1. Which is The Best Pho in Vietnam? - Exploring Different Pho Styles!
Pho Bac (Northern Style)
![Different northern pho and southern pho in vietnam](https://api.kisstour.com/uploads/kisstour_db/the-best-pho-in-hanoi.jpg)
Northern Pho in Vietnam served with "Banh Quay" | Source: Collections.
The typical Northern cuisine is clearly shown in the capital Hanoi - the convergence of Northern dishes. Northerners often cook dishes that are frugal, light, and have a mild sour taste. When enjoying, you will see somewhere the peace of the countryside and gentle traditional culture.
Northern Pho, considered by many as some of the best Pho in Vietnam, is characterized by its clear, light broth with a delicate flavor.
The noodles are typically wider and flatter than their southern
counterparts, offering a satisfying chewiness. The toppings are also
simplified, instead of using various herbs and chili peppers, Northern Pho is often served with "Banh Quay" (crispy fried dough sticks).
Pho Nam (Southern Style)
![best pho in ho chi minh city](https://api.kisstour.com/uploads/kisstour_db/best-pho-in-ho-chi-minh-city.jpg)
Southern Pho in Vietnam | Source: Collections.
Southern
people's dishes are very simple and less fussy. However, the dishes are
no less attractive. People here are also very honest and simple. The
dishes here are extremely diverse, and it can be said to vary with sweet, spicy, and fatty flavors.
Southern Pho, another contender for the best Pho in Vietnam, is characterized by its sweeter broth, often combined with a layer of fatty beef broth and a wider array of toppings such as bean sprouts, basil, sawtooth coriander, lime wedges, and chili peppers.
The noodles are typically thinner and softer than those in Northern
Pho. To enhance the experience, you can add hoisin sauce and chili sauce
to your liking, creating a unique and personalized flavor profile.
Ingredient-Based Variations
![the best pho in vietnam from north to south](https://api.kisstour.com/uploads/kisstour_db/the-best-pho-in-vietnam-from-north-to-south.jpg)
3 Kinds of Pho: I can't decide which is my favorite! | Source: Collections.
Pho Bo (Beef Pho)
Pho
Bo or beef Pho is the most traditional and iconic version of this
beloved dish. Among the various types of Pho Bo, each offering a unique
taste and texture, some popular choices stand out:
- Pho Tai: This features thinly sliced raw beef, quickly cooked by the hot broth poured over it. It offers a tender, slightly rare texture.
- Pho Chin: In this variation, the beef is well-done, resulting in a firmer texture.
- Pho Nam: This uses flavorful flank steak, known for its balance of leanness and tenderness.
- Pho Gau: This incorporates fatty brisket, adding richness and a melt-in-your-mouth quality to the dish.
Pho Ga (Chicken Pho)
If
you're looking for a lighter yet equally satisfying alternative to Pho
Bo (beef Pho), Pho Ga (chicken Pho) is a perfect choice. Pho Ga is
characterized by its clear broth, simmered for hours with chicken bones, ginger, onions, and aromatic herbs.
You can choose between tender poached chicken thighs or shredded
chicken - both of which pair beautifully with chewy rice noodles.
Pho Chay (Vegetarian Pho)
Pho
Chay offers a healthy alternative for vegetarians and vegans, or anyone
seeking a light and wholesome Vietnamese dish. The broth of Pho Chay is
simmered with mushrooms such as shiitake and straw mushrooms, along with carrots, tofu, and various other vegetables.
Pho
Chay exemplifies the versatility of Vietnamese cuisine, showcasing how a
traditional dish can be adapted to cater to different dietary
preferences without compromising on flavor or satisfaction.
Whether
you prefer the clear, delicate broth of Northern Pho or the rich,
flavorful profile of Southern Pho, there's a Pho for everyone. From the
traditional Pho Bo with its nuanced beef variations, to the lighter Pho
Ga, and even the wholesome Pho Chay, each type of Pho highlights the
culinary richness of Vietnam. This journey through the different Pho
styles not only showcases the best Pho in Vietnam but also celebrates
Vietnam's vibrant and adaptable cuisine.
For vegan
travelers seeking to savor the diverse flavors of Vietnam, Pho Chay is
just the beginning. Ho Chi Minh City boasts a thriving vegan food scene,
and a vegan food tour is
the perfect way to explore its hidden gems. From bustling street food
stalls to charming vegan restaurants, you'll discover a plethora of
plant-based delights that go far beyond the traditional Pho.
3. Must-Visit Pho restaurants in Vietnam
Famous Pho in Hanoi (Northern Vietnam)
Pho Bat Dan
![pho bat dan is the best pho in Ha Noi](https://api.kisstour.com/uploads/kisstour_db/pho-bat-dan-in-ha-noi.jpg)
This pho restaurant seems to be a local favorite in Hanoi. | Source: Collections.
Pho Bat Dan has been serving up steaming bowls of Pho for nearly a century.
- Address: 49 Bat Dan, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi
- Google rating: 4.3 stars
- Highlights:
Pho Bo Tai Nam is a delightful combination of rare beef and tender
brisket in a rich, flavorful broth with perfectly cooked noodles. This
Pho restaurant also offers a variety of enticing side dishes, including
beef jerky and crispy fried dough sticks.
- Price range: VND 50,000-70,000 (~ $2.17-$3.05)
- Opening hours: 06:00 AM – 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Pho Thin
Pho Thin, is a famous family-run “Pho” restaurant on the southern edge of Hanoi's French Quarter that opened in 1979.
- Address: 13 Lo Duc, Hai Ba Trung district, Hanoi.
- Google rating: 4.1 stars
- Highlights: Pho Bo Tai Lan, featuring tender slices of rare beef cooked to perfection and served with a fiery chili sauce. In addition to their famous Pho, the restaurant also offers a selection of delectable stir-fried beef dishes, including the popular "Bo Luc Lac" (shaking beef noodles).
- Price range: VND 60,000-80,000 ($2.60-$3.48)
- Opening hours: 6:00 AM-10:00 PM
Pho Ly Quoc Su
![Pho Ly Quoc Su is a famous pho in Hanoi](https://api.kisstour.com/uploads/kisstour_db/pho-ly-quoc-su-in-ha-noi.jpg)
Pho Ly Quoc Su is a beloved destination for Pho lovers | Source: Collections.
Nestled
in the heart of Hanoi, Pho Ly Quoc Su is a beloved destination for Pho
lovers. Their extensive menu showcases a wide array of Pho variations,
including rare steak, tendon, and everything in between, ensuring a
satisfying experience for all tastes.
- Address: 10 Ly Quoc Su, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
- Google rating: 4.1 stars
- Highlights:
At Pho Ly Quoc Su, the broth takes center stage, captivating diners
with its complex flavors and aromas. However, it's not just the soup
that shines; the beef is consistently fresh and tender, and the crispy
cruller sticks (quẩy) perfectly complement the steaming bowl of noodles.
- Price range: VND 60,000-85,000 (~ $2.56 – $3.62)
- Opening hours: 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM and 5:30 PM to 10 PM.
The Best Pho in Saigon (Southern Vietnam)
Pho Hoa Pasteur in Ho Chi Minh
![the best pho in saigon southern vietnam](https://api.kisstour.com/uploads/kisstour_db/pho-hoa-pasteur-in-sai-gon.jpg)
Pho Hoa has captured the hearts and palates of generations of locals and visitors alike. | Source: Collections.
Pho
Hoa, a Saigon institution since 1968, is renowned for its authentic Pho
that has captured the hearts and palates of generations of locals and
visitors alike.
- Address: 260C, Pasteur Street, Ward 8, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
- Google rating: 4.2 stars
- Highlights:
Experience a symphony of textures and flavors with premium beef
toppings, including melt-in-your-mouth brisket, tender flank, and more.
- Price range: VND 40,000-90,000 (~ $1.71 – $3.84)
- Opening hours: 5:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Pho Le in Saigon
![pho le is a best in sai gon](https://api.kisstour.com/uploads/kisstour_db/pho-le-in-sai-gon.jpg)
Pho Le is a Saigon institution, famous for its delicious pho | Source: Collections.
With a rich history of over 70 years, Pho Le is a renowned establishment
celebrated for serving some of the Famous Pho in Ho Chi Minh
Address:
- 413 – 415, Nguyen Trai Street, Ward 7, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City
- 303 – 305, Vo Van Tan Street, Ward 5, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
Highlights:
I recommend the Pho Nam (or Pho Tai Nam), where the star is the
incredibly tender and flavorful beef flank (referred to as "brisket" on
their English menu).
Price range: VND 20,000-75,000 (~ $1.71 – $2.35)
Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Pho Phu Vuong
![famous pho restaurant in saigon](https://api.kisstour.com/uploads/kisstour_db/pho-phu-vuong-sai-gon.jpg)
The restaurant's highlights are its elegant ambiance and English-speaking staff. | Source: Collections.
Seeking refuge from Saigon's scorching summer temperatures? Pho Phu
Vuong, with its cool and inviting air-conditioned interior, offers the
perfect respite alongside a delicious bowl of pho.
- Address: 333, Le Van Sy Street, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City
- Google rating: 4.1 stars
- Highlights:
The restaurant's highlights are its elegant ambiance and
English-speaking staff. Bowls of Pho satisfy diners with their rich and
flavorful broth, which also has a delicate sweetness.
- Price range: VND 50,000 - 80,000 (~ $2.13 – $3.41)
- Opening hours: 7.00 AM– 1.00 PM and 5.00 PM– 9.30 PM
3. Tips on Ordering the Best Pho in Vietnam
Ordering Pho in Vietnam is an adventure in itself, but don't worry, it's
easier than you think! I'll guide you through the steps of ordering
Pho:![discover delicious dishes beyond the famous pho in Ho Chi Minh through food tours](https://api.kisstour.com/uploads/kisstour_db/famous-pho-in-ho-chi-minh.jpg)
First, you need to choose your type of Pho based on your favorite ingredients.
As I mentioned, there are three types of Pho: Pho Bo (Beef Pho), Pho Ga
(Chicken Pho), and Pho Chay (Vegetarian Pho). You can order depending
on your taste and preferred ingredients.
Next, you need to select your meat:
- For
Pho Bo, you have options like rare beef Pho (Pho Tai), well-done beef
Pho (Pho Chin), flank steak Pho (Pho Nam), brisket Pho (Pho Gau), or
special beef Pho (Pho Dac Biet).
- For Pho Ga, you can choose between shredded chicken Pho (Pho Ga Xe) or poached chicken thigh Pho (Pho Dui Ga Luoc).
4. Enhancing Your Pho with Condiments
In addition to the main components of pho, a variety of accompaniments are essential to complete the experience. Table sauces are a staple at most Pho restaurants, offering options like fiery chili sauce (tuong ot), savory hoisin sauce, pungent fish sauce, and tangy lime or lemon wedges.
To truly enjoy the best Pho in Vietnam, diners can customize their bowls with these sauces to their liking, adding heat, depth of flavor, or a citrusy kick. Alongside the sauces, a plate of fresh herbs is typically provided, featuring fragrant basil, vibrant cilantro, and the slightly bitter sawtooth herb (ngo gai). These herbs not only contribute their unique aromas and tastes but also add a refreshing element to the dish.
For
those who like their Pho on the spicier side, chili peppers are often
available. These can be fresh or pickled, and diners can add them
directly to their soup or mix them with the sauces for an extra kick.
5. Discover Delicious Dishes Beyond the Famous Pho in Ho Chi Minh Through Food Tours
![discover delicious dishes beyond the famous pho in Ho Chi Minh through food tours](https://api.kisstour.com/uploads/kisstour_db/famous-pho-in-ho-chi-minh.jpg)
Delicious dishes beyond the famous pho in Ho Chi Minh through food tours | Source: Collections.
Vietnamese
cuisine is a vibrant tapestry of flavors, and while finding the best
Pho in Vietnam is a must for any food lover, it's just the beginning of
your culinary adventure. From the crispy, flavorful Banh Mi filled with
savory meats to the fragrant grilled pork patties of Bun Cha, each dish
is a window into Vietnam's rich regional traditions and culinary
ingenuity.
For those seeking the taste of the sea, fresh seafood dishes such as Banh Canh Cua (noodle soup with crab), Cha Gio(fried spring rolls), Goi Cuon (fresh spring rolls) or Banh Xeo (savory pancakes) are must-tries. And don't forget sweet dishes like Che; a colorful dessert soup with a variety of fillings like beans, fruit and jelly.
To fully immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of Vietnamese cuisine, we invite you to join our Saigon Food Tour.
Our expert guides will lead you through bustling markets, hidden
alleyways, and local eateries, where you'll savor authentic dishes and
uncover the stories behind them.
6. Pho and Coffee - A Match Made in Vietnamese Breakfast Heaven
![discover the best Pho and Coffee in Vietnam](https://api.kisstour.com/uploads/kisstour_db/famous-pho-in-hanoi.jpg)
Pho and Vietnamese Coffee are an iconic Vietnamese breakfast
Finding the best Pho in Vietnam is only half the culinary adventure. Pho and Vietnamese Coffee (Ca Phe Sua Da) are an iconic Vietnamese breakfast pairing, a match made in culinary heaven. The
savory warmth of Pho complements the refreshing sweetness of iced
coffee, creating a harmonious balance that awakens both palate and
spirit. Whether enjoyed at a bustling street-side stall or a
charming café, this beloved duo embodies Vietnam's rich culinary
heritage and its appreciation for simple yet exquisite flavors.
With
the insights shared in this article, I hope you've gained a deeper
understanding of Vietnamese Pho and are ready to discover the best Pho
in my country. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the vibrant markets
of Ho Chi Minh City, your journey to find the best Pho in Vietnam will
be an unforgettable experience. I can't wait to welcome you to my
beautiful country and share the rich flavors and traditions of our
cuisine!