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Pho Saigon

Pho Saigon: Features, prices and places to eat

23/05/2024 671 views
5/5 - (1 vote)

Pho Saigon is a must-try dish with its aromatic broth, tender meat, and a variety of toppings. It has impressed diners from all over the world.

Pho Saigon

Pho Saigon is a harmonious blend of diverse flavors (Source: Collected)

When it comes to Ho Chi Minh City food, pho Saigon holds a special place in the hearts of locals and tourists alike. In Saigon, this dish takes on various forms, from its roots in Hanoi to the local twists and Chinese influences. Join us as we delve deeper into pho Saigon, exploring its diverse flavors, price ranges, and the top spots to savor this dish in Ho Chi Minh City.

1. How is the taste of pho Saigon?

Pho Saigon offers an array of flavors that showcase the culinary diversity of Ho Chi Minh City. With its range of styles, pho Saigon caters to various taste preferences, from traditional flavors to local adaptations and even Chinese-inspired variations.

1.1. Pho Saigon with Hanoi’s flavor

Pho Saigon with Hanoi’s flavor stays true to its origins, featuring a clear and savory broth. This style of pho emphasizes the natural sweetness derived from simmered beef bones and uses minimal spices. The broth is light yet flavorful, complemented by simple toppings like green onions, cilantro, and beef slices. It is less sweet compared to its southern counterpart and often served with fresh herbs and chili on the side, allowing diners to personalize their bowl.

1.2. Pho “made in Saigon”

Pho “made in Saigon” is a distinct variation tailored to the local palate. It boasts a sweeter and more aromatic broth achieved through the addition of rock sugar, herbs, and spices. The noodles are slightly thicker, pairing well with the rich broth. This type of Vietnamese pho Saigon is typically accompanied by an abundance of fresh herbs like basil, bean sprouts, and sawtooth coriander, along with condiments like hoisin sauce and chili paste for a satisfying dining experience.

Pho Saigon

Each variation of pho Saigon offers a unique taste profile (Source: Collected)

1.3. Pho Saigon with Chinese flavor

Pho Saigon with Chinese flavor showcases the fusion of Vietnamese and Chinese culinary traditions. This variation incorporates additional spices and ingredients influenced by Chinese cuisine such as star anise, cloves, and cinnamon. The broth is darker and more robust, boasting a balance of sweetness and other complex flavors. Chinese-style pho in Saigon may feature various cuts of beef, including brisket, tendon, and offal, offering diners a selection of choices.

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2. How much is a bowl of pho Saigon?

The price of a bowl of pho Saigon can vary depending on several factors, including the selection of toppings, the location of the restaurant, and its popularity. On average, a basic bowl of pho typically ranges between 35,000 and 40,000 VND. This includes the standard broth, rice noodles, and basic toppings such as sliced beef and herbs. For those seeking a more luxurious experience, special bowls of pho offer enhanced flavors and additional toppings like beef brisket, tendon, tripe, and meatballs. These elevated versions of pho generally fall within the price range of 65,000 – 90,000 VND.

Pho Saigon

Vietnamese pho Saigon is suitable for different preferences and budgets (Source: Collected)

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3. Where are the best places to enjoy pho Saigon?

Here are some of the top spots where you can experience the best pho in Saigon:

3.1. Pho Hoa

Pho Hoa is regarded as one of Saigon’s oldest pho restaurants. Since its establishment in 1968, it has been famous for serving authentic pho Saigon that has delighted both locals and tourists for decades. Pho Hoa is celebrated for its robust and savory broth, simmered for hours with beef bones and a blend of spices. The menu boasts a wide array of high-quality toppings, including beef brisket, flank, tendon, tripe, and meatballs. The unique combination of these ingredients and the meticulous preparation methods ensure that guests have an unforgettable dining experience here.

  • Address: No. 260C, Pasteur Street, Ward 8, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
  • Opening hours: Daily, 5:30 AM – 10:30 PM

3.2. Pho Le

Pho Le is another renowned establishment that is distinguished for serving some of the best pho Saigon in the city. It consistently attracts a crowd of hungry diners in search of their noodle fix. With a history spanning over 70 years, Pho Le captivates guests with its broth, which features a luscious layer of shimmering golden fat that adds richness without being overly greasy. Like most pho restaurants, Pho Le offers a variety of toppings such as rare beef, well-done beef, tendon, and meatballs. The restaurant’s inviting atmosphere creates a comfortable dining experience at any time of the day.

  • Address: 
    • No. 413 – 415, Nguyen Trai Street, Ward 7, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City
    • No. 303 – 305, Vo Van Tan Street, Ward 5, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
  • Opening hours: Daily, 6 AM – 12 AM
Pho Le in Ho Chi Minh City

Pho Le remains a favorite destination for those seeking an authentic taste of Vietnamese pho Saigon (Source: Collected)

3.3. Pho Minh

Pho Minh has been a part of Saigon’s culinary landscape for generations. Despite its hidden location down a narrow alley, Pho Minh has been attracting a lot of customers since its establishment in the 1950s. This restaurant follows the traditional Northern pho cooking technique, which involves simmering bones to create a flavorful broth and cooking beef until it is tender. To accommodate the taste of Southern locals in Saigon, pho is served with additional condiments such as bean sprouts, herbs, and black hoisin sauce. Many consider Pho Minh to offer the best taste of pho Saigon.

  • Address: No. 63/6, Pasteur Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
  • Opening hours: Daily, 6:30 AM – 10 PM

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3.4. Pho Dau

Pho Dau is a cozy eatery that holds a special place in the hearts of Northerners living in Ho Chi Minh City. A bowl of pho Saigon at Pho Dau embodies the characteristics of the Northern pho, with the exception of smaller-sized noodles instead of the larger ones commonly found in the North. The broth at Pho Dau is golden and releases an irresistible aroma derived from slow-cooked beef bones. If you are a first-time visitor, it is highly recommended to savor the well-done beef brisket. This particular cut of beef offers a combination of tenderness and chewiness.

  • Address: Alley 288 M1, Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, Ward 8, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
  • Opening hours: Daily, 5 AM – 1 PM
Pho Dau in Ho Chi Minh City

To savor the best pho in Saigon, look no further than Pho Dau (Source: Collected)

3.5. Pho Cao Van

Pho Cao Van is among Saigon’s oldest and most beloved pho Saigon establishments. With a history of over 60 years, it has become a familiar destination for pho lovers, especially those who enjoy the Northern pho. Pho Cao Van offers a rustic taste, with a savory broth that is not greasy. The tender pho noodles are paired with generous portions of meat, topped with fresh herbs like scallions and onions, resulting in a delightful symphony of flavors. The restaurant excels in its selection of meat options, including tender beef slices, crispy tripe, and succulent tendon.

  • Address: No. 25, Mac Dinh Chi Street, Da Kao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
  • Opening hours: Daily, 6 AM – 9 PM

3.6. Pho Tau Bay

Another exceptional pho Saigon restaurant is Pho Tau Bay. Originating from Hanoi, Pho Tau Bay made its way to Saigon in 1954. It offers a unique pho experience, with each bowl served piping hot and filled with meticulously sliced meat, accompanied by thin rice noodles. The dish entices diners with its tasty broth, complemented by a side of fresh herbs, lime, chili, and two types of sauce – red and black. Notably, Pho Tau Bay does not include bean sprouts in their servings. This commitment to the Northern cooking approach sets the restaurant apart from many others.

  • Address: No. 435, Ly Thai To Street, Ward 9, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City
  • Opening hours: Daily, 4 AM – 12 PM
Pho Tau Bay

Pho Tau Bay is widely recognized as the go-to place for the best pho in Ho Chi Minh City (Source: Collected)

3.7. Pho Thin

If you are eager to try the well-known Pho Thin Hanoi, you can now savor it right in Ho Chi Minh City. The broth at Pho Thin is simmered for over 20 hours, resulting in a truly delectable experience. Each bowl of pho Saigon here presents a perfect combination of tender and succulent beef, marinated and stir-fried to perfection. In addition to the classic beef pho, guests can indulge in other delicious options such as crispy fried pho, chicken pho, chicken vermicelli, and more. All these dishes are prepared with carefully selected ingredients and spices without the use of MSG.

  • Address: 
    • No. 138, Yersin Street, Nguyen Thai Binh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
    • T12 – 04, The Manhattan, Vinhomes Grand Park, Nguyen Xien Street, Long Thanh My Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City
  • Opening hours: Daily, 6.30 AM – 10 PM

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3.8. Pho Phu Gia

Pho Phu Gia has been serving pho Saigon for over 20 years. What sets Pho Phu Gia apart is its dedication to the traditional preparation of the Northern pho. In their bowls, you won’t find herbs and bean sprouts; instead, they focus on perfecting the quality of the broth, pho noodles, and beef. The broth is rich with a coating of fat, while the pho noodles are delicate and soft. The beef is stir-fried before being added to the soup, adding an extra layer of depth to the flavors. To complete the experience, each bowl is garnished with finely chopped scallions and onions.

  • Address: No. 146E, Ly Chinh Thang Street, Ward 14, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
  • Opening hours: Daily, 6:30 AM – 11 AM | 5 PM – 9 PM
Pho Phu Gia Saigon

Pho Phu Gia is recognized for crafting the best taste of pho Saigon (Source: Collected)

3.9. Pho Hung

Pho Hung is another cherished spot for pho Saigon enthusiasts in Ho Chi Minh City. The hallmark of any good pho is its broth, and Pho Hung takes great pride in its meticulously prepared broth. Using traditional recipes, the broth is simmered for hours, allowing the bones and aromatic spices to release their rich essence. Pho Hung offers a wide variety of pho dishes, primarily focusing on beef-based options. Here, you can choose from tender rare beef, hearty brisket, succulent fatty flank, and savory beef stew in red wine sauce.

  • Address: No. 243, Nguyen Trai Street, Nguyen Cu Trinh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
  • Opening hours: Daily, 6 AM – 3 AM

3.10. Pho Binh

Pho Binh is a notable pho Saigon restaurant that holds significant historical value. Established in the 1960s, Pho Binh served as a secret base for the armed forces of Vietnam. This historical backdrop makes it an essential destination for both food aficionados and history buffs. Pho Binh is celebrated for its traditional pho, featuring an aromatic broth that captures the flavors of beef bones and spices. The noodles are soft yet chewy, while the beef is tender and bursting with flavor. The restaurant proudly preserves its original recipe, ensuring that diners savor an authentic taste of Vietnamese pho Saigon.

  • Address: No. 7, Ly Chinh Thang Street, Ward 8, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
  • Opening hours: Daily, 6:30 AM – 11:30 PM
Pho Binh in Ho Chi Minh City

When it comes to finding the best pho in Ho Chi Minh City, Pho Binh is a standout choice (Source: Collected)

3.11. Pho 2000

Pho 2000 gained international fame when former U.S. President Bill Clinton visited the restaurant during his trip to Vietnam in 2000. Famous for the satisfying broth, Pho 2000 simmers it for over 8 hours using bones and a blend of aromatic spices, all without the use of MSG. The meat slices are expertly cut to achieve the perfect thickness, ensuring a balance between flavor and texture. The rice noodles are also carefully selected to be soft and chewy. Accompanying a bowl of pho Saigon here is crispy baguette, fresh herbs, and Vietnamese beef that enhance the overall experience.

  • Address: No. 210, Le Thanh Ton Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
  • Opening hours: Daily, 7 AM – 8 PM

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3.12. Pho Phu Vuong

Pho Phu Vuong has been a popular pho Saigon establishment for nearly 20 years, drawing a large number of diners from dawn till midnight. The essence of Pho Phu Vuong’s broth showcases the best of the Northern flavors while also catering to the Southern palate with additions of ginger, star anise, and cinnamon, complemented by a subtle sweetness from sugar. Pho Phu Vuong is also renowned for its tender beef slices. Additionally, the restaurant’s meatballs have garnered high praise from loyal customers for their chewiness and satisfying crunch, without any starchy texture.

  • Address: 
    • No. 339, Le Van Sy Street, Ward 1, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City
    • No. 120, Nguyen Thai Binh Street, Nguyen Thai Binh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
  • Opening hours: Daily, 6 AM – 10 PM
Experience the flavors of pho Saigon at Pho Phu Vuong

Experience the flavors of pho Saigon at Pho Phu Vuong (Source: Collected)

3.13. Pho Viet Nam

Pho Viet Nam is a must-visit destination for pho Saigon enthusiasts in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. Despite its slightly higher price point, Pho Viet Nam continues to attract diners with its exceptional flavor. One of its unique offerings is the stone bowl pho, as the dish is served in a special stone bowl that keeps the broth and ingredients warm for a longer period of time. Among the various meat options available at Pho Viet Nam, the tender beef shank stands out for its impressive texture and flavor, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience with every bite.

  • Address: 
    • No. 66, Tran Quoc Toan Street, Ward 8, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
    • No. S36/1, Bui Bang Doan Street, Tan Phong Ward, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City
  • Opening hours: Daily, 6 AM – 9 PM

*Note: The provided information on addresses and opening hours may vary over time. It is advisable to verify the details with the restaurants before planning your visit.

Pho Saigon is a mouth-watering dish that can satisfy even the most discerning diners. From the traditional Hanoi flavor to the locally adapted Saigon style and the unique Chinese-influenced version, pho Saigon promises an unforgettable gastronomic experience. So, during your upcoming trip to Ho Chi Minh City, be sure to indulge in this dish to truly appreciate the city’s culinary essence!

Vietnam travel is not only celebrated for pho Saigon but also offers a culinary paradise for food lovers with a plethora of other mouth-watering dishes waiting to be explored. In Hanoi, the world-famous banh mi is a must-try, while Ha Long tempts visitors with its fresh seafood delights. Hoi An entices with the flavorful cao lau noodles, Nha Trang boasts tantalizing seafood options. Meanwhile, Phu Quoc is known for serving succulent grilled oysters.

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