The Best Pho in Hanoi: A Local’s Guide

Hanoi is a food lover’s paradise, and pho is undoubtedly one of must-try dishes. Just like pizza and pasta are to Italy, Pho is deeply ingrained in Vietnamese cuisine. You’ll find people enjoying it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner across the country. Certainly, while Hanoi boasts countless Pho vendors and eateries, there are select establishments with exceptional and authentic Pho recipes that have earned a special place in the hearts of locals. So, follow me as I guide you through the aromatic streets of Hanoi to discover the best Pho spots in the city.

The History and Culture of Pho in Hanoi

Through the history and stories, the exact origin of pho is still a mystery, but most historians agree that the origin of Pho was from Northern Vietnam by street vendors in the early 20th century, during the French colonial period.

Pho quickly became a staple food for the locals. And there is an interesting fact that pho was originally a dish for the poor and working-class people who needed a cheap and filling meal.

Pho witnessed the history of this country, particularly during times of war. In the First Indochina War (1946-1954), when Vietnam fought for independence from France, pho vendors supported the Viet Minh guerrillas by providing them with food and information. Similarly, during the Vietnam War (1955-1975), when Vietnam was divided into North and South, pho showcased the political and economic disparities between the two regions. Northern pho remained true to its traditional roots, while Southern pho became more diverse and influenced by American soldiers and refugees.

Even today, pho remains a beloved dish for many Vietnamese people, especially in Hanoi. It goes beyond being just a food; it embodies a culture, tradition, and a way of life. Pho serves as a unifying force, connecting people from different generations, backgrounds, and regions. Ultimately, it symbolizes the essence and spirit of Hanoi.

Top 5 Pho Spots in Hanoi

Choosing the best pho restaurants in Hanoi is challenging due to the vast number of options available. My list below is of course up for debate. But these recommendations are based on personal experience and the majority of local friends who eat pho every day. So here’s that list:

Pho Thin

Address: 13 Lo Duc, Ngo Thi Nham, Hai Ba Trung, Ha Noi, Vietnam
Cost: 70,000 VND

This place is one of the oldest and most well-liked pho spots in Hanoi. It has been around since 1979. What makes it special is their distinct way of stir-frying the beef with garlic before adding it to the broth. These small changes in preparation have led to a unique difference in taste compared to other pho restaurants.

This technique adds a flavorful and smoky taste to the dish. Additionally, the broth is clear and fragrant, owing to the high-quality bones and spices used. The noodles are thin and soft, and they serve generous portions.

Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su

Address: 10 Ly Quoc Su, Hoan Kiem, Ha Noi, Vietnam
Cost: 45,000 – 70,000 VND

This restaurant is conveniently located near St. Joseph’s Cathedral in the Hoan Kiem neighborhood. They have the best crispy banh quay (breadsticks), an extra special saltier broth and their generous cuts of tender beef are a real plus. And you know what Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su even visited by South Korean President Moon Ja-in in 2018.

This place has amazing pho—it’s totally customizable! You get to pick your favorite toppings and sauces for your bowl. There are fried shallots, roasted peanuts, pickled garlic, and even quail eggs for toppings. And for sauces, they’ve got fish sauce, vinegar sauce, chili sauce, and satay sauce.

The broth is clear and flavorful, nicely balanced with spices and fish sauce. The beef is seriously fresh and tender, and it varies in texture depending on the cut. About the noodles? They’re thin, smooth, and cooked to perfection—just the right amount of chewiness.

Keep in mind that this place is quite popular, especially at lunchtime. It can get pretty busy, so you might have to wait for a seat or share a table with others. Just a heads up: you’ll need to go and order at the counter and pay before you get your food. But don’t worry, the service is quick and efficient, and the staff are really polite and helpful.

Pho Bo Khoi Hoi

Address: 50C Hang Vai, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi
Cost: Around 60,000 VND/bowl

Pho Bo Khoi Hoi is conveniently situated at 50C Hang Vai – Hoan Kiem, and it has become a popular spot among the locals in Hanoi. They specialize in serving delicious beef pho and various beef dishes with a unique traditional flavor.

And what makes me love this location is that it has been the secret to making pho since the Mau Dich period. By simmering beef bones thoroughly with various spices such as star anise, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, etc., you will achieve a sweet and rich flavor.

Pho Gia Truyen

Address: No.49 Bat Dan Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Price: From VND 50,000

To the foodies, Pho gia truyen also known as Pho Bat Dan or Pho 49 Bat Dan, holds its pride of place on Bat Dan Street, renowned for its vibrant street food offerings. This family-run restaurant has been dishing out its delectable delights since 1946, and it continues to be managed by the same dedicated family.

What sets it apart is its reputation for serving a straightforward yet incredibly flavorful beef Pho. The magic lies in the rich and intricate taste derived from hours of simmering the broth. The noodles, with their satisfying thickness and chewiness, complement the tender and succulent meat to perfection.

Pho Suong

Address: 24 Trung Yen Alley, Dinh Liet Street, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam

For a unique Pho experience, head to Pho Suong after a stroll around the lake. If you love the traditional pho taste, pho suong is a must-visit place. The restaurant is small and cozy, with wooden tables and benches. Similar to Pho Thin, the menu is also simple, with only one option: beef pho with meatballs.

The pho here is outstanding, with thick noodles, juicy meatballs, and flavorful broth. The broth is cooked with beef bones, marrow, and spices for hours, resulting in a deep and complex taste. The meatballs are made from minced beef, onion, garlic, and seasoning, and are soft and succulent. The noodles are also thick and chewy, absorbing the broth.

The restaurant is not very well-known and hidden in a small alley, so you might have trouble finding it. However, it is worth the effort, as you will be rewarded with a bowl of pho that will make you happy.

If you’re a fan of Pho, save the addresses of these top 5 Pho restaurants in Hanoi. I hope you have a fantastic time exploring the food paradise in Hanoi.