Pig and The Lady

French dip highly recommended. Usually a long line at the farmers market in kailua with a crowd slightly resembling a David buffet concert. However go early and it’s worth it. Lots of good Bahn MI favorites. The tofu sandwich is filling. Phở is fantastic and worth the $ 3 add on to any sandwich. Pork lemongrass meatballs sandwich was the only option that turned out sub par. Meat was dry Tasted like the inside of a cheap dumpling dried out. We dipped it in the au jus that came with the French dip sandwich to make it more palatable.

I love Kailua Farmer’s Market on Thursday night. Great live music. Great food choices and lots of friendly people around. I’ve been meaning to try Pig and the Lady for a minute now. I was so glad that I got to this week. I ordered the Phở French Dip with a side of Phở. DELICIOUS! It was brisket, cilantro, and bean sprouts with a beef broth. It was so full of flavor. I loved it. There is a reason the line is the longest at this Kailua market. It’s worth every minute you stand in line.

So I have been hearing all this hype of the Pig and The Lady. So when at a bon dance they were there and decided to give two things a try: The french dip phở sandwich and the papaya salad. Being that the sandwich was what they were known for I was expecting the world! But it was so bland, I was confused in why this was their award winning sandwich. The papaya salad tasted good though, like normal papaya salad but not much heat on it though.
So seeing this again at the Kailua’s Farmer Market I decided to give this another try! The layout of the food stand is interesting, you can order your food and there is an area with a couple of tables that you can sit on. If you’re claustrophobic you may not want to sit at these tables, since you are sitting pretty close next to other people trying to eat their food. I didn’t really mind this at all, and we started talking to the people at our table which was nice. Note: there is very limited seating around the kailua farmers market as well. But they have live music which is a plus!
So again I ordered the french dip phở sandwich and it was complete night and day from the first time I tried it! The meat was so moist and tender it just falls apart in your mouth. The phở dip broth was so delicious, I even drank it hot and cold (yes cold, I was lazy to reheat the broth) and it was delicious! The sandwich was so big I couldn’t finish it in one sitting, so for me it was two meals. So glad I gave this sandwich another try, I’m completely hooked and can’t wait to eat the phở dip sandwich again and also try to dine in their restaurant :). Love coming to this farmers market and would recommend coming here if going!

Those that are surprised easily… should be surprised more.
I don’t surprise easily, it’s the complication of an over active brain. Being (self diagnosed, I come from a long line of hypercondriacs!) afflicted with «Overactive Brain Syndrome, OBS» (I made that up!) makes life and sleep a challenge, but it also makes you a planner.
I was invited to «The Pig & the Lady’s» soft opening for lunch a couple years ago, myself and a plus one. So I brought three (kinda piggish?). After so many years as a pop-​up finally they were a brick and mortar. I was excited, and this exhilaration was intoxicating to my crew (incidentally, I sometimes hang out with three very lovely Japanese ladies… I’m the pig:)). So, I have a hard time saying no?
The lunch was a disaster! We were accommodated, sure, and for that point alone, I never reviewed them, but I thought about it.
I had the Shinsato Farm Pork Burger Sliders! Aaaaamazing! The phở was horrible! Fattened noodles, cold broth (what does that tell you?), and the service was nonplus. You gotta expect to be busy. Hanging around owners table, sucking up to their friends? I’m a (kinda?) prima donna (self admitted!) and require a certain amour (not sure I used that word correctly! But, I like it. It stays!) Afterwards… the rumbling! You get one shot with my crew.
After a night of bowling we meander over to the Kailua Farmers Market (again! Planning!). Luckily, it’s low light and you can’t read signage to well (I got lucky, but I’ve always been lucky!), when I suggest phở.
All are eager! And I order the Vietnamese French Dip ($ 12) and add a small plain phở ($ 4 more). We find a seat next to their tent (this is their pop-​up, every Thursday) and are soon slurping and chawing away amidst gleeful conversation!
My Vietnamese French Dip was displayed brilliantly! The bread so crunchy outside, soft and fresh in and the brisket (or was it short rib? Hell, who cares! It could’ah been opossum, wouldn’t have mattered!) was so fatty, and tender. Hints of garlic, ginger, cinnamon, shallots, and red wine vinegar! Heaped high with caramelized onions, carrots, Thai basil, and cilantro (not at all the same thing!). I was so glad that my offer to share was refused, I did share the plain phở… magnifique!
On the way home, admits conversation, the question was ask…“What was the name on that tent?”
«Well…(pause for dramatic effect!) the Pig and the Lady.»
Silence…
«That was pretty good.» Almost in harmony!
Shock!
Hope!!!
Aloha

A very neat take on Vietnamese fusion. That’s what drew me and my wife into trying them. We’ve had Vietnamese all over the Mainland and can for certain say that this was average plus at best. We had the signature Phở French Dip and upgraded to the phở ga combo for $ 3 more. That was semi disappointing thinking we’d actually get a decent sized bowl to try. It was more like a cup of phở.
The baguette was very crispy and the meat had the flavors of phở. I was looking for hints of star anise and cinnamon but wasn’t sure I hit those. The the phở itself tastes like the the broth is made from the powdered phở bullion cans you can find at the Asian food stores. They add the fixings for you. I was looking for Thai basil but didn’t catch much of that either. It’s salty enough that you don’t need to add hoisin sauce to it.
The noodles were told to be «freshly made». They were semi mushy — like they were overcooked. Though the fresh refrigerated packaged noodles we use at home are better in my opinion.
Overall and interesting try since we were here Kailua, they are a bit pricey — the best places on the mainland are half of what they charge here. Understandable as this is Hawaii.

I had the Phở French Dip from the Kailua Farmers Market stand. My sandwich was to go. Only complaint was that by the time I got home my bread was falling apart because it was really soggy. But can’t deny the taste of the meat and the phở = DELICIOUS!!! Ill def be back :)

The cooking makes your tastebuds come alive! Totally enjoyed each dish! Highly recommend you visit this restaurant if you’re a foodie. Make reservations or go early as it gets very busy. Beautiful décor but bench seating not that comfortable after awhile. Great service!

Delicious! Although, I think the restaurant in Chinatown is 5 stars. Occasionally the meat in the French Dip is overcooked and tough at the farmers market. But it still tastes really good and I will eat it and love it. The tofu dip is always great. And the meatball sandwich is only at this location! Yum! You really can’t go wrong with anything in the menu, sandwich or noodles or curry or whatever. So yummy.

Not a fan. Thought I’d try it once since the line had 5 people instead of the normal 20. Bahn Mi sandwich with Phở Au jus is brilliant, but not for that price. $ 15 for a tiny, upper palate scarring bread, burnt brisket (who does that?) that falls apart on the first bite. As a result, I will plug for Saigon noodle House in Enchanted Lakes-​My go to for 10+ years, plus easier on the wallet. I’m sure Pig and the lady uses natural or organic products, but don’t you feel awesome after a hot bowl of Phở anywhere? Just saying. Saigon Noodle House all the way.

I made reservation for a group of 8 three months in advance for our office Christmas dinner. I’m not going to dispute the quality of the food.
When we got our checks, my wife’s and my checks totaled $ 119 and however we ordered $ 51.50 of food. I stayed 45 minutes after everyone left working with the waiter trying to discern the proper bill. He give a credit of $ 39 (still not right).
The next day I checked my credit card statement and there was indeed a $ 39 credit in pending transactions however when I checked the next day, the credit was cancelled.
Since them, my wife and I have returned to the restaurant FIVE TIMES armed with credit card statements and spoke to the manager. Each time we got a heartfelt apology, a promise of credit and a follow up phone call. Never got the credit, never got the phone call. On the 5^th visit, they handed my wife $ 20 cash however they still owe us plenty more.
Tonight will be my sixth return visit.
The Pig and The Lady is not worth the hassle. Check your bills closely.

Was here for the Kailua’s Farmers Market and saw The Pig & The Lady stand. I remember reading and seeing pictures of food from their restaurant so I got really excited when I saw them at the farmers market. I immediately waited in line — I was already set on getting the Porchetta sandwich until I saw the item next to it: Phở French Dip. I just had to order that instead.
I’m glad I changed my order because it was delicious! although I do think it’s a little bit expensive for a sandwich; it was over $ 10 but I don’t regret it. I have never tried a Phở French Dip or heard of; so getting to experience this dish was a highlight of the night.
The baguette was piled with thick cut briskets, beansprouts, cilantro. it came with a side of beef phở broth and it was so fragrant! The sandwich was good on it’s own already but when you dip it in the phở broth it enhances the flavor and softening the baguette — every bite you take you get that dripping of broth running down your chin. mmm so good! I can just taste and smell the spices as i’m typing up this review.
The brisket was cooked really well too, it was soft and full of flavor.
I wonder if you can ask for basil and chili pepper in your sandwich, I think that will give it the whole phở in a sandwich experience (minus the rice noodles).
I’m glad I got to try The Pig and The Lady — it was good. I would like to visit their restaurant now and try other items. Maybe the price is more reasonable at the restaurant?

I have been Ono for the lemongrass tofu and noodles ever since I had it. Bring it back PLEASE! Crazy long lines an worth every minute of waiting! Ambience, fresh ingredients and friendly staff! 4 stars because there is no lemongrass tofu AND limited choices for vegetarians… auwe!

I’m usually a couple steps behind when it comes to crazes, I like to make sure whatever is trending on my social networks lives up to the hype: Netflix, How I Met Your Mother, new eateries, etc.
After seeing a tweet about the upcoming Kailua Farmers Market menu, I finally decided to give The Pig and The Lady a try & I’ve been mentally kicking myself in the butt, because their Bun Mang Ga phở is the most incredible combination of flavors I’ve experienced in awhile.
I want to be BFFs with Mama Le because hands down her Bun Mang Ga was the best phở I’ve tasted; you’ll experience an explosion of flavor in your mouth & one taste of their broth will have you falling in love. Mama Le’s Bun Mang Ga phở consists of: tender pieces of Slow Cooked Chicken, thick Egg Noodles, generous servings of Smoked Bamboo Shoots in a heavenly Chicken & Smoked Bamboo Shoot Noodle Soup.
I can’t wait until my next bowl of heartwarming phở from The Pig and The Lady & I’m excited for their upcoming brick & mortar location which will open SOON. By the way, The Pig and The Lady are currently accepting applications for the following positions: Host, Waitstaff/​Server, Busser, Food Runner, Dishwasher/​Porter, Bar Manager, Bartender, Bar Back, AM/​PM Cook, AM/​PM Sous Chef, AM/​PM Prep, Farmer’s Market/​Catering Cook, Meat/​Fish Butcher.
If you’re interested in working for The Pig and The Lady, check out the full job descriptions & please submit your resume. Also be sure to follow The Pig and The Lady on your social networks to stay up-​to-​date with the latest news & menu items.

Had the bahn mi Saigon. I was so excited by the list of ingredients… pork belly, Vietnamese ham, pâté, head cheese and a fried egg! Not easy to find these traditional but exotic bahn mi ingredients. The sandwich was tasty. Unfortunately the pickled vegetables and sauce over powered the flavors of all the meats except the head cheese. Also it was a little disappointing that the bread, while good, was more like ciabatta than the more familiar crusty French bread.
Nevertheless, still want to try their other menu items. So intrigued by their unique and inventive take on Vietnamese food.

This is an outstanding little eatery at the Kailua Thurs. nite market. We have gone 3 consecutive Thursdays in a row, just to eat here! Everything dish has an amazing depth of flavors, especially the sandwiches. We had the pork meatball sandwich with shredded daikon and carrots and mint. In addition, there was an amazing light sauce on it.
There are 2 tables to sit at, but the crowd queues up early for this spot. They also have phos to die for and curry stews, which are on my list.
In addition, the family that owns this stand is all there working and they are very personable. Can’t say enough about the amazing quality of the food. The menu changes weekly. The bread is also memorable!

The bahn mi was good. Have I had better? Absofrickenlutely. But tremendous variety and quality if Vietnamese food abounds in the Bay Area where I am from so we are spoiled.
Food itself gets a solid 3 stars.
Had to deduct a star because it took 30minutes for a sandwich. Let me clarify: it didn’t bother me as much that anything takes 30 minutes in Hawaii… We are on Hawaii time afterall but even still, a 30minute sandwich should involve chasing down said meat, foraging for the greens and running to the bakery to pick up the baguette. I didn’t have the privilege of watching any of that occur during my 30min wait. The kicker and th reason for the down grade is that the cashier told me «ready in 5 minutes» FIVE minutes. Nearly peed my pants waiting yo.

It’s a good thing my grandmother is dead because their chicken noodle soup is better than hers!
Everything you try here will be the best version of that dish you have ever had in your life.

Vietnamese Sandwich. BANH MI!
I can eat the bread alone and still love it.
Maybe I’m biased.
Their menu changes every week. What’s not to love?
Admittedly, their food… hits the spot.
Hmm, I guess I wrote out that previous sentence as a pretext to some bad news.
If you’re watching your weight, and plan to eat some healthy Vietnamese food, just know that this place will hit the spot. Very hard. With mother f-​ing consequence.
Oh, and the pandan iced tea is pretty refreshing. Google pandan first, to appreciate the hint of its taste to the full effect. :) It’s something I would love a pitcher of in my home one day, should I ever be so lucky…
P. S. If you think it’s expensive, I would beg very much to differ. There are no words to describe how upset, angry, and disgruntled I would be to wake up late one morning for KCC farmers market, only to rush my way there and find that they are sold out of something because it was… dare I say, CHEAP!
Very worth it, my friends. Very worth it.

First ran into Pig and the Lady at the Unilocal event at the Honolulu Zoo in early 2012.
I was so impressed that I headed out to the KCC Farmers Market ASAP to have another P and L experience. They didn’t have any vegetarian option so I got a beef burgundy bowl. Amazing!
I knew they were regulars at the Kailua Farmers Market. Checked the published menu and finally was going to get to try the Vegetarian Curry and Rice. Perfect lemon grass and curry seasoning. So good. Plus, I got an iced coffee.
Then it started raining. I had waited and snagged some Pig and the Lady seats and I wasn’t going to give them up!
Food: Vietnamese Iced Coffee 5 Stars. Vegetarian Curry 5 Stars (nice lemon grass seasoning and big chunks of vegetables and not too much coconut milk if any).(
) Hot and good on a rainy day. Beef Burgundy from the KCC Market. Un-​believeable, I haven’t had any beef this good in years. I forget what they served at the Zoo Event but i know it was two great items. Personally, I like this style of Vietnamese/​French cooking a lot. That probably accounts for my 5 star rating.
Service: They have a dining area. They make sure every customer personally feels welcome and like a VIP. Had my hands full with my purchases. They got me the utensils even though they were right in from of me. They put up a flap on the tent to cover the dining area when it started raining. They took my trash containers when it was obvious I couldn’t find a trash can.
These guys are good. Great price. High quality all the way. They want people to be happy and it shows. I’ve enjoyed it under the tent. I would really enjoy the Pig and the Lady in a fine dining situation. I love the Pig and the Lady!

Wife and I usually have a debate about dinner after workout time. She’s always craving something off the wall. Luckily, Kailua Farmer’s Market is going on tonight.
We head straight for Pig and The Lady, a new regular at the Kailua Farmer’s market on Thursday nights.
Chef Alex always has something different to keep wife happy. We came here about three weeks ago and had the Chicken Ragout. It was brilliant. Chef Alex remembered us and recommended something special.
On tonight’s menu he was featuring Coq Au Vin. I’ve always wanted to try this dish, but was unable to find it outside of a million-​dollar-​a-​plate French restaurant. Only ten bucks here.
After a short wait, we were seated at his concession stand table. Within moments, a piping hot bowl of chicken stew is in front of us with a toasted piece of french bread.
It tastes wonderful. Something your grandmother in Paris would cook you if you had one. The chicken was so tender, my plastic fork made it dissolve. No knife needed. The flavors were layered and it tasted like it was simmering for hours. You can hear the groans of joy of all the patrons getting through their dish, but unable to because they are so full.
After we were pau, Chef Alex gave us a chicken salad bento to go and a pandam mung bean dessert drink. It tasted like ice cream with a pureed mung bean texture. Daring for dessert. I’m not sure why he didn’t charge us, I think he is just passionate about his food and wants to share it.
Chef Alex graduated from the CIA (not the spy agency) which is like the Harvard of culinary schools. I can foresee him being the next big chef on the islands. His mom (the «lady» of Pig and The Lady) is always sitting chatting with customers all dressed to the nines.
I think I am the «pig» of the Pig and The Lady after scarfing all that food.
Bonjour!