The Pig and The Lady

Located on North King Street in downtown Honolulu, this innovative Vietnamese French fusion restaurant has come a long way from its humble beginnings. Named for owner / executive chef Andrew Le (The Pig) and his mother Loan (The Lady), The Pig and The Lady began as a pop-up before graduating to a sandwich and soup stand at a local farmers market, and then - in 2013 - materialising in its current form in Honolulu’s Chinatown.

The restaurant’s bare brick interior, relaxed, convivial atmosphere and industrial chic design all add to the dining experience here, but its secret sauce lies in the talent and creativity of its chef. Trained at The Culinary Institute of America in New York, Andrew Le roots traditional Vietnamese recipes passed down through the generations in French culinary techniques honed through years working in professional kitchens. Making the most of Hawaii’s indigenous ingredients, Le’s daring, eclectic cuisine marries tradition and modernity, east and west, yin and yang, in an ever-evolving menu of dishes that satisfy all the senses.

Highlights from the lunch menu include the pho French dip - a toasted baguette with 12 hour slow roasted beef brisket, sautéed bean sprout & onion, spicy hoisin and Thai basil chimichurri. The sandwich is served with a side of the Pig and the Lady’s signature pho 75 broth (for dipping!), but if a side of their famous pho is only enough to whet your appetite, it’s worth noting that this comforting bowl of spicy, aromatic goodness is also available as a standalone dish at both lunch and dinner.

The Pig and The Lady’s evening menu is the perfect compliment to its more casual lunch offering. Many of the dishes here combine Vietnamese flavours with influences from other southeast Asian countries as well as from Hawaii itself, creating a unique offering utterly distinct from other venues on the island. There is a collective belief amongst the team that food should be fun and a little bit messy, and in keeping with this notion, the Le fried chicken wings and Le fried Brussels sprouts are popular as appetisers. Noodle soups, spicy lemongrass Bolognese and spaghetti with poached lobster are amongst the main dishes, alongside an ever-changing list of grilled meats and fish always cooked to perfection and plated with unparalleled artistry. To further punctuate the dining experience, the restaurant’s food menu is complimented by a full bar with a small but carefully chosen wine list, imaginative cocktails and local Hawaiian beers.

In the decade since its opening The Pig and The Lady has become one of the brightest stars on the Hawaiian culinary scene. A creative, contemporary restaurant with innovative plating techniques, unique flavour combinations and truly memorable cuisine, it nonetheless remains rooted in family values and Vietnamese traditions. Despite their success, the Le’s haven’t forgotten how it all started. They still have a stand at various Oahu farmers’ markets, they still make everything from scratch - including the house pickles that can be purchased in the restaurant or online - and they still believe in unpretentious, sustainably produced food that tastes even better shared with friends and family.

Awards and accolades have been plentiful, celebrity endorsements the same. And such is the restaurant’s popular appeal, it was even referenced in the fourth season of Magnum P.I. So, whether you’re looking for a sandwich to takeaway, a relaxed lunch with friends, or a romantic dinner for two, if its good enough for Thomas Magnum…