Bangkok Chef Nuuanu

Never had bamboo in my krapow (chicken basil) before, and this was like a bamboo salad with a ton of it with not that much chicken, and the chicken that was in it was just shredded and not minced. There's also wasn't much flavor either other than the Thai basil. On the other hand, the radna was good with shrimp. They are really nice, and the food came out really quick, but i just think there's better Thai restaurants in Chinatown, especially with the weird atmosphere here, almost feels like a drive-in, but it's still nice having decent thai food in Nuuanu.

Great Thai food and in this area that a good thing. Small community needs great take out spots and this one is awesome.

Seems like new owners and taste of food is different. Its not better or worse, just different. Was not bad at all but I feel like I personally prefer previous owner's cooking.

Incredible GEM … Noi is so wonderful and cheerful … the food is TERRIFIC…. And as always … NO BAGS LOL … well bags cost 25 cents plus GET (tax)

Fantastic Pad Thai and Panang Curry! Reasonably priced, too. I will definitely be ordering from this place again.

Love it love it love it♡♡♡the best yellow curry I've ever eaten. Parking is small n a bit hard but! It's all worth it when you get to eat here!

Love how fresh and flavorful their food is. Lots of veggies and big portions. Our favorites are Basil Chicken and Ginger Chicken. Restaurant is clean and service us great!

Wanted to love it based on the good reviews, but the food was bland and sort of weird, especially the curries. I’m not sure if the restaurant owns the bathroom or if was shared, but it looked like it had never been cleaned and had cockroaches in it :(

Five stars for food portion + price + value + taste. I normally cook my own curry but opted to buy tonight. My bro-in-law bought from here last week and I got to taste it and I loved all the veggies they put. So I decided to take a break from cooking and ordered take out. Ordered Beef Basil + Red Chicken Curry. When I say the portion was big, these 2 Ala carte orders was enough to feed 4 adults and 1 teen. I cooked rice so that's why we ordered the Ala carte orders. Wait time was really long though. Lady said 15 mins when I called in but when I got there I waited another 15mins. That's what I get for rushing there. The food was great and so tasteful. Loved the bamboo and bell peppers and eggplants in the curry and Beef Basil. Shop was small hole in the wall place but perfect for take out. Not much parking and it's really tight in front of the shop but o think there's parking in back. Definitely a must try if you're craving Thai curry or Beef Basil. I have yet to try the other dishes. Place is busy with online and phone in orders so I'm sure the other menu items are great.

Bangkok Chef is my quick go-to whenever I want Thai takeout. They always pick up the phone quickly and consistently quote 15 minutes as the wait time. My go-to order here is their panang curry. I like to sub chicken for the pork (just a personal preference) and get the curry ala carte. Ala carte is more expensive but you get a lot more curry. Easy to cook rice myself and eat with the curry. Other things I enjoy from here are their fried chicken wings, spring rolls, and Chef's Combo (lemongrass grilled chicken with two spring rolls over vermicelli).

I've been ordering food here for years and each time I visit, my experience has been on the decline. I placed a phone order and the man who answered was extremely rude and impatient. I couldn't understand what he was saying because he kept mumbling, so to make sure he took down my order correctly, I had him confirm my order. He quickly repeated the order in a mean and annoyed tone. When I went to pick up my phone order, the cashier was sitting on the chair (with no customers in line and he wasn't on the phone). He didn't acknowledge my presence or rush to get up to see if I was ordering or picking up. From my side, I said I was picking up my order. Once he spoke, I realized it was the same rude/grouchy many that answered the phone. He typed in my order and just mumbled my amount. Then grabbed the bag and shoved it over. No "thank you", no "here you go". Completely aggressive and rude for no reason. He was a middle aged man with glasses and a ponytail. Maybe he needs to stay in the back, away from paying customers with that unchecked attitude. Also, they automatically charged me $0.25 for a bag that I didn't ask for, nor had a choice to take or not. You also have to grab your own utensils as they do not provide that or napkins automatically.

Bangkok Chef has been a normal go to for me as the food is pretty consistent and is pretty tasty parking can be a challenge sometimes but i am usually pretty lucky in that department. I do like their Pad Thai as it is tasty and the Green Curry is also one of my favorites.

Food is left here! I especially love their green mango salad! Similar to green papaya salad! Love their dishes hers from their curries to stir fries! Love how they also include rice in the order too in the same container.

This location is the original from the other 3 on the island. They have a good selection of popular thai dishes that are made fresh to order. Most orders here are for take out but they have a few tables if you want to dine in. The dishes all had good flavor and nice serving size. Most of the entrees come with your choice of white, brown or sticky rice which is nice since many thai restaurants charge extra for rice. Since all orders are made fresh, be prepared to wait but it is worth the time.

I used to work near this Bangkok chef and every now and then I would come back to fill in at this location and consider eating Bangkok chef since it was only a walk away. I guess since I've only eaten here once out of a whole year of being next door might explain why it's good, I just don't know how it can be great. The food is good, especially since I eat it pretty fresh and the service is fast if you don't order during lunch break. I just wish that there was something more as far as depth of flavor. I know this place is pretty convenient and can be considered almost like fast food, but I would sure hope with the cost I would get something that warrants what I pay. I've tried other Thai places with similar vibes or even at food truck events and the food I order comes out hot and fresh and makes me craving and wanting more. I guess that's what I expect from Bangkok Chef. You gotta admit, the location is convenient and the food comes out fast and service is nice, but maybe it's just me but the food makes me left wanting more. This is someplace that is on my list of food to consider whenever I'm in the area.

09/10/24 Lunch with a friend... ginger chicken with sticky rice and spring rolls were perfect! Tasty and healthy. Free parking and good service.

Nuuanu Bangkok Chef is easy to miss but is a great place to eat at (or take out). Their seating area is slightly to the side and has 8 tables and up to 24 seats. It isn't a closed door+AC style restaurant and is sort of a covered open area to the side. The only drawback to dine-in is that water cups are $0.35. The food we got is as follows: Mango Tapioca: 9/10. This was a recommended flavor (other being Okinawan Sweet Potato). It was refreshing and not too light on the taste. Pad See Ew (Pork): 10/10. This is probably my favorite dish from all Thai cuisine. The broccoli was not overcooked, the noodles were nice and soft, and the pork was nice and tender. Everything you could ever ask for! Spring Rolls: 9/10. Freshly prepared with mint, Romaine Lettuce, and the chili sauce. Great crisp and taste with 6 per order as well. Chicken Wings (Ala Carte): 8/10. I enjoy different chicken wings from different spots, and it's hard for me to ever go above 8* from Thai Style. Often, the chicken is cooked extra crispy (at the expense at slightly less juicy meat). This portion is actually surprisingly good (14 pcs!) and comes with cucumbers and chili sauce. Honestly, it's one of the better thai style chicken wings I've had, but it's hard to compete with a chicken specialty restaurant. There are several Bangkok Chef restaurants, and each has their own perks and preparations. I find that I usually enjoy this Nuuanu location more than the others.

Same as others that had poor service and mediocre food. Waited long time for food while phone orders are cooked first. Pad Thai was too sweet and chicken too dry.

Go value Thai food. These guys got popular offerings large portions at an affordable price. Not as cheap as is use to be but overall still a great value.

Had a chance to try this place between UH baseball and football games yesterday when I met a man walking his two dogs immigrated from Vietnam forty (40) years ago and asked him where's the best place to eat pho told me about this place near university to try by chance at 4:15 there were only one table occupied but noticed a lot takeouts were taking place as l ordered and looking over the menu there were very many extensive food options available and also noticed that there were three (3) other locations available thru out town that shows how popular this restaurant must be . . . the waitress noticed that I was studying the menu that she handed me menu with pictures was very helpful here's some pictures from that day and I must say I'll be back for more My food arrived in no time food only suggestions l could give is to have meat outside as I usually like to have and not cooked all at once also there were no extra bean sprouts and basils other than that host/waitress was very gracious and helpful If you're looking for some Thai food you definitely should try Bangkok Chef four (4) locations near you you won't regret it

Another hidden gem on Nuuanu Ave! Haven't been here in about 15 years but I remember walking down from HBA after school for a snack sometimes! It really delivers in taste, price and selection. The menu is very extensive and offers family style entrees as well as plate lunch options that come with rice. I went for one of my faves: green curry with tofu and jasmine rice. I love eggplant so it's an easy choice between curries, but I also was having a hard time deciding between a curry and a stirfry! The curry was piping hot and a good portion with the rice. I also got Taylor a green tea tapioca which he loved! Can't wait to come back to try more options! A few parking stalls in the front right on Nuuanu make it a quick stop and they have tables inside to sit at if you want to dine in!

Their food is consistently good and portions are great. They're my favorite go to for chicken cashew.

OK, hear me out on this one. This was absolutely one of my favorite spots when I was living on the island 10 years ago. The folks here are extremely nice. The atmosphere is actually quiet and most of all the food is absolutely second to none. After eating at this place for over 20 years, there's really no place like it. Definitely one of the top Thai places you can go to. Just don't let the parking situation scare you away. Parking is quite tight. But once you get past that, I promise you will have one of the best comfort meals ever.!!

This little cute place came as such a surprise! The decor is simple and rather modest but the food is excellent! I had eggplant noodles with shrimp and that was to die for yumm! The waitress was super sweet tkky

I ordered a plate as an ala carte item and don't understand why I got charged an additional charge of $1.55 for an ala cart fee. Is this correct where a customer gets charged an additional fee for (ala cart) which amounts to nothing being received? I would like to get other opinions on this if this is a correct decision by the owner or it is unfair to the consumer.

This place gets worse and worse and more na s'more expensive. Buyer beware, the prices posted on their website are incorrect. The mango salad was supposed to be $10.95, I got there and it was $13.61 with tax.

This review is specifically for the middle aged skinny man with a long pony tail and black glasses. His attitude and customer service is unacceptably horrible. All I did was pick up an online order, he looked me in the eye, pushed the bag towards me, grabbed a drink from the back and literally tossed the straw on the counter in front of me. Fix your attitude when serving your customers because that was totally unnecessary and out of pocket

Takeout Lunch in Honolulu, Hawaii... I've passed by this cozy Thai restaurant many times because it's on Nu'uanu Avenue. There are other locations of Bangkok Chef. This one is closest to my mom's house. I asked mom what she wanted for lunch. She said she was just going to have leftovers. About an hour later, I told her that I was hungry and - did she want something from Bangkok Chef? She doesn't get to eat much Thai food because my brother-in-law doesn't care for it... therefore, my sister won't buy it... Unless he's not home... Haha! So, mom perked up and agreed on Summer Rolls. I suggested a couple other dishes and she seemed interested! I called in my order and drove off. PARKING: there are a few stalls in front of the building, but they are perpendicular to the street. Some stalls are tricky because it looks like cars will have to hop the curb and back out into the street! I think there are a few safer stalls in the back of the building. ENVIRONMENT: the entrance is through an open garage door. The floor is cement. The paint is a bright green. You can't miss it! If you want to dine in there are about four tables. Note that the garage door is open... so... there isn't much air conditioning... My order was ready in a brown paper package when I arrived. I paid and left. Service is efficient and business-like. The Summer Rolls were excellent! They were tightly wrapped with Basil leaves pressed flat and evenly throughout the roll. Peanut dipping sauce had a tiny bit of heat. Panang Curry with sticky rice was too spicy for the both of us. (Yes, we are wimps.) The Pad Si You was delicious! It may have been mom's first time trying this dish! She asked if it was chow funn noodles? Yes - because they are wider. She enjoyed the broccoli, chicken, and flavor! Yay! She asked me how I knew about pad si you... I told her that Peter usually orders it. LOL! This is a convenient place for Thai food. It's easy and quick. Thanks to my new Yelp friend, Sharon M., who gave me the idea to get takeout from Bangkok Chef! I was reading through her reviews... Haha! Note: the takeout package costs $0.25

We were looking for a place for dinner and decided on Bangkok Chef. I use to come to this location often many years ago but haven't been here in a while. We walked in and there was a lady behind the counter. She was on the phone taking an order so we waited a bit until she was done. She took our order and we found a table to sit on while we waited for our order. There were only five tables in the restaurant. They use to have the entire section with tables but now they only have five tables and have restaurant furniture and items stored inside instead. While we were waiting for our food (about a 20 minute wait), a male was in the dining area moving the furniture and other things around. It was very loud. He was clunking things around for a while until there more people in line waiting to order. We noticed that he did not wash his hands after handling the equipment and went directly into handling the food that people had ordered. We ordered: 1. Fried Chickn Wings - Fried all the way through and crispy with a good flavor and delicious sauce. 2. Spring Rolls - Very crispy and really delicious and tasty. The lettuce that it came with was a little old but still edible. The sauce was also good! 3. Papaya Salad - Tasted a bit too tangy. Not like it was before. It tasted a little watered down as if it was sitting for a while. I was sad about it because I use to love ordering their papaya salad for its flavor and crunch. Not the same! Overall, two of the three dishes we ordered were good. I was sad about the other one but I also love their chicken and eggplant which I wished I ordered instead of the papaya salad. I would come back but definitely will and will not get the salad again. I haven't had issues at other locations so I was bummed.

The food is delicious and fresh! The staff is always kind! I use a cane and every time, a staff member helps me to the door! Thank you so much!

Pretty affordable Thai food here. Seems popular for takeout among locals. Decent Thai food, but nothing too memorable. Parking can be tricky in this area. Panang Curry with Pork was good, I just wish there was more portions!

We ordered food to go. I got the pad si you with chicken and it was awful. It was way too salty, which is saying a lot because I like salt. The egg in it was completely burnt giving the entire dish a horrible flavor. What little chicken was in it was very dry. Overall, it was inedible. I won't be ordering from here again.

Quick service, ono food, simple and delicious! I love the panang curry, fried chicken wings, spring rolls, summer rolls, pad tai, and the variety of desserts. The Eggplant is also good and - it's all good!

I have been to this Nu'uanu for sometime. I was hungry after helping someone get rid of the bed bugs. It took two days to contained them and KILL those little creatures. That's why my friends and family call me. People can have them for weeks and months, not me...can't stand them! But through it all, I took a two hour break. My friend was working with no breaks at her office. So I picked up spring rolls, custom Panang (added broccoli to their potatoes, basil, white fish, red bell peppers), fried chicken wings which comes with cucumbers and sweet Thai sauce, and side order or brown rice. Sorry, I didn't take pictures of the food! I consumed and ravaged the food! I tore into that fried chicken wing dipped into that savory sweet Thai sauce...the chicken couldn't make a cluck sound...LOL! Incidently, I ate Pok Pok chicken the same way. I love springs rolls because of the crunchiness dipped in the same sauce. It's my go to those two. Panang curry is another favorite because of peanut nutty taste...savory over my brown rice...broke the mouth! So, why did I add broccoli to my panang? It counters the chicken I eat. Chicken contains HPV (virus) whether raw or cooked. It wreaks havoc with my stomach. Broccoli kills the virus, a tidbit for y'all! Staff is friendly, pay attention to detail and kind, mask requirement plus 6ft spacing, sanitizer available...Ciao!

Tasty and fresh summer rolls are never a miss here. Friendly and prompt service (due to my food order and time of order). From past experience,recommend phoning your order beforehand for ease at pick up.

First time trying summer rolls with their peanut sauce. I was hesitant about a peanut sauce but I loved it.

Recommend calling to order ahead if you're getting dinner because the wait might be a bit. The food is good and prices are reasonable. My go to is the basil shrimp- spicy and pad ki mao (i think that's how you spell it). Definitely will be back again.

The original location of this fine local Thai Restaurant. I've been coming here before the Manoa and the Nimitz locations opened and it's still as good as the first time. This place is known for good food, generous portions, and reasonable prices. Unlike many Thai restaurants, the curry dishes come with rice (Jasmine or a small up charge for sticky). Most items come with your choice of meat, which can usually be substituted with tofu. My faves are the chicken Pad Thai and the chicken red curry. Calling ahead will help you skip the line. There is parking in front and in the rear. It's located in a small row of stores that include a liquor store and a laundromat. So you can get Thai food, booze, and wash your socks all in one visit. Lol!

Really liked the summer roll and papaya salads! It's a very easy drive through place with more parking in the back.

Bangkok Chef has always been my go-to for quick, reliable Thai food. I used to come here years ago when this was their only location. Since then, they have opened locations in Manoa and Iwilei. I like this particular location not only because it's their original location, but also because it's very convenient for me, being right off the Pali on Nuuanu Ave. The three items I always order from here are the pad thai, spring rolls, and fried chicken wings. The last time I ordered take-out from here, they were out of chicken wings (is there still a national shortage of chicken wings???) but they had boneless fried chicken, so I got that instead - a great substitution! The chicken comes with choice of rice, and I always get the sticky rice since I don't get to eat sticky rice very often (only at Thai places!). Now they're also selling bagged taro chips, which are strategically placed right in front of the cashier. Yum!

The one dish I've enjoyed for decades here has been the lemongrass chicken wings with sticky rice. How could you go wrong with crispy fried wings marinated in seasoned lemongrass sauce, served with fresh cucumber slices, chewy and sweet sticky rice, all topped with sweet chili sauce? Unfortunately,the wings have shrunk over the years, and the last few times most of the wings have been overcooked so that the meat is no longer juicy and soft but dry and hard. The sauce also seems to be the thicker, bottled version rather than the thinner, homemade one that they originally served. I'll probably order this again because I'm the everlasting optimist, but not nearly as often as I used to.

I've gone to this place countless amount of times and the food was always amazing whenever I went there and it was this visit today too. The only thing is that I ordered everything Ala Carte and I didn't get that so what I opened up was a lot less food then I thought that it would be. Everything here is served Ala Carte so I thought that it was obvious what I wanted but I guess to them it wasn't.

Bangkok Chef used to be my favorite growing up. Everyone who works there is extra nice and knows what they're talking about. The food is decent, but seems like smaller more "doctor recommended" portions. Healthy for my gut, but not healthy for my appetite. There's fresh basil and vegetables plus the usual options. I always tend to get the Pad Thai and the Pad See Ew. I chose tofu as one protein and pork for the other. The Pad Thai was with tofu. I added sriracha, but it was a bit plain to me. The Pad See Ew had the fried basil flavor and that's what really made it great. But boy was it greasy. Both felt extra greasy. I recommend this place if you're looking for an alternative to fast food and you're like me and can eat noodles all day every day. Call ahead if you go and you'll save a lot of time. My order was estimated to take 20 minutes for take out. It came out on time and in sturdy to go containers.

Ordered pickup from Door Door, waited 30 minutes before heading to the restaurant, and showed up when it said pickup ready. They hadn't even started our order yet and said they didn't hear the notification. Had to wait at the restaurant while they started cooking it after we arrived and on top of that it was super hot in there, kind of defeats the purpose of ordering in advance

Price: 4 stars Portion: 4 stars Taste/Quality: 4 Service: 4 First time at the Nuuanu location. Waited exactly 15 minutes for my takeout order that I placed at the restaurant. The prices are reasonable, portion size was enough to take for lunch the next day, quality and taste is always great with Bangkok Chef. Not sure if the owners are the same but the food taste just as the other locations I've been to. Service was ok as well. If you have a huge order to pick up I suggest you bring a bag or box otherwise expect to pay for the paper bag (s) or hand carry your order.

Prices have gone up and portions have gone down. Probably my last visit there. They charge you $1.55 Ala Carte fee for the chicken wings which is ridiculous. P.S. Bring your own bag because they try and sneak it in when you pick up your food.

What happened? The food here was so delish. Not anymore. The order taker was sitting in the corner, on his phone. A customer had to tell me where he was so I could get my order in. The atmosphere was very flat. Looked like they haven't taken care of the decor since COVID.

Good food. I always look at my takeout saying, "that's all?", but then feel satiated after finishing my meal. Don't let looks deceive you. But yeah, good food, decent pricing. It's mixed in with my normal assortment of dinner choices.

I ordered the yellow chicken curry with sticky rice and an order of summer rolls. I like the summer rolls from here. The wrap is very sturdy unlike most other places you order from. The summer roll is nicely filled and the sauce is flavorful. The curry flavor is a little bit on the milder side, but a little spicy which I kinda didn't mind. I will most likely be back here again.

I've been to some of the other Bangkok Chef's and they were not good. However, I've heard positive things about this location, the original. I'm usually a green curry or panang curry kind of person. This time around I thought I'd try the chicken pad thai and fried chicken wings. They were both delicious. The aroma that the pad thai gave off was mouth watering. I took my first bite and it was as good as it smelled. They sauce and noodles were perfect. The wings were crispy and light, no breading. It was in the take out container for half an hour with condensation. I thought for sure that it was going to be soggy. Nope, it was still nice and crispy. I got the ala carte wings, since I didn't need the rice because I got the pad thai. I counted 16 wings, which is decent for the price. Dip the wings in the nuoc cham sauce that it comes with. The sauce puts it over the top. My friend ordered the lemongrass chicken and the veggies. I sampled both and they were good. I want to go back and try the curries.

Haven't been to Bangkok Chef in a while. Usually frequent this location and they never disappoint. It's best to call in your order if you are doing take out. If you go during peak lunch hour, parking may be difficult. I suggest going before the lunch crowd rush (if you are getting lunch). I got the ginger chicken with jasmine rice and some summer rolls. The ginger chicken is stir fried with sliced ginger and green beans. Pairs well with the jasmine rice. They both were yummy and satisfied my cravings.

On Nuuanu Avenue, just above the freeway. This to me is a top notch thai food place to go. You order at the counter and food is brought out in take-out containers but there is a seating area inside to eat if you want. My Favs: Pad Si Yu (not sure if spelled correctly) chow fun type noodles with your choice of meat and veggies, Yellow Curry over jasmine rice. Food is always hot and freshly made. Menu is pretty broad to fit your mood. I like to top it off with a Coffee Tapioca dessert. Parking is a little tight but the charm of this location brings new meaning to "hole-in-the-wall" places. If you in the area, this is a go to spot to fill you up at a reasonable price.

The food didn't sit well with me , Don't know if the spices were aged but, never felt that way after a Thai meal .

Love their food. The papaya salad the summer rolls and veggie rolls I love it all Must try it all.

The most flavorless mediocre Thai food place you can find. The service is what's good. It's just every time I come here it seems to lack that authentic Thai flavor your would find in more fine dining restaurants. Well I guess if you could put them in the Asian fast food category that's where they would be and deservingly so. They're the McDonald's of Thai restaurants without the rewards and deals programs.

Mediocre Thai food. It's always been consistent. Consistently mediocre. But years ago the portions used be enormous which was why I still went. A couple entrees would be lunch for an entire week. Now portions are a lot smaller. So there's no redeeming value of patronizing the place. Honestly surprised they are still in business. Honolulu is a desert of quality Thai restaurants. I don't think any make their curries from scratch. At best the use store bought paste and dress it up. Bangkok chef doesn't even do that. There are no fresh flavors in any of their curries.

As always, the same great food here, food is always cooked the same, great flavors and textures. Customer service is still good as usual. Can't say like it's mom's cooking because all Thai people cook differently, but it's sure close to it, can taste the love put into it!!