Hoài Huế Restaurant
Vietnamese restaurant · San Diego ·

Hoài Huế Restaurant

Vietnamese restaurant · San Diego ·

Noodle soups, rice cakes, dumplings & BBQ plates

Hoài Huế Restaurant by null
Hoài Huế Restaurant by Helen I. Hwang
Hoài Huế Restaurant by null
Hoài Huế Restaurant by null
Hoài Huế Restaurant by null
Hoài Huế Restaurant by null
Hoài Huế Restaurant by null
Hoài Huế Restaurant by null
Hoài Huế Restaurant by null
Hoài Huế Restaurant by null
Hoài Huế Restaurant by null
Hoài Huế Restaurant by null
Hoài Huế Restaurant by null
Hoài Huế Restaurant by null
Hoài Huế Restaurant by null
Hoài Huế Restaurant by null
Hoài Huế Restaurant by null
Hoài Huế Restaurant by null
Hoài Huế Restaurant by null
Hoài Huế Restaurant by null
Hoài Huế Restaurant by null
Hoài Huế Restaurant by null
Hoài Huế Restaurant by null
Hoài Huế Restaurant by null
Hoài Huế Restaurant by null
Hoài Huế Restaurant by null
Hoài Huế Restaurant by null
Hoài Huế Restaurant by null
Hoài Huế Restaurant by null
Hoài Huế Restaurant by null
Hoài Huế Restaurant by null
Hoài Huế Restaurant by null
Hoài Huế Restaurant by null
Hoài Huế Restaurant by null
Hoài Huế Restaurant by null
Hoài Huế Restaurant by null
Hoài Huế Restaurant by null
Hoài Huế Restaurant by null
Hoài Huế Restaurant by null
Hoài Huế Restaurant by null
Hoài Huế Restaurant by null
Hoài Huế Restaurant by null
Hoài Huế Restaurant by null

Information

4660 El Cajon Blvd Suite 102, San Diego, CA 92115 Get directions

$10–20

See Menu

Information

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4660 El Cajon Blvd Suite 102, San Diego, CA 92115 Get directions

+1 619 563 5358
hoaihue.com
@hoaihue_eatery

$10–20 · Menu

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Last updated

Nov 20, 2025

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Best Vietnamese Restaurants in San Diego | Eater San Diego

"This cozy restaurant serves cuisine from Hue, a city in central Vietnam, where a popular soup features a tomato-based broth and noodles with pork beef flank, ground shrimp meatballs, and ground pork meatballs. Try the banh loc appetizer — glutinous tapioca with dried shrimp and pork steamed in a banana leaf. You can also bring your own pot to take the broth home." - Helen I. Hwang

https://sandiego.eater.com/maps/best-vietnamese-restaurants-food-pho-banh-mi-san-diego
Helen I. Hwang
Hoài Huế Restaurant

John N.

Google
The Experience: I stopped by around noon on a Sunday and the place was packed, but luckily a table had just opened up. The restaurant is cozy, with about 12-15 tables, and there were people waiting the entire time I was there, which is a good sign that this spot is popular. They had the NBA playoffs playing on a TV, and I had the perfect view from my table, which was a nice bonus. They accept credit cards and you pay up front at the register. Service was friendly, fast, and efficient. The Food: I came specifically for the Bun Bo Hue but ended up going for the #1, Bun tấm hoài Huế, and it was absolutely worth it. I ordered the large bowl, and it was generously portioned with huge cuts of beef shank, large bouncy pork and shrimp and crab meatballs were packed with flavor. It was definitely a meal that would fill anyone up. The broth was incredible: rich, flavorful, and clearly made with care. My only minor critique was the pork hock was a bit tough compared to other versions I've had. Still, that didn’t take away much from how great the overall dish was. The Rating: 5/5 Quick and friendly service, an unbelievably delicious Bun Bo Hue! I’ll definitely be back to try more dishes.

Bao H.

Google
Their bún bò Huế is very good, especially #1. Mỳ quãng is a bit too fusion for my liking. Price is very reasonable.

Alice C

Google
Love the Bun Riew a lot, it has a slightly sweet and acidic tomato flavour and is loaded with crab meat, tofu, shrimp, pork blood and lots of things. The soup is amazing and it comes with a lot of side veggies (very generous). We also ordered the banh beo, large portion comes with 20 pieces, good to share among 3-4 ppl. Eat it when it’s served hot to the table!

Alle E.

Google
Came here because of the amazing reviews and they did NOT disappoint. Arrived around 12:30 pm, put our name on the waitlist for 12 diners, and was summoned back for a table around 30 minutes later. (We just got some sesame balls for a snack from the Vietnamese bakery next door). The line out the door, and the restaurant being crowded with Vietnamese family (including the elderly) speaks volume to their food quality. Is the service the best? No. Is the food the best? YES. HUGE portions, tons of herbs/garnishes, 3 vegetarian/vegan options, flavorful broth, perfectly cooked veggies. Would love to return on our next trip to San Diego. This is the best vegetarian soup I've had in my 6 years of being vegetarian!

Kai S.

Google
Really enjoyed the bánh bèo and the bánh giò (sold on counter to go). Bún bò Huế was good too, but a little too much meat for me to comfortably eat at once (probably shoulda shared).

Khoi P.

Google
Really good central Vietnamese dishes. Very generous portions too.

lynda M.

Google
Hoai Hue was an absolute delight! The moment we stepped inside, we were enveloped in the tantalizing aromas of simmering broths and sizzling meats. The Bun Bo Hue was a revelation - the rich, spicy broth was perfectly balanced, and the tender beef shank was simply divine. The Banh Mi was equally impressive, with its crispy baguette, savory fillings, and tangy pickled vegetables. The restaurant's bustling atmosphere and friendly staff only added to the authentic experience. If you're craving a taste of authentic Vietnamese cuisine, Hoai Hue is a must-visit!

M M.

Google
Hoai Hue is truly a gem in the City Heights restaurant scene. Specializing in central Vietnamese food, you will be able to experience so much more of what Vietnamese cuisine has to offer, aside from the typically known Pho or Banh Mi. There is a parking lot next to the restaurant, but it can be quite tricky scoring a spot on this busy section of El Cajon Blvd. It gets packed at the restaurant during peak meal times, so make sure you give yourself some time to get seated. Trust me, it’s definitely worthwhile! Hoai Hue is a medium sized restaurant, very clean, well lit. If you’re not too familiar with Vietnamese food, not to mention central Vietnam’s cuisine, their menu has photos to help guide your eyes. Also, the servers are all fluent in English so they can help you select from all the dishes they have. Hailing from Saigon, central Vietnamese cuisine was not what I grew up with, but have had a few dishes and variations here and there. I just love Vietnamese food in general so this restaurant was nothing short of delivering. My family was visit San Diego and wanted to see how the Vietnamese food here was like. I remembered how much I had enjoyed this restaurant, so I took them here. We got 4 orders of each item to share family style. The Banh Beo was smooth and tasty. The Banh Nam was soft and had the perfect ratio of ground shrimp to rice cake. The Banh Loc was a a hit with everyone as well. The Banh Canh Tom Cua was just delicious. The broth was well balanced and they are very generous with the extremely tasty house-made shrimp balls. Everything was so authentically delicious that my family added a bowl of Bun Bo Hue at the end just to try it, even though we were all stuffed! Just writing this review is giving me cravings for their food! So if you like Vietnamese cuisine, then do yourself a favor and head over to Hoai Hue and treat yourself. You deserve it!
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Cayla Marie H.

Yelp
Bún bò Huế is an elite noodle soup dish. It's a little bit spicy and fishy, with a good lemongrass flavor. I look for it every time I stop by a Vietnamese restaurant, but not every place serves it. Luckily, my friend found Hoai Hue and they specialize in Bún bò Huế. I ordered the #1 original and it comes with pork blood, pig foot, and spongy crab meatballs. Delicious. To bring it up a notch, adding mint leaves and cabbage gives the savory meal a good crisp freshness. Clearly I'm obsessed. I apologize because I don't remember prices. I was zoned in on my bowl of soup. Hoai Hue is in a small plaza with parking, which was a bonus. If you can't find parking there, there's plenty of street parking around. I'm already excited to go back. LOL
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Emily Z.

Yelp
Legit spot for bun bo hue! I got the bun bo hue and my vietnamese husband got the bun rieu, and he said it reminded him of home. We both thought our soups were solid and definitely hit our craving for noodle soup. We also both got tons of meatballs in our bowls! The banh beo was good as well. We also got banh nam, some of which didn't have as much filling as we would've liked. Their che was solid though! This definitely will be our go to spot for bun bo hue!
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Lucky John V.

Yelp
If you're looking for legit Bún Bò Huế, this is the spot. I've been coming to Hoai Hue for years now, and every time it hits just right. The service is always quick and easy, and the staff is super friendly they make you feel welcome without trying too hard. My wife is all about their Bún Bò Huế it's flavorful, rich broth, just the right amount of spice exactly what you want when you're craving comfort food. I, on the other hand, usually go for the rice plates. Today I got the Cơm Hoài Huế (#14) and it was perfect as always: rice, BBQ pork patty, grilled shrimp, shrimp patty, and a fried egg on top. Simple, clean flavors but done really well. We also ordered the Bánh Bèo Chén (#22) 10 little rice cakes topped with ground shrimp and pork rinds. It's one of those appetizers you have to share (or you'll end up eating all of them yourself). Light, savory, and honestly just fun to eat. For the price, it's totally worth it. This is one of those go-to spots for us especially when we're like, "What do you want to eat?" and neither of us can decide Thank you to the staff for always making it easy to order, easy to enjoy, and for keeping the atmosphere super relaxed. It's one of those places where you just feel comfortable. Highly recommend. Always hits.
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Jenifer B.

Yelp
As a Vietnamese American, I feel like I can be kind of picky with my Vietnamese food. Currently on the search for solid Vietnamese food in SD and I would say this was it! Their bun rieu here was really good and I was told their banh canh and bun Bo hue are good too, though I have yet to try. We'll be back to try those things! Cute small local shop, kind of hidden but all the workers seemed friendly. Can't wait to try it again!
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Judy O.

Yelp
It was pretty busy on a Saturday afternoon but then again we went in 5 people deep lol Definitely worth the wait.. This restaurant is the Heart and Soul of Little Saigon The Bun Rieu was just as amazing as I had it 5+ years ago.. with its delicious crab meatballs, large slices of Tomato, pork cubes, tofu, the soup would wake anyone up from a killer hangover.. and this Definitely worked for me haha (the noodles are thin) The Bun Bo Hue tastes flavorful and rich .. they ask you if you'd like your pork knuckle cut or as a whole which I think is so thoughtful.. (The noodles are thicker than a snicker) They also give you shredded lettuce, bean sprouts, basil and Jalapeños to dress your soups.. Shrimp paste is optional but wasn't really needed BUT it's really what you like your soup to be.. The Bahn Beo is to die for little pancake sizes of heaven covered in dried Shrimp and pork skins in this beautifully arranged mosaic.. And the Bahn Locs texture was on point I wanted to shrink myself and take a nap on it.. chewy and Shrimp forward ! You have to try these both with the sauce ! **it has its own parking lot which is always a great bonus
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Jane L.

Yelp
Finally wrangled a friend to try this spot with me. It's been bookmarked for months. We were celebrating my girlfriend's birthday. After a long morning at the museum we worked up an appetite and she wanted a Vietnamese food. I jumped at the opportunity to come here! We lunched on Tuesday afternoon. It's located among other businesses so parking is shared. We were greeted shortly after we walked in. There was only one open table, so you know it must be good! I already knew what I wanted, no menus necessary. I ordered Banh Beo-10 pieces, Banh Bot Loc, Bun Bo Hue and Bun Rieu. I am always afraid to order these soups out because they don't compare to my Aunt's. Our server brought out ice waters, straws, napkins and chopsticks right after we placed our order. Food arrived within 10 minutes pipping hot! And you know this place is legit when they have the stinky fermented shrimp paste table side. I started with the Banh Beo and Banh Bot Loc first. Both were very tasty, the dipping sauce was missing garlic and chilis. The Bun Rieu was very good, not as good as my Aunt's but definitely enjoyable. Bun Bo Hue was good too. My favorite part of this soup is the lemon grass. Both soups had generous amount of protein and accompaniments. Wished they served banana blossom though. The restaurant was cozy. Service was pleasant. The cashier Ethan remind me of my nephew. Great experience overall, this will be a new regular spot for me!
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Andrea S.

Yelp
I really liked the bun bo hue here! They also give a lot of meat. I also liked the shrimp balls in the other noodles we got as well. There was a short wait at 2pm.
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Jiselle T.

Yelp
This restaurant made me feel like I was back traveling in Vietnam. The soups were really good and everything tasted pretty authentic. The prices were reasonable too.
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Elisa N.

Yelp
HOAI HUE @ SAN DIEGO A place that was recommend by a friend turned into a place that means so much to me! As an out of state college student, I've been searching for some vietnamese goods in San Diego, and this spot checks all the boxes. It's a family owned small restaurant that can get super packed at times. The parking lot is very tricky, as it's very small and shared with numerous businesses. Walking in, the place is small and hasn't been renovated in years. I believe this place is kept for its tradition in the way it looks to feel very at home, and less modern. You can quite sit wherever you like, and the service is simple. Just order, eat, and leave. I've always gotten any of their soup bowls, Buon Boa Hue! So delicious. I've always ordered multiple of their Ban Bot Lop to-go frozen, it's a vietnamese sticky rice dough filled with yummy meat and shrimp! Overall, I have come back to this place and will continue to. It's a must have for someone that's looking for your authentic restaurant for vietnamese food!
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Bella N.

Yelp
A SD classic and gem !!! Such a comfort place with amazing dishes. Can't go wrong with anything here. My go to are their banh nam and of course bun bo hue. My family would come from OC just for a meal here!
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Tiffany K.

Yelp
I recently went on a family vacation to San Diego, and when going with Vietnamese parents, they tend to want Vietnamese food lol. Heard this is one of the OG Vietnamese spots in San Diego! As a Houstonian, I have high standards, and unfortunately, this restaurant didn't make the mark. We ordered Bún Riêu, Mì Quảng, Bún Bò Huế and Bánh Bèo. You cannot go wrong with Bánh Bèo, it's one of my favorite Vietnamese dishes. Bún Bò Huế is what this restaurant is known for. However, it was just okay. It lacked depth of flavor. Out of all 3 bowls, my partner and sister liked this one the best. I didn't have high expectations for the Bún Riêu because I've never had a good bowl at a restaurant in my life. Homemade is just better, but since this is one of San Diego's best Vietnamese restaurants, I gave it a try. The broth oddly tasted similar to the Bún Bò Huế, so I am guessing they use the same base. This was also okay, but it didn't taste like Bún Riêu. It was my first time trying Mì Quảng, and I thought it was pretty good. I personally like it the best out of all 3 bowls. However, my partner said that it's sweeter than usual, and it should've been a bit more dry. Overall, I recommend getting what they're known for: Bún Bò Huế. Would I come back? No. However, the price point is good for California, the restaurant owners are kind, and service is fast.

Priscilla N.

Yelp
Please please don't eat there, the restroom is nasty.... The food looked nasty... as I was playing with my food I found a plastic wrap before I could even taste it.... Effff thatshe asked if I wanted another one? I said hell nah would you eat this lady??? I ran out of there I almost if I could give it a zero I would give it negative
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Han L.

Yelp
Authentic. pretty good. they have a parking lot. the only one that has been closed for the last week or two was in a lot more traffic and they are closed on
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Jiansen W.

Yelp
Hoai Hue is a Vietnamese restaurant serving central Vietnamese cuisine in a compact street front space. AMBIANCE Black-green interior and dim lighting create a darker space and by extension a smaller feeling space. The interior felt packed with people when I arrived. SERVICE Quick if you know what you want - I took a moment to look at the online menu which has pictures. I'd appreciate if staff could just wipe down the table with a cleaning cloth instead of spraying when I was eating. FOOD Not on the menu is a combination plate of items 19,20,21 that all come with sweet fish sauce. I added chili paste and shrimp paste (quite fishy and a little goes a long way) for a kick of heat and a major blast of umami, respectively. 4.5/5 Bánh Lọc (#19) pieces of steamed pork and shrimp tapioca dumplings (chewy!) wrapped in banana leaves 4/5 Bánh Nậm (#20) pieces of steamed rice cakes (soft) with grounded shrimp wrapped in banana leaves 3.5/5 Bánh Bèo (#21) pieces of steamed rice cakes (soft) with grounded shrimp toppings
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Susie T.

Yelp
Still the best bun bo hue after almost 2 decades for me. Nothing out there can beat the flavor, amount of meat, and stinkiness! Lol This place is still the tiny, mom and pops with awesome service and quickness. This would be one of my last meals on earth if I had a choice!
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Andy T.

Yelp
Was craving Vietnamese, so Hoai Hue was the spot for lunch. My friend and I went around 1 pm and it was very busy. The plaza parking was very packed, as I grabbed the last opened spot. As we head inside, a lot of seating was filled. We grabbed a booth that wasn't fully clean yet, but also the staff to wipe it down. The staff was friendly and quick to clean it and gave us menus. They were also very helpful with all questions we had! It was a large menu, so it took some time to decide what to get. We ended up getting the Bun Bo Hue and the Banh Beo. The Bun Bo Hue was easily one of the best that I've ever have. For the Banh Beo, it wasn't the best but it was decent. We did ask for extra fish sauce, which made the dish better. One thing to point out for both dishes is the generous portion. Both were easily shareable for us and even have room for leftovers. Note: American Express is accepted.
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Long D.

Yelp
Bún bò Huế, Bánh Bèo chén, Bún Suông, Bánh canh Tôm Cua, Mì Quảng, chè Đậu Ván hồ, chả lọn....enjoy the taste of central Vietnam to the fullest. Quick service, enough tables and booths, clean restroom, parking in the back, save money if pay by cash. Normal Vietnamese noisy ambiance. Hard to beat in San Diego.
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Lorean W.

Yelp
5 star for service; good selection of central food dishes that wouldn't be found at std Vietnamese restaurants. Mi Quang was a 3 but good (my OC standards are high plus i like my meat tender). inside was nicely decorated and clean
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Justin B.

Yelp
I had the mi quang and it was solid. I'd say it had good flavor and was a really generous portion, which I definitely appreciated. I went in the afternoon and it was a bit busy, so the service was a little on the slower side, but everyone was very friendly and welcoming. Overall, a good experience and I'd come back to try more dishes!
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Bruski N.

Yelp
We heard and read many great reviews about Hoai Hue. I love the cuisine from Hue (Central Vietnam region) and was dying to try. First, the location and parking were a little tricky to navigate. Second, the food was a little disappointing. Especially, the Bun Bo Hue soup that we came for. The broth was decent but the pork was not tender and very hard to chew. The shrimp balls were too diluted with artificial stuff instead of shrimp. Third, the place was very dated and cleanliness was clearly lacking. The tables weren't cleared even though it wasn't that busy. When the busser finally came to clear the tables, he would push a very dirty and smelly cart around and next to the customers. I love to find a hole-in-the-wall that serves great food but when it lacks cleanliness, I will never come back even if it serves the best dishes in the world.
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Katherine K.

Yelp
Been coming here more and more lately and it's always great. This is still one of my favorite Vietnamese restaurants in San Diego and my #1 place to get Vietnamese coffee. You really can't go wrong with anything you order from here.
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Phuong G.

Yelp
This place is an OG Vietnamese restaurant you need to try if you're looking for authentic Vietnamese food! I always come here with my family and I have been coming here since I was a kid in elementary! That's how long Hoai Hue has been open. This is def a hole in the wall you need to try. Simple and typical Vietnamese decor inside the shop with seating all around, sometimes there is a wait, especially during the weekends in the morning. Staff is always so nice and sweet, they always get your food out quick and clean the tables super fast. I always get the bun bo hue it's delicious with the spicy sauce they have and I love the banh nam and the banh beo on the small plates, pure bliss in my mouth!! I can eat 20 small banh bao plates by myself!! I love how freshly steamed they are topped with dry shrimp and crunchy pork grinds, with the simple fish sauce that tops the flavor off. The banh nam is very good as well and has distinct flavoring to it from being wrapped in the leaves. They are very generous with their meat and meatballs here for the soup. My favorite restaurant I always stop by from time to time to get my bun bo hue fix. Parking can be limited as well!

Jane D.

Yelp
Food was great. Bun Bo is legit, although it does have a fair amount of MSG, which is typical in Viet restaurants. We actually love the sticky rice pyramid- Bánh ú and the tiny banana leaf wrapped pork rolls - Chả Huế a lot more. Bánh Bèo is decently good, flour is fresh but the dried shrimp floss is very scanty. Bánh Nậm is not good.
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Alenn R.

Yelp
This might be the most flavorful Vietnamese food I've ever had in my life. My girlfriend and I came to Hoai Hue for the first time and left wondering why we hadn't been here sooner. We ordered the Bun Bo Hue, Banh Beo Chen, and Bun Rieu... each dish was packed with depth, soul, and heat in all the right places. The broth of the Bun Bo Hue alone deserves its own award. You can tell everything's made with intention and tradition. What really stood out just as much as the food was the hospitality. The owner treated us like regulars. He helped us choose what to eat, explained the dishes, and made us feel at home. That kind of generosity, especially with prices this fair in today's economy, is rare. This won't be our last visit. If you want real Vietnamese flavors and kind people serving it, this is the spot.
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Kobymily M.

Yelp
The food and service is always 10/10, however some parts of the facility is filthy. It is making me think twice about coming back. I will list them out in hopes of improvements because I do enjoy dining here. Please clean: Glass of Front door (squeegee at ikea is $1-2), clean at least 1x per week All Windows, bathroom ( sink, toilet, floor, walls) - should be cleaned everyday Thank you

Thai S.

Yelp
Came to try this place out its a pretty small restaurant but food was so flavorful. Order the #1 and it's was such a big bowl. The tapioca appetizer so good too.
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Judy G.

Yelp
A Long Overdue Review! I can't believe I've been coming here for years and never wrote a review--oops! This spot is easily one of my family's favorite places. They're known for their Bún Bò Huế and Bánh Bèo, but honestly, everything is delicious. The Bún Bò Huế broth is on point--so rich, flavorful, and authentic. You can tell they've perfected their recipes because the menu is small, but I'm totally okay with that. They focus on what they do best! The dining area is small, so it's best to get there early. Parking can be a bit of a hassle, but trust me, it's worth it. If you love authentic Vietnamese food, this place is a must-try!
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James D.

Yelp
A few weeks ago I witnessed a fight here. It was between the employees. There was a lot of yelling, and one of the employees stormed out of the kitchen. She was visibly upset. Despite the altercation, their service was fast and their food was amazing, as always. I been here before that fight, as well as several times after. In fact, I went again just yesterday. I typically get the #2, but occasionally, especially if I'm celebrating something, I get the #1. The bun bo hue here is top notch. Piping hot soup, an excellent array of meats, and perfectly cooked noodles. They even cut the seeds out of their limes. I think I saw the same employee during my most recent visit. She seemed happy. Hopefully all is well. Everything about this place reminds me of where I'm from. The whole experience. I love this spot.
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Brett C.

Yelp
I've been lucky enough to have a central Vietnamese chef in my life, this place is very authentic. We will be coming back soon. It's very unusual to have authentic Hue cuisine, most Vietnamese restaurants are southern Vietnamese, this is very different from pho. The staff/service is nice, I'm white so I stick out like a sore thumb but the food and ambiance is wonderful, we came at lunch and waited 15-20min but I'd happily wait an hour for the soup.
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Laura M.

Yelp
I always order togo here cause parking is super tight and packed all the time. This was my #1 go to for bun bo hue, but I don't know what happened. Three broth isn't as flavorful as it used to be. The noodles weren't thick and a hard pass for me is the al dente texture! I hate bun when it's not soft.
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Ian O.

Yelp
I ordered number 14 Com Hoai Hue. This is probably one of my favorite Vietnamese rice dishes I had. I'm so used to eating BBQ pork and rice from Vietnamese shops if I'm not feeling pho, but this is by far the most unique and tasty. Highly recommend trying it once. We also ordered the Banh Beo which is very similar to the banh beo chen I love so much in OC.
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Cindy N.

Yelp
We ordered the mi quang, bun bo hue, and banh beo. We wanted to try the banh bot loc, but sadly they didn't have any that day. Everything was delicious! The portions are huge, so we had enough for a second meal for the next day. The food comes out fast and the service is prompt and efficient. I'd love to come back and try the other food. It's very reasonably priced as well. Thank you!
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Theresa T.

Yelp
The food was very authentic and reminded me of my dad's food. The BBH broth was perfectly spicy and savory, but also had a sweetness to it. I also heard another table ordering the broth to be not as spicy, so they are also very accommodating with spice tolerances! They had shrimp paste and satay chili oil on the side, which lets you customize the flavor profiles to your liking. I didn't add anything other than satay and lemon, as the broth was perfect for me. The banh beo (steamed rice cake) not too chewy, topped with grounded shrimp. It was also topped with a crispy topping which i think are pork rinds, but i thought that was a nice contrast to the chewy texture of the rice cake. The nuoc cham that accommodated the banh beo was a lot sweeter than what I was used to, but something like this is very various between different regions. The service was not like your typical restaurant, where they are constantly checking up on you. It's more like, someone will grab your order, bring out the food, and ask how you like it, which is something that i personally prefer. But this is also another factor that makes this restaurant very comforting and homey. It reminded me of home where good food is the priority.
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Jalissa T.

Yelp
Definitely hits home when craving some bun bo hue. Filling, warm and cooked with so much love. Has been my family's go-to for best bun bo hue broth.
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Derreck C.

Yelp
This restaurant is a small business and pretty much every Vietnamese family knows this place. It is a childhood memory for many of us and there is a little bit of bias when I write a review for this place. I recently came in and ordered a rice plate and coffee. I thought it was ok, but I know that this place isn't known for their rice plates l, they're known for their Bun Bo Hue. I just wanted to have a rice plate cause I love my rice but I think next time I'm gonna stick with their Bun Bo Hue. I think their coffee is ok, but their Banh Beo is phenomenal. They're pretty fast and the restaurant has a classic Vietnamese feel to it. They have some vegetarian dishes so that's nice. Definitely would come back here.
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Allison H.

Yelp
food is amazing as always, i got the bun bo hue, banh nam, cha and banh beo chen! definitely want to come back and try more!
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Kimme F.

Yelp
Simply amazing. The best Bun Bo Hue in town. Broth is so savory and flavorful with light hints of spice. Love all the fresh herbs that comes with it to be placed in the bowl. The purple paste is what makes it and everything was so delicious! Service is quick and fast, everyone is so friendly and greets you. Highly recommend this place! I want to come back and try their banh cua soup.
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Tiffany T.

Yelp
City Heights is definitely one of my favorite neighborhoods in San Diego. It's famously known for its 'Little Saigon' strip that's filled with a bunch of authentic Vietnamese restaurants, and one of the best ones is easily 'Hoai Hue'. For a long time, I've heard from the majority of people that 'Mien Trung' in Kearny Mesa had the best Bun Bo Hue. Yes, it's good there, but I honestly think that Hoai Hue's Bun Bo Hue is significantly better in flavor and includes so much more in the bowl. The pork meatballs they use are amazing too and are my favorite part of the soup bowl. Hoai Hue also accepts credit card, while Mien Trung accepts cash only. In addition to the Bun Bo Hue being so hearty, filling, and downright delicious at Hoai Hue, they have a bunch of other Hue classics on the menu as well, such as Banh Bot Loc, Banh Nam, and Banh Beo (Chen). The Banh Beo Chen is seriously my favorite! If I'm being completely honest, I can probably eat 100 of those in one sitting. They are beyond addicting. The Cafe Sua Da (Vietnamese Iced Coffee) is amazing too - not too sweet, but still very strong as intended. The service here is wonderful too and everyone is really warm. I love seeing how servers interact with other tables, and there is a lovely woman who works here who is kind to literally everyone she interacts with. It makes me happy to witness those kinds of interactions. I love this spot a lot and everyone I've brought here has loved it too. Consider me a forever regular!
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Jackie T.

Yelp
Nice clean spacious restaurant. I like that you are able to sit anywhere you want and they come take your order right away. Service was good, food came out quick and hot. Good price for the amount of food they give you. If you're in the area please stop by this gem in City Heights.
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Kailin H.

Yelp
Always delicious and flavorful, I've never had a bad bowl of noodles from Hoai Hue!! Friendly and fast service, this Vietnamese restaurant is my favorite for many years now. I wish they had a few more vegetarian options (they really only have one), but at least that one option is very delicious. This place can get busy during lunch times, so don't be surprised if the parking is full and there's a short wait.
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Eric B.

Yelp
The Cơm Hoài Huế was great and the Bún Bò Huế was good but not spicy enough. Not too expensive either.
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Sarah L.

Yelp
A Vietnamese gem you don't see often! Hoai Hue specializes in food specific to the Hue region of Vietnam and they do it well. Don't expect world class customer service, just expect really good and cheap food! My entire bill ended up being $15 for two dishes. Definitely worth a visit. I also like the fact that there are vegetarian options otherwise most dishes are made with pork or shrimp.
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Samantha G.

Yelp
Came here because of all the reviews stating this was the best bun bo hue but I just felt like I was eating a bowl of fish soup. We were seated right away and tried one of the appetizers but it just didn't have any flavor. The food was bland and broth was not spicy. The kids portion was super bland. At the middle of our meal they lit an incense stick inside then brought it out to the front door I guess for the new year but I did not want to smell that while I was trying to eat.
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Otto N.

Yelp
We went out today and stopped by this restaurant. The food was definitely worth trying -- really delicious -- but the service was quite disappointing. There were six of us, and we were waiting to be seated. One of the waitresses came over and spoke to me as if she was giving me an order, not a customer request. Honestly, if she had just asked nicely, I would have been happy to help, but the way she spoke made me feel like I was working there, not dining there. Later, when my friend politely asked for a small bowl for the dipping sauce, another server responded with a very unpleasant attitude, which made us feel quite uncomfortable. What bothered us even more was when my friend asked if the vegetables could be blanched. Instead of simply answering or helping, the staff said, "Why didn't you say so earlier?" -- as if blaming us. It really felt more like we were being scolded than served. In short, I do recommend trying the food -- it's really good -- but as for the service, I honestly have no words to describe how bad it was.
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Venus V.

Yelp
Can't get enough of this place. It really brings me close to home. Very delicious and authentic Vietnamese Bun Bo Hue. They're closed Mondays and this is my first time in a Sunday. A small line but went by quickly. You won't get the best customer service/or greeted all the time, but they know you're waiting to eat so make eye contact, sign in, and a seat lol. It's quiet and there's always parking. I love the Viet cafe and thai tea here too
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Tammy C.

Yelp
my fav thing to eat is bun rieu and there are only a couple places i will get it from.. hoai hue is one of them!!! its so delicious
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Lisa N.

Yelp
Vietnamese (Hue) mother approved! Don't judge a book by its cover. It may not be located in the nicest area + parking situation is not the greatest, but at least the food was worth the struggle. Service was quick. Staff speaks Vietnamese and a bit of English. The menu is translated in English. Everything was super affordable and yummy. My mom and I ordered: - bún tam hoài hue -- pretty good but not that spicy. Good amount of meat though which I appreciate. - bánh nam (5pcs per order) -- on the smaller size than what my grandma makes. Good for the price. - bánh bèo chen (10pcs per order) -- we ordered 2 portions and I ate 18 of them while my mom only ate 2 lol. Yes, it's THAT GOOD. My mom really liked the cha (Vietnamese pork sausage). Ambiance was awkward cause there is no music. All I could hear was people eating and talking. Overall, it's a great spot if you're looking for some hue food!
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Josue V.

Yelp
This place is the definition of a "iykyk" spot. Hoài Huế is located in San Diego's "Little Saigon." My close friend recommended we eat here, being that she's been coming here ever since she has been a little kid. I ate the Bún Bò Huế ($13), and my friend ate the Mì Quảng ($13). The food was FIRE. My soup was perfect, and my friend's noodles were incredibly flavorful. I noticed that this place offers many Vietnamese dishes that aren't offered at the usual pho restaurants around in San Diego. I cannot wait to explore more of the menu. The ambiance gives a no-frills, small-business, and a distinctly-POC comforting vibe. Service is quick and efficient as well. I'll surely be coming back for more when I am craving affordable and bomb Vietnamese food.
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Huyen N.

Yelp
First impression upon walking in? Dirty. But because our peers recommended this place, we stayed to try it. We were seated at a dirty table, even though it was "cleaned" right before we sat down. We asked if the food debris could be swept from under the table, but the server stated it was fine, that they were short staffed, and kicked what she could to the side. I recommend scanning the barcode on the table for the menu because there's more options on it than the physical, dirty hard copy. Our group had a few different bun bo hues and a banh canh tom cua. Everyone who ordered bun bo hue said, adding shrimp paste and sate (provided on the table) along with vegetables made it more flavorful. However, they said it didn't taste as good as usual. I had the banh canh, and it was ok. There is nothing too outstanding to mention besides the three large shrimp balls that were filling. We ordered banh beo chen but it never made it to the table. Wish we could've tried it but oh well.