Hanoi, with its rich history and culture, is a culinary paradise. Among its culinary treasures, pho—a signature dish of Vietnamese cuisine—has made an unforgettable impression on the hearts of diners both locally and internationally. With its rich flavors and diverse preparations, Hanoi’s pho has captivated countless food lovers. In this article, we will explore the best pho dishes, from pho bo (beef pho) and pho ga (chicken pho) to pho xao (stir-fried pho) and pho chien (fried pho), along with a list of must-try restaurants.
Pho Bo (Beef Pho)
Pho bo is a hallmark dish of Hanoi, characterized by its broth simmered from beef bones, resulting in a rich and aromatic flavor. The broth is typically cooked for several hours, infused with spices such as cinnamon, star anise, and ginger, creating a unique taste that is hard to forget. The beef is usually thinly sliced and served with soft rice noodles and fresh herbs like basil, bean sprouts, and lime.
Recommended Beef Pho Restaurants in Hanoi
Pho Vy Nam – The Best Pho Restaurant in Hanoi
- Address: 119 Tam Trinh, Mai Dong, Hoang Mai, Hanoi (google map)
- Price Range: 35,000 – 55,000 VND/bowl
- Opening Hours: From 5 AM to 11 AM
Amidst the bustling atmosphere of the capital, Pho Vy Nam stands out as a vibrant culinary heritage, boasting nearly 40 years of tradition. It’s not just an ordinary pho restaurant; it’s a beloved spot for both locals and tourists. Every morning, customers line up to enjoy steaming bowls of pho, featuring a special broth and fresh beef, making it a must-visit for pho lovers.
Pho Bo Kho Hoi Hang Vai
- Address: 50C Hang Vai, Hang Bo Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi (google map)
- Opening Hours: From 6 AM to 9:30 PM
- Price Range: 55,000 – 120,000 VND
Located just about 1 km from Hoan Kiem Lake, Pho Kho Hoi is the perfect spot for those wanting to experience authentic beef pho. The restaurant’s broth is made from simmering beef bones and unique spices, giving it a distinctive flavor. Diners can enjoy pho with rare or well-done beef or even beef stew served with crispy bread.
Pho Bat Dan – Famous Traditional Pho
- Address: 49 Bat Dan, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi (google map)
- Opening Hours: 8 AM to 10 AM; 6 PM to 8:30 PM
- Price Range: 40,000 – 65,000 VND
Pho Bat Dan is one of the oldest pho restaurants in Hanoi, renowned for its clear and sweet broth made from beef shank and bone marrow. The bowls here are always served hot and generously filled with beef brisket, meatballs, and poached eggs. Although the space is not very large, it is often bustling with customers, reflecting the dish’s popularity.
Pho Ga (Chicken Pho)
Pho ga offers a lighter culinary experience compared to beef pho. The broth is clear and sweet, derived from chicken and bones, and is typically served with fresh herbs and lime, providing a refreshing taste.
Recommended Chicken Pho Restaurants in Hanoi
Pho Ga Nguyet
- Address: Phu Doan Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi (google map)
- Price Range: 35,000 – 65,000 VND/bowl
- Opening Hours: From 6:30 AM to 1 PM and 5 PM to 12 AM
Pho Ga Nguyet is praised by the Michelin Guide as a “gem” in the heart of Hanoi due to its consistently delicious flavors over the past 14 years. What makes Pho Ga Nguyet special is its broth, which is simmered for 12 hours from chicken bones. The chicken is sourced from reputable wholesale markets and undergoes strict selection to ensure tenderness and flavor, paired with soft rice noodles that can satisfy even the most discerning diners. In addition to the traditional pho, the restaurant is also famous for its flavorful mixed chicken pho, served with roasted peanuts and a homemade sauce.
Pho Ga Huyen Huong
- Address: Bao Khanh Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi (google map)
- Price Range: From 30,000 VND/bowl
Pho Ga Huyen Huong, also known as Pho Ga Bao Khanh, is one of the most renowned chicken pho spots in the Old Quarter, celebrated for its traditional flavors. The noodles are thin and soft, while the broth is hot and sweet, creating a distinctive and alluring taste that characterizes Hanoi’s pho. Diners can choose from a variety of toppings such as thigh meat, breast meat, heart, liver, and egg intestines according to their preferences. Notably, the restaurant also offers a unique dish of boneless chicken feet pho that attracts many curious diners.
Pho Ga Quan Thanh
- Address: 42 Quan Thanh, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi (google map)
- Price Range: From 30,000 VND/bowl
Pho Ga Quan Thanh is one of the most renowned chicken pho restaurants in Hanoi. The broth is simmered from chicken bones, providing a naturally sweet flavor. The chicken is tender and golden, paired with soft rice noodles, creating a perfect bowl of pho.
Pho Xao (Stir-Fried Pho)
Pho xao is an interesting variation of traditional pho, featuring ingredients like meat, vegetables, and rice noodles stir-fried together to create a colorful and appetizing dish. This dish is usually served hot, with bold flavors and a delightful crunch.
Recommended Stir-Fried Pho Restaurants in Hanoi
Pho Xao 36
- Address: 36 Le Van Huu, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi (google map)
- Price Range: From 50,000 VND/bowl
Pho Xao 36 is famous for its stir-fried pho with beef and seafood, meticulously prepared with a special sauce. Each serving is generous, featuring crispy golden noodles and fresh vegetables.
Pho Xao Phu My
- Address: 45 Bat Dan, Cua Dong, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi (google map)
- Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 1:30 PM & 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
If you’re a fan of stir-fried pho in Hanoi, then Pho Xao Phu My is a must-visit. The restaurant is always bustling with customers, who can be heard praising the dishes as they enjoy their meals. The highlight of their stir-fried pho is the thick, savory sauce that seeps into each noodle strand, perfectly blending with the beef and vegetables.
The servings at this restaurant are generous, packed with plenty of meat and greens, and always accompanied by a plate of fresh herbs and a bowl of sweet dipping sauce with shredded papaya. Depending on the type of filling you choose, the price for a plate of stir-fried pho varies, typically ranging from 75,000 to 85,000 VND.
Pho Chien (Fried Pho)
Pho chien is a unique dish where rice noodles are fried until crispy and served with various sauces and meats. This is an excellent choice for those who enjoy innovative culinary experiences.
Recommended Fried Pho Restaurants in Hanoi
Pho Chien 206 Khâm Thiên
- Address: 206 Khâm Thiên, Dong Da District, Hanoi (google map)
- Opening Hours: 9 AM to 12 AM
- Price Range: 65,000 – 75,000 VND
Pho Chien 206 Khâm Thiên is the ideal place for those who love crispy fried pho. Each serving is carefully prepared, featuring beef sauce and vegetables, offering a delicious flavor without being greasy. The fried pho here has an enticing aroma and a delightful crunch, sure to satisfy diners.
Pho Chien Tran Nhan Tong
- Address: 48 Tran Nhan Tong, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi (google map)
- Opening Hours: 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Price Range: 30,000 – 66,000 VND
Pho Chien Tran Nhan Tong is conveniently located in the city center, making it easy to find. Just walk along Tran Nhan Tong Street until you spot the friendly chef frying up delicious dishes, and you’ll arrive at this popular eatery.
This restaurant offers a diverse menu featuring fried rice, stir-fried noodles, and crispy fried pho, all at very reasonable prices. However, the standout dish is definitely the crispy fried pho. The exterior is wonderfully crunchy, while the inside remains soft and chewy without being dry. For those who prefer stir-fried options, the pho is sautéed with beef and vegetables, accompanied by a flavorful meat sauce, perfectly seasoned to taste. The only downside is that the restaurant can get quite busy, and with only one chef handling all the cooking, service may be a bit slow.
Conclusion
Hanoi is a melting pot of unique and diverse pho flavors. From beef pho and chicken pho to stir-fried pho and fried pho, each dish offers a distinct culinary experience. With the list of delicious pho restaurants we’ve introduced, we hope you will have wonderful culinary adventures when visiting this city. Enjoy and explore the special pho dishes of Hanoi, enriching not only your stomach but also your travel experience!
