The Best Pho In Hanoi – A Full Guide To Pho Hanoi
Pho Hanoi, though its exact origins are unknown, has become renowned and beloved by many Hanoians. A delicious bowl of pho is characterized by the essence of bone broth, chewy rice noodles, fresh accompanying herbs, and a touch of tangy vinegar.
When in Hanoi, it’s imperative not to overlook the list of pho establishments provided in the following article.
Best Places to Enjoy Authentic Beef Pho in Hanoi
Through history and stories, it is believed that the origin of pho comes from Northern Vietnam, becoming famous when it was brought to Hanoi in the previous century, transformed from a snack into a breakfast option, and now a dish Vietnamese people can enjoy anytime they want, be it breakfast, lunch, dinner, supper, or a light meal.
There are two most popular types of Pho Hanoi:
- Pho Bo (Beef noodles): This dish is typically served with rare beef slices and flavored with savory broth, often accompanied by boiled eggs. There are various beef options for discerning eaters: beef steak, ribs, brisket, and tendon.
- Pho Ga (Chicken noodles): A variation with chicken breast split in half added to broth made from bones, along with spices like spring onions, chili, and cilantro.
However, it seems that most Hanoians still prefer beef pho not only for its taste but also for its traditional essence, as many believe that beef pho represents the original pho of Hanoi.
1. Pho Thin Lo Duc
- Location: 13 Lo Duc Street, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi.
- Opening Hours: 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
- Price Range: From 65,000 VND.
Pho Thin Lo Duc has been a Hanoi staple for over 30 years. Despite serving only one type of pho, the rare beef pho, it continues to attract diners daily. Pho Thin is known for its thinly sliced beef, stir-fried with spices to enhance its rich flavor. The broth is flavorful, offering a delightful aroma. To enhance the flavor, you can add some chili sauce, ground pepper, and garlic vinegar. Don’t hesitate when the broth of Pho Thin is a bit fatty compare to other restaurants, it’s the magic come from the stir-fried beef and you will be able to taste the unique broth of Pho.
2. Pho Bat Dan
- Location: 49 Bat Dan Street, Cua Dong Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
- Opening Hours: 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM.
- Price Range: From 40,000 VND.
Located on Bat Dan Street, Pho Bat Dan has been serving customers for over a century, making it a renowned eatery in Hanoi. The broth is clear and subtly sweet, infused with signature spices. Pho Bat Dan is known for its soft and chewy noodles, tender beef, and a hint of sourness from garlic vinegar, fresh chili slices, and green onions.
3. Pho Ganh Hang Chieu
- Location: Cho Gao ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
- Opening Hours: Typically from 3:30 AM to 10:00 AM.
- Price Range: From 40,000 VND.
Pho Ganh Hang Chieu has been renowned for years, especially in the alleys of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. People flock to Pho Ganh Hang Chieu not only for its unique flavors but also for the experience of enjoying pho before dawn. A bowl of pho at 3:00 AM, with its warm, fragrant broth and tender meat, accompanied by white, translucent noodles, creates a distinctive charm.
Formerly a compact and street style Pho vendor, Ms. Thoa- the owner has served every passengers early morning with bowls of Pho that’s “rich in flavors- warm in heart”. Nowaday, that street style “Pho Ganh” is replaced by a whole new Pho restaurant but still remain the original tastes of the legendary Pho Ganh.
4. Pho Ly Quoc Su
Location: 10 Ly Quoc Su Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
Price Range: From 65,000 VND.
Pho Ly Quoc Su stands out for its sweet and aromatic broth, simmered from various fresh bones. A hearty bowl of pho with its sweet, savory broth, delicious beef, and soft noodles is the hallmark of Pho Ly Quoc Su. Besides the main location at 10 Ly Quoc Su Street, you can also visit 27 Phung Hung Street, Hoan Kiem District, to savor original beef pho.
5. Pho Khoi Hoi
- Location: 50 Hang Vai Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
- Opening Hours: 6:00 AM to 9:30 PM.
- Price Range: From 60,000 VND.
Located on the 500-meter-long Hang Vai Street, Pho Khoi Hoi has become a familiar address for Hanoians. The specialty of Pho Khoi Hoi lies in its broth, which is cooked using traditional methods. The beef bones are simmered with various spices to create a sweet and flavorful broth. The beef is freshly sliced upon ordering, offering a crisp, tender texture. The menu is diverse, allowing you to enjoy Hanoi pho in various styles.
Best Places to Enjoy Delicious Chicken Pho in Hanoi
The city of Hanoi is renowned for its iconic dish, Pho. While Pho Bo (beef noodle soup) has dominated the culinary scene in Hanoi, Pho Ga (chicken noodle soup) is gradually asserting itself as one of the world’s best Pho varieties in the city. Over the years, Pho Bo has held sway and become the predominant choice for the locals in the capital.
1. Pho Ga Nguyet
In addition to the top spots for beef pho in Hanoi, Pho Ga Nguyet is also a must-visit destination for exploring and enjoying Hanoi’s chicken pho.
- Location: 5B Pho Phu Doan, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
- Opening Hours: 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
- Price Range: From 65,000 VND.
As one of the most famous chicken pho restaurants in Hanoi, Pho Ga Nguyet offers bowls filled with chicken, fresh herbs, noodles, and hot broth. In addition to broth-based pho, you can also order dry chicken pho, which is served without broth but with aromatic herbs, fried shallots, and peanuts. All ingredients are mixed to create a variety of special flavors right from the first bite.
2. Pho Ga Ha
- Address: 15 Hang Hom, Hang Gai, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Operating hours: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Price range: 30,000 – 55,000 VND
Pho Ga Ha is perhaps one of the most beloved dishes in Hanoi, leaving a lasting impression on many diners with its unforgettable flavor. The first place chicken pho enthusiasts should visit to experience this is Pho Ga Ha.
Pho Ga Ha is just a sidewalk eatery, yet it attracts numerous customers. Each bowl of pho here is made very generously. Especially, the broth is cooked from bones instead of relying heavily on seasoning, giving the broth a sweet and rich taste.
3. Pho Ga Cham
- Location: 64 – 68 Yen Ninh Street, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
- Operating hours: 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Price: Starting from VND 70,000 / USD $3.0
Pho Ga Cham is the next spot serving authentic Hanoi-style chicken pho that you shouldn’t miss. The restaurant boasts a spacious and airy ambiance, setting it apart from others. The price for a bowl of pho here may be a bit higher than in other places.
For 60,000 VND/bowl, you’ll get a hearty bowl of Hanoi-style chicken pho with plenty of pho noodles and chicken meat. The broth is seasoned to perfection, exuding an enticing aroma of star anise and cinnamon. Finishing a bowl here guarantees you a satisfyingly full stomach.
In Conclusion
Pho is not only a familiar dish of Hanoians, but also a part of Hanoi’s history and culture, enriching Vietnamese cuisine and helping foreign visitors learn more about Vietnam. If you visit the capital city without enjoying Pho Hanoi, it would be a pity. Therefore, make sure to save the best pho spots we’ve compiled above to enjoy when you visit Hanoi.
Also make sure to keep in mind the Ho Chi Minh city cycling tour with true local experiences and unique views of the city !
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