Hoài Huế Restaurant

Vietnamese restaurant · San Diego

Hoài Huế Restaurant

Vietnamese restaurant · San Diego

1

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

Photos

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

Highlights

Noodle soups, rice cakes, dumplings & BBQ plates served in a modern setting.  

Featured in Eater
Placeholder

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

hoaihue.com

$ · Menu

Information

Static Map

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

+1 619 563 5358
hoaihue.com

$ · Menu

Features

payment credit card
Tap to pay
reservations

Last updated

Aug 24, 2025

Powered By

You might also like

Terms of Use • Privacy Policy • Cookie Policy
 © 2025 Postcard Technologies, Inc.
@eater

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
View Postcard for Hoài Huế Restaurant

John Nguyen

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 Ha

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

Alle Esor

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!

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!

Kai Shaikh

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).

N Tra

Google
Excellent Bun Bo Hue (i love the Bun Bo Hue Special) and friendly, helpful staffs. Prices are afforable. They also have Banh Gio & Nem Chua which are my favorite Vietnamese snacks.

lynda marrokal

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 Mach

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!
google avatar

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.
google avatar

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.
google avatar

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!
google avatar

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!
google avatar

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.
google avatar

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.
google avatar

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

Mark D.

Yelp
One of my favorite places for an authentic delicious Vietnamese meal. The broth for the Bun Bo Hue is heavenly and addictive. So so good. The food here is amazing and flavorful. The portions are huge and service was quick and efficient I can't recommend enough.
google avatar

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.
google avatar

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
google avatar

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.
google avatar

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!
google avatar

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!
google avatar

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.
google avatar

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.
google avatar

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.
google avatar

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.
google avatar

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!
google avatar

Daniella S.

Yelp
I wanted to try something new! I placed my order to go. I ordered shrimp patties with the rice. The rice cakes and ube pudding. It was all very flavorful and delicious. It was filling as well shared with my mom. I would love to go back and try the soups! Service was great, very friendly for someone who has never been. Looks like a great spot to dine in.
google avatar

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!
google avatar

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.
google avatar

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.
google avatar

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.
google avatar

Brit N.

Yelp
Continues to be one of my favorite authentic Vietnamese food spots. Food is consistently good
google avatar

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.
google avatar

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.
google avatar

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!
google avatar

Candace P.

Yelp
This is hands down the best spot for Bún Bò Huế in SD! I started coming here back in college, and it never misses--consistently delicious every time. The service is quick, and the food always arrives hot and fresh. They fit about 35 people in the restaurant. I love supporting this family-owned gem. It's definitely worth a visit and I'll be back soon.
google avatar

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.
google avatar

Kristy S.

Yelp
Best Bun Bo Hue in town! One of my to go spots when I'm craving Vietnamese food. I really enjoy the bun bo hue and the banh beo. I've tried other places and nothing really compares to this spot for bun Bo hue.
google avatar

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.
google avatar

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.
google avatar

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!
google avatar

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.
google avatar

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.
google avatar

Serena T.

Yelp
I ADORE this place! My viet friend and I are regulars here. All their food is the highest quality and soo delicious. My favorites are the banh beo chien and the banh bot loc. Very authentic. Their fish sauce is so good I could drink it.
google avatar

Caitlin D.

Yelp
Service was good and fast! As soon as we sat down someone came over with utensils, napkins, and ice water. He took our order as well. There is a QR code on the table and a small laminated menu stapled to the wall above our table. That one was a bit difficult to read. It was small compact menu. We went with Banh Beo Chen, sharing tray-- this one is the thinner version of banh beo which I think is more enjoyable. The toppings were yummy, but maybe the crispy pork skin was refried because it tasted pretty oily. The nuoc mam was yummy, but for some can get salty overtime. They give you fresh chili peppers, but it can be a hit or miss with the spice. We ordered 3 trays for three people to share. They also have some chili paste as well! In the end, I ordered an iced Vietnamese coffee (ca phe sua da). It's pretty strong and robust flavor. It's very good and they give you a lot with a little bit of ice. Well worth it! I can make this into 4 iced coffees when I take it home. (: Def a great place for dinner! They close at 7pm, but we came around 6pm and finished eating before closing.
google avatar

Vivian T.

Yelp
One of City Height's local gems is Hoai Hue restaurant. My friends and family order here for bun bo hue (probably every month or so) for take-out, and on rare occasions I dine in. They have amazing banh beo, which is a steamed flat rice cake eaten with fish sauce and sprinkled with dry shrimp and pork cracklings. I love the amount of meat you get, and their broth needs nothing but their chili paste and lime. Their bowls are soothing on any given day and is one of my favorite dishes out of all Vietnamese noodle soups! They do offer more than just their BBH, and I've heard only good things about the other noodle dishes so I will have to give it a try one day. Other than that, our family loves Hoai Hue and will always be loyal to this spot.

Mary L.

Yelp
Their bun tam hoai hue and bun rieu was phenomenal. One of the best I've ever had. The restaurant was clean and the food came out fast. The only thing was parking was a little bit difficult to find.
google avatar

Felicia D.

Yelp
Food, and service here is always on point. Been a long time customer, I only get my bun bo hue from here. I am never disappointed. The portion size is always more than enough, whether you dine in or pick up. Their bun bo hue always hits the spot doesn't matter the weather.
google avatar

Phuong L.

Yelp
Authentic Vietnamese Flavors in San Diego. The Bún Bò Huế is a must-try--rich, spicy, and packed with perfectly cooked beef and pork. The broth is incredibly flavorful, with just the right amount of lemongrass and chili to warm your soul. The Bánh Bèo is another highlight; these steamed rice cakes topped with shrimp, scallions, and crispy pork cracklings are pure comfort food. The ambiance is cozy, with friendly staff who make you feel at home. Prices are reasonable, and the portions are generous, making it a great spot for families or groups of friends.
google avatar

Mimie T.

Yelp
Super excited to see some comforting Hue food after flying into SD as there are not too many in the bay. The restaurant is smaller with a cramped parking lot behind it but there is also street parking. Wait was 25 minutes at noon time but they had good business and smelled good. The servers were friendly and were quick to offer sharing plates and the food came out relatively quickly. The every dish was amazing but my favorite was the banh beo and bun bo hue! The soups came out plentiful with meat and the dipping fish sauce was perfectly sweet, not too salty, and flavorful. The banh beo was perfectly steamed and soft and I loved the crunchy chicharron it was topped with. The bun bo hue was the best that I've had, super flavorful. It was slightly sweet for my taste but I just added a touch of fish sauce. The banh bot loc was a just ok, filling good, rice cake not soft/gummy enough. The banh canh cua was good but also on the sweeter side. There was so much meat we did not end up finishing it all but bowls were slurped dry of soup. Amazing. Would come again.
google avatar

Tracie P.

Yelp
Great and friendly staff They are known for their Bun Bo Hue. I have tried their BBH before. The broth is tasty. Today I tried their Banh Beo, I will give 4/5 Also their dessert, chè, is good too.
google avatar

Richie F.

Yelp
Hoài Huế Mì Quảng Mặn (#8) flat rice noodles in a pork, shrimp, and beaten egg broth, peanuts and sesame rice crackers. Come here for the Mi Quang and I promise you will leave sooo happy! Bánh Canh Tôm Cua #9 Royal "udon" noodle in a delicious slightly sweet clear broth with shrimp and shrimp balls Chè - Tapioca with Taro Pudding. Tasty, sweet and delicious. A wonderful Vietnamese spot that specializes in Bun Bo Hue! We went on a double date night and absolutely loved it! Both the Bun Bo Hue (#1) and the Mi Quang (#8) are must try items! Tasty Score
google avatar

Alyanna M.

Yelp
This is a unique Vietnamese spot that serves traditional dishes that are not pho so keep that in mind. With that being said, there arent many spots in SD that serve bun bo hue & this place actually specializes in it! It was my first time trying it & it was amazing. The broth is flavorful & everything was delicious.
google avatar

Melissa L.

Yelp
Was feeling nostalgic for some Vietnamese food I had as a kid and decided to come with my sister. We were a little rushed to order right when we sat down lol but not surprised bc this is an authentic viet place and ofc viet aunties are gonna be straight to the point. The place is VERY HOLE IN THE WALL, no big signs out front, parking lot in the back, and slight smell(?) when you come inside. Growing up viet, we know these are the signs of a hidden gem. We ordered the banh nam and banh beo chay (vegetarian, 20 count). I'm not sure how to describe these in English but they're like steamed rice mixture (?) with minced shrimp or other protein inside or on top, eaten with fish sauce. They tasted just like my grandma used to make :'). Our total was $15 for these apps and I'd come back again!
google avatar

Myphuong L.

Yelp
It's been decades since I've been here and they are still standing so you know they're good! Came here for lunch and got what they are known for, a bowl of Bún Bò Huế and added on Bánh bèo. If you're craving food from the central region of Vietnam, you can always count on this place. Parking is limited. They have a structure but it's tight with a small entrance/exit and cars can be backed up into the road going in/out. I would park on the street on Menlo.
google avatar

Thao Nhi N.

Yelp
Hands down, the hype is real. Best bun bo hue spot! The bun rieu is amazing too. I feel like a lot of bun rieu bowls are bland, not this one! I ALMOST want to say it's better than the bun bo hue, almost. The crab balls are out of this world & the broth is so good. I knew it was going to be amazing when I saw the shrimp paste bottles at every table lol service is fast, place is clean. Parking may be a challenge during peak hours, so plan accordingly. We got lucky both times we went here. 10/10 for sure
google avatar

Diana C.

Yelp
Located in the heart of city heights, this is One of our go to spots for some noodle soups, serving up a variety of dishes that packs up with so much flavors. They offer rice plates, small dishes and the -The restaurant is pretty spacious -family friendly -It could be a little busy depending on the time of day -the longest we waited is about 10 mins for a table 4 stars only because servers don't really check on you to see if everything is okay or if you need anything else.