15 places to try pho Hanoi according to locals & Michelin

Contents

It is highly recommended that tourists try pho in Hanoi during their trip (Source: Collected)

1. What makes pho Hanoi special?

Pho first appeared in the early 20th century during the French colonial period, with beef pho coming before chicken pho. Pho Hanoi originated with street vendors. These vendors roamed the streets, announcing their presence with unique calls. Today, these pho Hanoi street vendors are rare, mostly found in the old quarter.

Pho Hanoi is special because of its sweet, clear broth made from simmering beef bones. When served with noodles, green onions, chili vinegar, and fresh vegetables, it creates a perfect beef pho Hanoi flavor. The combination of these ingredients has given Hanoi pho its distinctively delicious taste.

The differences between pho Hanoi and pho from other regions are in the choice of ingredients and the flavor. Pho Hanoi has a clear, sweet broth with the natural sweetness of beef bones, often with a bit of MSG added. Pho Saigon, on the other hand, is sweet due to the use of sugar, and its broth comes from simmering chicken bones. Pho Nam Dinh’s noodles are very thin, soft, and chewy, which are different from the broader and firmer noodles of pho Hanoi.

A typical bowl of pho Hanoi (Source: Collected)

2. Best places to try pho Hanoi according to the Michelin Guide

Here are the addresses and opening hours of some of the most famous pho restaurants in Hanoi, as recommended by the Michelin Guide.

2.1. Pho bo Au Trieu

Pho Bo Au Trieu is a popular pho Hanoi eatery known for its rich broth. With a spacious setting for up to 30 diners, there is often a 5-10 minute wait during peak hours. The restaurant offers beef tenderloin and brisket, with the latter hand-cut by Mrs. Nga. She expertly prepares each bowl, ensuring the rare beef is thinly sliced and topped with fragrant broth, creating a flavorful pho Hanoi experience that attracts many diners.

Pho bo Au Trieu is an ideal place to try authentic Vietnamese pho Hanoi (Source: Collected)

2.2. Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su

Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su is not only a favorite among local customers but also an appealing culinary destination for foreign tourists visiting Hanoi. This renowned pho Hanoi restaurant follows the traditional pho cooking method, creating a broth by simmering beef bones without MSG to ensure a natural sweetness. This results in a rich pho Hanoi that captures the essence of Hanoi’s culinary heritage. The menu features 10 remarkable pho Hanoi options.

2.3. Pho ga Nguyet

Pho ga Nguyet boasts a modest space with simple yet inviting tables and chairs. What immediately catches diners’ eyes upon entering is a pot of steaming broth, surrounded by baskets of pho Hanoi noodles, bean sprouts, and chicken. The secret to the chicken pho Hanoi here lies in its broth, which is simmered for over 12 hours to achieve a flavorful base. The chicken comes with various cuts, of which the tender thigh is a favorite.

You can find the best pho in Hanoi Old Quarter (Source: Collected)

2.4. Pho Gia Truyen (Hoan Kiem)

Pho Gia Truyen has been serving Hanoians for over 70 years and is renowned for its authentic pho Hanoi. As a family-owned eatery, it offers the quintessential flavor of beef pho Hanoi. The menu features a variety of hearty options, including phở tái nạm, phở tái, and phở chín. Add crispy quẩy (fried dough sticks) to your bowl to elevate the meal. For a truly satisfying experience, indulge in an extra treat by ordering trứng gà (egg yolk).

2.5. Pho Khoi Hoi

Pho Khoi Hoi, a beloved beef pho Hanoi eatery with a 30-year history, is known for its bustling atmosphere and steady stream of customers. With daily sales ranging from 1,000 to 1,600 bowls, it leaves a lasting impression on visitors with its sweet broth and quality meat. This popular spot offers a variety of beef cuts, including options like top blade and brisket, and allows customers to specify how they prefer their beef cooked.

Each restaurant has its own unique Hanoi pho recipe (Source: Collected)

2.6. Pho ga Cham

Upon entering Pho ga Cham, diners are greeted by a stainless-steel table laden with trays of pre-sliced chicken, young chicken eggs, chicken offal, and egg yolks, all displayed next to a pot of steaming broth. Although the pho Hanoi at this eatery might be pricier than average, the premium-quality chicken and perfectly-seasoned broth make it worth the cost. Arriving early ensures the best selection of chicken cuts for a truly delightful dining experience.

Don’t forget to try pho rolls during your trip in Vietnam!

3. Other famous pho restaurants favored by the locals in Hanoi

Here are nine other popular pho restaurants in Hanoi that the locals highly favor. These establishments all offer a true taste of Hanoi’s culinary traditions.

3.1. Pho Ho Loi

Pho Ho Loi has gained popularity for its bustling crowds in recent years. Despite its large space which can accommodate up to 60 guests, the restaurant is often “overloaded” on weekends. Pho Ho Loi is known for its broth, which is simmered for 18 hours every day, resulting in a flavorful base. The menu features a variety of dishes, including well-done, half-done, fried, and stir-fried pho Hanoi.

The famous pho Hanoi attracts food lovers with its sweet, clear broth (Source: Collected)

3.2. Pho Thin Lo Duc

Pho Thin Hanoi on Lo Duc Street is a long-standing pho Hanoi eatery known for its unique variation of rare beef pho Hanoi, which is known as “burnt pho.” This dish features stir-fried marinated beef cooked over high heat for a slightly charred flavor, enhanced with onion, garlic, and ginger. Despite a limited menu, the eatery draws customers with its authentic taste. It is a great spot for onion lovers, with bowls generously topped with sliced onions.

3.3. Pho Suong

Pho Suong, renowned for its meticulous preparation and quality ingredients, first appeared in Hanoi in the 1930s. Here, great care is taken in selecting clean ingredients. Everything is sourced from reputable suppliers, from beef bones, beef, and beef jerky to green onions, herbs, and pho noodles. The beef, in particular, must be fresh, with a red, flexible texture that, when blanched, retains its sweetness without becoming tough.

3.4. Pho gan Thuy

Pho gan Thuy is a cozy, somewhat hidden eatery that buzzes with activity as soon as you open the door. The highlight here is pho Hanoi with beef tendon. The preparation of the beef tendon is meticulous, with each piece cooked to perfection – either soft or crispy, depending on personal preference. The broth is simmered for about 21 hours. Infused with anise and cinnamon, the broth achieves a balanced aroma that is inviting.

The rich flavor of pho Hanoi comes from a careful blend of spices and simmered bone broth (Source: Collected)

3.5. Pho Tam

At Pho Tam, diners often praise the broth for its refreshing flavor. The sliced beef is not overly thin, allowing you to appreciate its firmness and freshness. You can witness the quality of the beef firsthand as you look to the left of the counter, where the staff skillfully slice fresh beef right in front of you. Ms. Tam, the owner, intentionally prepares the pho broth lighter than at other places, allowing guests to season it to their liking.

3.6. Pho bat da Hung Vuong

At Pho bat da Hung Vuong, the chef’s expertise and attention to detail shine through in every bowl. The broth is clear and sweet, the noodles are soft, and the meat, cut to order, allows diners to create their own personalized bowl of pho Hanoi. The dish is served in a stone bowl with high heat retention, ensuring that the meat is cooked perfectly to a rare finish. Thanks to this unique serving method, diners can always enjoy their pho Hanoi steaming hot.

3.7. Pho ga Lam

Pho ga Lam may have a compact space just enough for a row of tables, but it is always bustling with activity. The key to Pho ga Lam’s appeal is its broth, which is simmered for an extended period with high-quality bones to achieve a rich sweetness. Additionally, the pho noodles here are larger and chewier than usual, maintaining their texture without becoming crumbly, which adds to the eatery’s charm and attracts many diners.

The preparation of pho Hanoi is a time-honored process perfected over generations (Source: Collected)

3.8. Pho Man

Pho Man is known for its distinctive salty flavor, a hallmark that makes its pho Hanoi stand out. The owner believes this bold taste leaves a lasting impression on diners. Pho Man is also famous for its beef heel muscle, which is prepared using a special recipe to achieve a tender texture. The restaurant’s distinctive quality makes it a noteworthy destination for every pho Hanoi enthusiast.

3.9. Pho bo Lam

Pho bo Lam is also renowned for its exceptional pho Hanoi with beef heel muscle. The meat is sliced thin and blanched just until it is served, retaining a beautiful, slightly pink color. This preparation ensures the meat is crispy, sweet, and tender, with a fragrant aroma. The broth at Pho bo Lam is clear and sweet, made from simmered bone broth without any additives, highlighting the natural flavors.

*The details (regarding addresses and opening hours) in this guide are for reference purposes only and may be subject to change over time.

Vietnamese pho is a cherished culinary creation, and pho Hanoi stands out as a prime example of this beloved dish. If you find yourself in Hanoi, be sure to explore the renowned spots mentioned above to savor the finest examples of Hanoi’s flavorful pho.

With your belly full, it is time to have fun in Hanoi. Ocean City, a new urban area situated east of the city, is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking recreation. With attractions like VinWonders Wave Park & Water Park and Grand World, your trip to Ocean City is sure to be unforgettable.VinWonders Wave Park & Water Park offers a variety of water games for all ages, while Grand World features a blend of Asian and European architecture along with numerous activities. 

For a convenient stay in Ocean City, consider StaynFun. This homestay system provides a comfortable retreat with modern amenities, perfect for relaxing after a day of exploration.

The massive entertainment complex of Grand World

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