Imagine waking up in Hanoi to the fragrant steam of a perfect bowl of pho—the warm broth, tender beef brisket, and fresh herbs awakening your senses. Pho isn't just a noodle soup; it's Vietnam's national dish, deeply woven into its culture and loved worldwide. Whether you're a pho enthusiast or a curious traveler, this guide will take you to the best pho in Vietnam, showcasing iconic spots from street stalls to renowned restaurants, where some bowls have even been called the best pho in the world.
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If you are in Hanoi and ready to try one of the most iconic pho experiences, head to Pho Thin on Lo Duc Street. Established in 1979, this cozy restaurant established a special take that sets it different from other pho hanoi. What makes Pho Thin stand out? The beef at Pho Thin is stir fried with garlic before it's added to the bowl, lending a unique, smoky flavor to make it so good. It's rich, clear, and full of depth broth that results from hours and hours of simmering beef bones with star anise, cinnamon, and fish sauce. The result is a pho so beloved it often comes up in mentions among the best pho in the world.
Practical Info:
Pro Tip: Come in early to avoid the crowd and have their pho with a dash of hoisin sauce for an added kick
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For another taste of Hanoi's best, step into the family owned pho establishment that has been in business since the 1960s. This broth, again, is exemplary of why the world adores pho Vietnamese food: rich and clean, at once so flavorful. Made from beef bones simmered for hours, this is a piece of culinary work. Don't forget: go against the pho with the bean sprouts and squeeze some lime.
Practical Info:
Pro Tip: Be prepared to queue! It is well worth it, though this is hands down one of the best pho in Vietnam.
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In Hoi An, Pho Lien enjoys being situated on the far end of An Hoi Islet but is worth trying. Perfectly epitomizing northern style pho while having a little local twist, Pho Lien serves bowls full of chewy pho noodles and pieces of tender beef steeped in an aromatic, somewhat sweet broth. Fried breadsticks are a must to make the meal complete.
Practical Info:
Pro Tip: Order the beef brisket pho with a bounty of fresh herbs. Pho Lien may have the most refreshingly singular basil and mint mix going.
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Down in bustling Ho Chi Minh City, Pho Hoa Pasteur has been a hangout spot for pho lovers for a long period, exceeding 50 years. It has a bold and aromatic broth with herbs and spices, big portions of tender beef slices served, and the like. If you're looking for either pho tai or everything with brisket, then it offers one of the best pho in Vietnam experiences.
Practical Info:
Pro Tip: The portions here are large, so bring your appetite!
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For over five decades, Pho Dau has been serving northern-style pho in the middle of Saigon. This place is different; it doesn't serve bean sprouts and basil like regular Southern pho but instead allows that rich broth to shine along with high quality beef. If you want to try an authentic version of pho Vietnamese food, then you need to experience the minimalistic approach of Pho Dau.
Practical Info:
Pro Tip: Get there early. Pho Dau is breakfast-only and often sells out by late morning.
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This may be the only pho spot in the world able to claim any semblance of fame in association with a U.S. president. Bill Clinton had a bowl during his 2000 visit to Pho 2000 in Saigon. With a diverse menu, including seafood pho, it is an excellent place for tourists to have some of the best pho in Vietnam and a little history along with it.
Practical Info:
Pro Tip: Get the pho tai finished with house-made chili sauce, it's kinda of famous on its own terms.
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Eating Pho Cao Van in the heart of Saigon's District 1 is one of those closely guarded secrets. Bones are simmered for hours to produce a broth that is crystal clear and light yet deeply flavored; this no frills spot doesn't seem to care about much else other than serving one of the most authentic bowls of pho in the city.
Practical Info:
Pro Tip: If you want the full experience, come early and sit by the street for some prime people watching.
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For over 60 years, Pho Minh has been serving quietly bowls of pho that stay true to northern Vietnam's roots, down a small alley in District 1. The broth is delicate but full of depth and free of sugar or MSG. This is where you come for an authentic old school pho experience.
Practical Info:
Pro Tip: Get here early, they serve breakfast only and the pho goes fast!
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Fascinatingly, one of the most interesting things about pho Vietnamese food is the way it changes as one travels down from North to South. You have Phở Bắc in the North, where the broth is as clear as consommé, very delicate, and lightly fragrant with star anise, cinnamon, and fish sauce. Up north, pho is often served less steeped in herbs and other more low key toppings, which lets the beef brisket phở and its broth be the star.
Go down South, and you will encounter Pho Nam, with a more rich and sweet broth due to the added sweet spices such as hoisin sauce and sugar. Generally, Southern pho comes with a selection of fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lime, and chili, thus being brighter in taste and robust. The regional peculiarities emphasize the versatility of Vietnamese pho, showing there is not only one "right" way to enjoy the dish, just endless delicious possibilities.
When you're in Vietnam food, learning to appropriately enjoy a bowl of pho Vietnamese food is key. Here are some tips that will take your enjoyment of pho to the next level:
Its origin is often debated, but it is generally pointed out that pho originated in Northern Vietnam at the beginning of the 20th century. Influenced by French inspirations word "pho," some say, comes from "pot au feu". The Vietnamese cooks created a dish that has since become Vietnam's national dish. What began as humble street food quickly swept throughout the country, each region adding its flair to it. During the 1950s, pho migrated south, and the dish evolved into a more herbalized and intensely seasoned creation many know today.
Today, bowls of pho are enjoyed by natives and visitors alike in either a crowded street market or a sophisticated, high class Vietnamese restaurant. It's more than just a meal Vietnamese pho represents the warmth and soul of Vietnam itself.
We have shared some best pho in Vietnam, but now it's your turn to give your contribution. Have a favorite pho Vietnamese food spot that we didn't catch? Drop a comment below and let us know all your go to pho restaurant recommendations. Whether it be the richness of beef brisket pho or a little secret out there, every insight from you can help other people find the best pho in the world. And do not forget to share this with all our fellow pho lovers, so let's keep the conversation going with the flowing bowls of Pho!
Please kindly send us your ideas about the tours: destinations, attractions, your group, hotel class... we will get back to you with details & best offers quickly. Surely, you will feel satisfactory!
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