Food & Drink
Feb 4, 2025

5 Places To Taste Best Pho In Hanoi 2024 | Savoring A Real Culinary Journey

5 Places To Taste Best Pho In Hanoi 2024 | Savoring A Real Culinary Journey

Pho has long been regarded as a specialty of Hanoian cuisine and as some of the best food in the entire globe. Therefore, any traveler who wishes to learn about the Hanoian cuisine culture will always find its allure enticing. That is why it is said that eating Pho completes a trip to Hanoi perfectly!

In major districts of Hanoi, Pho can be found on almost every street. So, in this article, we have gathered a list of the best Pho restaurants in Hanoi that provide the most genuine and tasty renditions of this classic meal.

Related Article: Top 15 Must-Try Hanoi Street Food Experiences | Best Tastes of Hanoi

Contents

Pho - The Most Iconic Vietnamese Dish?

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Tracing The Origins Of Pho!

Vietnamese Pho is a noodle soup made with rice noodles, beef or chicken clear broth, and various herbs and spices. First, to make a deep, and savory flavor broth, people will simmer the beef or chicken noodle soup together for many hours. Then, slices of beef or chicken, bean sprouts, lime wedges, and fresh herbs, including cilantro, Thai basil, and mint, will frequently be added to the bowl of Pho!

The simplicity and complexity of Pho are what makes it so tasty! This rich, savory cuisine that soothes the soul will provide texture and depth to each bite. And don't forget the spices and herbs! While bean sprouts and lime wedges give the soup a bit of tanginess, fresh cilantro, Thai basil, and mint give it a burst of freshness. It's a harmonious symphony of flavors and textures that may make your taste buds dance!

How Has Pho Evolved Over Time?

Many street vendors and restaurants serve it as an essential and affordable breakfast in northern Vietnam. So, you may now learn why it's so adored when eating genuine Pho in Hanoi, the country's capital! But until now, Pho is more than just a simple hot bowl of soup.

With its rapid expansion nationwide and abroad, Pho has become a traditional Vietnamese cuisine. It's truly a cultural artifact representing tenacity and endurance!

Learn about the history of Hanoi and Vietnam through these 13 interesting museums!

pho in hanoi
Many street vendors and restaurants serve it as an essential and affordable breakfast in northern Vietnam. // Photo by bepmina.vn

All You Need To Know About Pho In Hanoi!

The city of Pho is a treasure trove of flavor and scent at every turn. Every bowl of Pho is a work of art, a masterwork of taste and texture, where the passion for the best Pho in Hanoi runs deep.

Good Time To Sample Best Pho In Hanoi?

From November to February, when the colder months arrive, the city transforms into a paradise for Pho lovers. A warm bowl of Pho at this time is like a warm hug from a close friend in the chilly weather, providing solace and happiness for those who eat Pho.

Related Article: Best Time To Visit Hanoi For Weather, Festivals, And Tourism

Popular Types Of Pho

In Hanoi, there are many varieties of Pho to explore and choose from, each with its unique charm and personality. All types of Pho, including "Pho Bo" - beef pho, "Pho Ga" - chicken pho, and "Pho Cuon" - rolled pho, are worth trying!

How To Choose The Best Pho Restaurants?

When it comes to Pho restaurants, each has a unique take on the traditional dish, ranging from modest streetside stalls to sophisticated eateries. Hanoi Old Quarter is a hive of street vendors and eateries where you can enjoy a traditional bowl of Pho, which has been honed over many generations.

Learn more about the Hanoi Old Quarter and make the most of your stay!

Additionally, the West Lake neighborhood is renowned for its upscale Pho eateries, where each ingredient is sourced with care and served with the utmost attention.

No matter where you visit in this vibrant city, every Pho bowl also represents its heritage and culture. So come to Hanoi and get acquainted with the famous Pho culture!

pho thin
Pho Thin restaurant in Hanoi has been serving customers delicious bowls of Pho since the 1970s. // Photo by Vietnamnet

Top 5 Pho Restaurants In Hanoi

Let's move on to the most important part - the best Pho restaurants in Hanoi. Here are five of the city's most well-known Pho eateries, each with its distinctive flavors and specialties!

Tired of the city traffic? Learn the best ways to get around Hanoi!

1. Pho Gia Truyen Bat Dan

Hanoi's renowned Pho Gia Truyen or Pho Bat Dan has been dishing out steamy bowls of Pho for almost 100 years. Long queues of locals and foreign tourists often form outside this Old Quarter eatery as they wait to try their renowned Pho Bo.

"Pho Bo Tai Nam", a beef noodle created with rare beef and brisket, is Pho Gia Truyen's specialty dish. The noodles are perfectly cooked, and the broth is rich and thematic. In addition, this Pho restaurant serves various side dishes such as beef jerky and fried dough sticks.

Want to cook your own delicious Pho? Join our Hanoi cooking class and become a 1-day master chef!

  • Address: 49 Bat Dan, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi
  • Price range: VND 50,000-70,000 (~ $2.17-$3.05)
  • Opening time: 06:00 AM - 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Pho Gia Truyen Bat Dan
This eatery has been dishing out steamy bowls of Pho for almost 100 years. // Photo courtesy of Pho Bat Dan

2. Pho Thin

The legendary Pho Thin restaurant in Hanoi has been serving customers delicious bowls of Pho since the 1970s. The restaurant is noted for its tasty broth and tender beef slices and is located in the center of the busiest streets of the Hanoi Old Quarter.

pho thin
The restaurant is noted for its tasty broth and tender beef slices. // Photo by Trinh Anh

Pho Thin's signature dish is the Pho bo with slices of rare beef, cooked to perfection and served with chili sauce for an added kick. Also, the restaurant serves several worthwhile stir-fried beef dishes, including "Bo luc lac" (shaking beef noodles).

Love Hanoi street food? Taste your buds with this half-day food trip!

  • Address: 13 Lo Duc, Hai Ba Trung district, Hanoi
  • Price range: VND 60,000-80,000 ($2.60-$3.48)
  • Opening time: 6:00 AM-10:00 PM

Let's see how Quang Tran tasted Pho at Pho Thin!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DFa0KiwqdQ

The MECCA Of Pho | PHO THIN Been Serving Traditional Pho For the Last 43 Year in Hanoi, Vietnam // Video by Quang Tran

3. Pho Suong

Pho Suong is another well-known destination for Pho lovers in Hanoi. It is close to the West Lake area. This restaurant's savory broth, cooked with various herbs and spices to produce a rich flavor, is renowned for being delicate and flavorful.

Pho ga (chicken Pho), cooked with soft chicken slices and served with fresh herbs, onion, and lime wedges, is Pho Suong's signature dish. Other Vietnamese delicacies at the restaurant include spring rolls and Banh Cuon (steamed rice rolls with meat).

  • Address: 24B Trung Yen Alley, Dinh Liet Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
  • Price range: VND 50,000-80,000 (~ $2.17-$3.48)
  • Opening time: 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
pho suong hanoi
Pho Suong is another well-known destination for Pho lovers in Hanoi. // Photo by tungls

4. Pho Ly Quoc Su

Pho Ly Quoc Su, located in the center of Hanoi, is widely recognized by local culinary enthusiasts as the greatest Pho restaurant in the city. The restaurant, located at 10 Ly Quoc Su Street, offers a varied cuisine that appeals to all tastes, from rare steak to heel muscle.

Because of the perfectly selected components that give it an incomparable flavor, the broth is the star of the show. But it's not only the soup that's outstanding; the beef is always fresh and tender, and the crunchy cruller sticks go well with your steaming dish of noodles.

Despite its tiny size, Pho Ly Quoc Su has air conditioning and comfy seats, making it the ideal place to cool down during the hot summer months. While wait times during rush hour might be lengthy, the wonderful Pho here is definitely worth the wait.

Want to discover another side of Hanoi? Check out our top lesser-known attractions in Hanoi!

  • Address: 10 Ly Quoc Su, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
  • Price range: VND 60,000-85,000 (~ $2.56 - $3.62)
  • Opening time: 6 AM to 2:00 PM and 5:30 PM to 10 PM.
pho 10 ly quoc su
This restaurant offers a varied cuisine that appeals to all tastes, from rare steak to heel muscle. // Photo by Jerry Tng

5. Pho Cuon Huong Mai

Pho Cuon Huong Mai, a restaurant specializing in Pho Cuon - rolled Pho, is a good choice if you're searching for a distinct way to sample Pho. This Ba Dinh neighborhood restaurant is well-known for its tasty and fresh ingredients.

Pho Cuon with beef or chicken, wrapped in rice paper with fresh herbs and served with a dipping sauce, is Pho Cuon Huong Mai's signature dish. It is flavorful and quick to prepare, making it ideal for a snack, or even a dinner and lunch.

  • Address: 25 Ngu Xa, Ba Dinh district, Hanoi
  • Price range: VND 40,000-60,000 ($1.74-$2.60)
  • Opening time: 8:00 AM-10:00 PM
pho cuon
Pho Cuon with beef or chicken, wrapped in rice paper with fresh herbs and served with a dipping sauce. // Photo by Best Price Travel

Ready To Taste Your Best Pho In Hanoi?

From the bustling streets of Vietnam to many places worldwide, Pho captures the hearts and palates of foodies everywhere. And if you're a true Pho aficionado, there's no better place to experience the magic of this national dish, than in Hanoi, the birthplace of Pho.

Each of the above five best Pho restaurants in Hanoi has its unique flair and culinary vision. From the traditional flavors of Pho Gia Truyen to the innovative Pho Cuon at Pho Cuon Huong Mai, these establishments will take you on a flavor journey like no other!

Related Article: Top 10 Vietnamese Tastes | Discover Street Food In Vietnam 2024

banh trang nuong
Grilled rice paper, or banh trang nuong, is a fun street food that you should also try! // Photo by nomadparadise

Excited To Explore Hanoi?

Imagine exploring the bustling streets of Hanoi with a small group of food enthusiasts while stopping at street vendors and neighborhood restaurants to try some of the city's most mouthwatering and genuine cuisines. Doesn't that sound wonderful?

Are you ready for a unique culinary experience in Hanoi? Don't look elsewhere — Vietnam Is Awesome! You can delve deeper into the city's lively food scene and gain a new perspective on the flavors and traditions of Vietnam with our collection of culinary excursions led by skilled local guides.

Secure slots in your favorite Hanoi experiences today!