Top 5 Must-Try Pho Spots for Travelers
Here are 5 diverse recommendations—ranging from traditional beef Pho to modern Pho rolls—to help you understand why this dish has captured hearts worldwide.
Pho Bay The Beo – The Unique "Hoverboard Service" Experience
Address: 16 Tran Te Xuong (Open 5:30 AM – 1:00 PM)
Signature Dishes: Red wine beef stew Pho (Phở sốt vang), stir-fried beef Pho (Phở tái lăn), beef meatballs with salted egg yolk.
Located on a quiet street near Truc Bach Lake, Pho Bay The Beo attracts diners not just with its flavor, but with its "one-of-a-kind" service style. The image of agile staff gliding on self-balancing hoverboards to deliver steaming bowls of Pho has become the brand’s hallmark, earning it the nickname "Flying Pho" (Pho Bay). Each bowl is hearty, featuring a rich broth and premium beef. Don't miss the unique salted egg beef meatballs or the tender, fragrant red wine beef stew.
Pho Vui – A Heritage Flavor in the Heart of the Old Quarter
Address: 25 Hang Giay (Open 6:00 AM – 11:00 AM & 4:00 PM – Midnight)
Signature Dishes: Rare and well-done beef Pho (Phở tái chín)
Known as one of the "Four Pillars of Pho" in Hanoi, Pho Vui is situated on the bustling Hang Giay Street and is the perfect stop to rediscover ancient traditional flavors. The secret lies in a multi-generational meat-mincing technique that ensures every slice of beef is sweet and tender, blending perfectly with the noodles. The broth here is light and elegant, making it very popular with international tourists. Sitting here late at night, you can enjoy a hot bowl of Pho while watching the signature hustle and bustle of the Old Quarter.
Pho Co Chieu Viet – The Long-standing Local Staple
Address: 48 Hang Dong (Open 6:30 AM – 1:00 PM)
Signature Dishes: Beef brisket and flank Pho (Phở nạm gầu), beef shank Pho.
If you are looking for a strictly "local" spot, head to Pho Co Chieu Viet on Hang Dong Street. The shop is quite modest in size, featuring the nostalgic atmosphere of old Hanoian houses. This 40-year-old brand is famous for its broth, brewed from fish sauce and slow-simmered beef bones, creating a naturally deep, savory sweetness. The beef is expertly sliced—never chewy or gamey. Their beef shank and brisket options have maintained consistent freshness and quality for decades.
Pho Ga VN17 – Exploring the Chicken Side of Hanoi Pho
Address: 17 Van Mieu (Open 5:00 PM – 1:30 AM)
Signature Dishes: Chicken Pho (Phở gà), Chicken salad (Nộm gà).
Pho Cuon Hung Ben – An Exciting Twist on Pho Noodles
Address: 118 Tran Vu (Open all day)
Signature Dishes: Pho rolls (Phở cuốn), Deep-fried Pho squares (Phở chiên phồng).
A creative variation of the traditional dish, Pho Cuon (Pho rolls) quickly became a favorite among Hanoians. Soft, chewy sheets of Pho noodles are rolled with sautéed beef and fresh lettuce, then dipped into a sweet and sour fish sauce. Besides the rolls, make sure to try the saucy stir-fried Pho or the crispy, golden deep-fried Pho squares.
A few small tips
Shops in the Old Quarter can get very crowded during peak hours; you might have to wait a bit, but it’s absolutely worth it!
Don't forget to order "quay" (fried dough sticks) and "tra da" (iced tea) to eat like a true Hanoian.
