessert.
Waiter was very nice, and food was spectacular. Beef short ribs were perfect!