Mama Hong's: Family Recipes, Rich Flavors, and Heartwarming Hospitality
Discover Mama Hong's Vietnamese Kitchen, serving authentic family recipes with a modern touch. Known for its rich 24-hour pho, shaken beef, and comforting Vietnamese dishes, Mama Hong’s combines tradition with warm hospitality. Visit locations in Burbank, West LA, and Orange to experience the flavors of Vietnam.
Mama Hong's Vietnamese Kitchen is dedicated to serving authentic Vietnamese dishes rooted in family tradition and crafted with care. Founded by Lan Pham, who grew up cherishing his mother’s cooking, the restaurant is inspired by the rich, comforting meals that defined his upbringing.
With locations in Burbank, West LA, and Orange, Mama Hong’s serves cherished family recipes with a modern touch, creating a dining experience that combines rich flavors, warm hospitality, and culinary excellence.
A Labor of Love and Flavor
Lan Pham’s journey began at his mother's dinner table, where every dish carried a story and a connection to Vietnamese culture. “I grew up loving my mom’s homemade meals, and I wanted to share that love with others,” Lan shared. With that inspiration, he opened Mama Hong’s in 2012 to elevate his mother’s traditional recipes and share them with the community.
Mama Hong’s was designed with inclusivity in mind, blending authentic Vietnamese flavors with a welcoming atmosphere that invites everyone to savor the cuisine. Lan and his team have worked tirelessly to preserve the integrity of these recipes while creating an environment where every guest feels like family.
Signature Dishes That Keep Guests Coming Back
At the heart of Mama Hong’s menu is its pho, a rich and comforting dish made with a 24-hour broth crafted from beef bones, brisket, and oxtail. Available in traditional beef, chicken, and vegan varieties, the pho highlights the restaurant’s commitment to quality and authenticity.
Another standout is the shaken beef, a tender filet mignon stir-fried with garlic, onions, and butter, served with garlic noodles or rice. Lan also recommends the Vietnamese beef stew, a deeply flavorful and comforting dish perfect for colder days, and the vermicelli bowls, which combine fresh vegetables, grilled meats, and a signature sauce.
“Our menu celebrates my mother’s recipes, from the traditional to the modern twists, and each dish is made with the same care and love as it was at home,” Lan explained.
A Commitment to Community and Staff
The heart of Mama Hong’s lies in its people—both guests and employees. During the pandemic, the restaurant not only adapted with a strong focus on takeout but also ensured all employees were supported, regardless of whether they worked. “Our staff is the heart and soul of Mama Hong’s, and taking care of them was our top priority,” Lan said.
This philosophy extends to the customer experience, where every detail is designed to evoke the warmth and care of a family meal.
Innovation Meets Tradition
In addition to its beloved dishes, Mama Hong’s recently launched a Tea Bar featuring fresh-brewed teas made with real fruit purées. With offerings like pomegranate green tea served in sleek, Instagram-ready bottles, the Tea Bar brings a modern flair to the Mama Hong’s experience.
“This was about adding something fresh and exciting to our menu, and the response has been fantastic,” Lan shared.