Pho in Hoi An: 9 must-try spots for the best experience

Contents

1. What makes pho in Hoi An special?

Before 1950, pho was not known in Hoi An. It wasn’t until a 22-year-old man named Lien learned how to cook pho from a Chinese chef who often visited the store where Lien worked, that Hoi An tasted its first bowl of pho. Lien opened the first pho stall at the old slope of Cong Binh (now the slope of Cua Dai Street). Initially, his stall was a small cart on the roadside, like other stalls selling street food in Hoi An.

In 1968, Lien opened a pho eatery with the name “Pho Lien” on Le Loi Street. Today, there are nearly 15 pho shops scattered across Hoi An, and many of them belong to Lien’s family. No matter which shop you visit, pho in Hoi An is nearly identical in taste. It is all sturdy and robust, hinting at the family ties of the shop owners.

Lien’s legacy lives on until now, with his family continuing to operate pho Hoi An restaurants (Source: Collected)

Pho in Hoi An offers a sensory delight like no other. Imagine a bowl of steaming hot pho, its fragrant broth clear yet rich in flavor, topped with thinly sliced, tender beef. Sprigs of cilantro and green onion garnish the broth, along with a sprinkle of crushed peanuts that add a subtle, nutty aroma.

One of the most distinctive elements of Hoi An’s pho is the noodles themselves. Unlike the fresh noodles used in pho Hanoi or pho Saigon, the pho noodles in Hoi An are sun-dried. This gives the noodles a slightly chewy texture, which remains firm even after being dipped in the hot broth.

The herbs served with Hoi An’s pho are another key difference. Fresh basil and mint from the famous Tra Que Vegetable Village are often added to the broth, along with tangy pickled papaya. These additions lend a refreshing, crisp bite to the dish. Pho in Hoi An also stands out because it includes ingredients like satay peanuts, a nod to Chinese influences, which aren’t typically found in pho from other regions of Vietnam.

Another feature that sets pho in Hoi An apart is the way it is seasoned. Diners are encouraged to add chili powder, black bean sauce, and hoisin sauce to taste. A side of pickled papaya adds a balance of sweet and sour flavors, while fresh herbs and lime juice give the dish a burst of brightness. Together, these elements create a perfect harmony of flavors that make Hoi An’s pho different from its northern and southern counterparts.

The unique flavor of pho in Hoi An reflects the city’s culinary heritage (Source: Collected)

2. Best places to savor the authentic pho in Hoi An

2.1. Pho Dong Lien

• Address: 371 Cua Dai Street
• Opening hours: 6 AM – 9 PM

Pho Dong Lien is run by one of Lien’s descendants, who has been serving one of the best pho in Hoi An for 27 years. This eatery has moved locations several times. Now, it is on Cua Dai Street. Despite the address changes, the flavors remain – still delivering the same nostalgic taste that customers have come to love.

2.2. Pho Cay Da

• Address: The intersection of Hoang Dieu Street and Bach Dang Street

• Opening hours: 5:30 PM – 12 AM

Pho Cay Da has been serving customers for 30 years, under the shade of a banyan tree. The owner takes great care in choosing the best beef bones to create the signature pho broth. The noodles are handmade, having a firm, chewy texture. Pho Cay Da also stands out for its unique satay peanut garnish, which gives the broth a nutty, spicy twist.

2.3. Pho Tung

• Address: 51/7 Phan Chu Trinh Street
• Opening hours: 6 AM – 12 PM

Despite its unassuming location in a narrow alley, Pho Tung is a favorite of the locals. The pho here follows the traditional Hoi An recipe, with a broth that is light and flavorful, served with tangy pickled vegetables like papaya and mustard greens. The combination of simple decor and authentic flavor keeps diners coming back for more.

The delicious broth found in pho in Hoi An (Source: Collected)

2.4. Pho Tien

• Address: 133 Tran Hung Dao Street
• Opening hours: 6 AM – 8:15 PM

Pho Tien is located near the center of Hoi An, making it a convenient spot for tourists. Known for its rich broth made from beef bones and the generous portions, Pho Tien also offers a variety of meat options, including rare beef, brisket, and tendon. The eatery is clean and spacious, and the staff are welcoming.

2.5. Pho Lien Nga

• Address: 2B La Hoi Street
• Opening hours: 6:30 AM – 8:30 PM

Pho Lien Nga is another iconic spot where you can taste the legacy of Lien’s pho. The broth here is lighter than at other eateries, with a delicate sweetness that doesn’t overpower the other flavors. The thinly sliced beef absorbs the broth perfectly, and the noodles retain their chewy texture. Add some fresh herbs and you have a dish that will keep you coming back for more.

2.6. Pho Tuan

• Address: 323 Cua Dai Street
• Opening hours: 6 AM – 10 AM | 5 PM – 9 PM

Pho Tuan is a well-established eatery for pho in Hoi An. Located along Cua Dai Street, it is a bit off the tourist path but is a local favorite, especially for dinner. The broth is rich and the noodles are slightly chewier than other places. The service is quick and the ingredients are always fresh here.

Each bowl of pho in Hoi An tells a story of tradition (Source: Collected)

2.7. Pho Muoi An Hoi

• Address: 38A Thai Phien Street
• Opening hours: 6 AM – 8:30 PM

At Pho Muoi An Hoi, the noodles are sun-dried, giving the dish a distinct texture compared to pho Hanoi or pho Saigon. The beef is poached to order, and the dish is topped with green onions and crushed peanuts for a final flourish. This eatery’s traditional approach and attention to detail make it a must-visit for pho enthusiasts in Hoi An.

2.8. Pho Muoi

• Address: 363 Cua Dai Street
• Opening hours: 6 AM – 10 AM

Pho Muoi is a popular local eatery known for its fragrant broth, which is slow-cooked from beef bones. There are various beef options, including rare, brisket, and tendon. Despite its simple setup, the focus on quality draws a steady crowd. The rich flavors of the broth make Pho Muoi a top choice for breakfast.

2.9. Pho Bo Pho Co

• Address: 109 Tran Hung Dao Street
• Opening hours: 6 AM – 2 PM | 5 PM – 10 PM

Pho Bo Pho Co, located on a busy street, stands out with its clean space and flavorful pho. The broth is slightly sweet, with tender slices of beef and chewy noodles. Add some fresh herbs, chili, and a dash of lime for a perfect bowl. This eatery is a go-to for both locals and tourists visiting Hoi An.

You can find numerous eateries serving incredible pho in Hoi An (Source: Collected)

Explore: Restaurants in Hoi An: 15 highly recommend places to enjoy food and relax

*Note: Contact the eatery for the latest updates on their addresses and opening hours.

Pho in Hoi An offers a unique take on the traditional Vietnamese pho. Whether you are a fan of pho or a curious foodie, make sure to seek out these iconic pho spots and savor the rich flavors that have been perfected over decades in Hoi An.

Aside from pho, Hoi An is home to many other exceptional dishes that capture the essence of the region. Some notable dishes that visitors should definitely try are Hoi An chicken rice, cao lau, Hoi An’s pancake, mi Quang, rose dumplings, etc.

When you are done with your food tour, consider adding some excitement to your trip by visiting VinWonders Nam Hoi An, a massive amusement park that offers a blend of captivating shows, thrilling games, and opportunities for wildlife exploration.

Book VinWonders Nam Hoi An ticket now

To make the most of your trip, treat yourself to a luxurious stay at Vinpearl Resort & Golf Nam Hoi An. Nestled by the coastline, this resort offers top-tier facilities, stunning views, and excellent services to ensure a truly unforgettable vacation for you.

Book rooms in Vinpearl Resort & Golf Nam Hoi An now

VinWonders guarantees a day of fun for all ages