Hanoi is the birthplace of pho. In the lanes of the Old Quarter, famous shops that have lasted for decades are still going strong today. From Michelin-listed powerhouses to hidden gems only locals know, we introduce 8 carefully selected shops.
Types of pho
Chicken pho (Pho Ga)
Pho topped with chicken is called "Pho Ga" and is characterized by a lighter flavor than beef pho. At some shops you can choose the cut of chicken.
Beef pho (Pho Bo)
| Vietnamese menu | English menu | Details |
|---|---|---|
| TAI | MEDIUM RARE BEEF | Rare beef |
| CHIN | WELL DONE | Well-simmered meat |
| NAM | PLATE BEEF | Fatty cuts like brisket |
| GAU | BRISKET BEEF | Beef brisket (a cut with both lean and fat) |
| TAI LAN | BEEF STIR FRY | Stir-fried beef |
Beef pho is called "Pho Bo," and its rich broth taken from beef bones goes well with the smooth noodles.
The menu name differs depending on how the beef is prepared. Popular among Vietnamese is "TAI," topped with raw meat that's blanched in the broth. Because it's more tender than boiled meat, it's easy to eat. If you don't mind raw meat, be sure to try it.
Fried pho (Pho Cuon)
This is pho where square, mochi-like pho is fried, topped with a vegetable-and-meat gravy. The area around Truc Bach in Hanoi has many famous fried pho shops, so anyone who wants to enjoy a slightly unusual pho shouldn't miss it.
Stir-fried pho (Pho Xao)
Stir-fried pho topped with vegetables and meat has a yakisoba-like flavor and is easy for Japanese people to eat too.
Depending on the shop, some are oily, but that junky flavor is another charm. Richer and more filling than pho in broth, it's recommended when you want to fill up properly.
Features of Hanoi pho
| Comparison item | Hanoi | Ho Chi Minh City |
|---|---|---|
| Broth color | Clear and transparent | Slightly cloudy and rich |
| Flavor tendency | Light and delicate | Sweetish |
| Noodle thickness | Slightly thin | Thick |
Even among Japanese living in Vietnam, it's said that "if you're going to eat pho, Hanoi," so much so that Hanoi has many famous pho shops.
It depends on the shop, but while Ho Chi Minh City's pho is sweetish, Hanoi's pho is light and delicate.
Whether to wake yourself up in the morning, to finish lunch quickly, or after drinking, Hanoi pho is something you'll want to eat in all kinds of situations.
Famous pho comparison table | Price range and features at a glance
| Shop name | Characteristics | Price range | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pho Gia Truyen Bat Dan | Guidebook-listed shop, beef pho | 50,000-60,000 dong | Old Quarter |
| Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su | Beef pho | 50,000-130,000 dong | Old Quarter |
| Pho Thìn 13 Lo Doc | 47 Years in Business, Known for Stir-Fried Beef | 60,000-120,000 dong | Hai Ba Trung and others |
| Pho Minh Thuy 66 Thụy Khue | Stir-fried beef pho | 50,000-100,000 dong | South side of Tay Ho |
| Pho Tam | Beef pho | 50,000-150,000 dong | Ba Dinh |
| Pho Tu Trang A Tra | Chicken pho, hand-cut noodles | 50,000-100,000 dong | Ba Dinh |
| PHO GA VM17 | Chicken pho, tourist-oriented | 50,000-120,000 dong | Dong Da (in front of the Temple of Literature) |
| Pho Cuon 31 | Fried pho | 80,000-100,000 dong | Tay Ho |
2 Michelin-listed famous pho shops
Pho Gia Truyen Bat Đan
A time-honored famous shop in the Old Quarter, said to be Hanoi's No. 1. Its Michelin Guide listing was confirmed in 2024, and it bustles daily with locals and tourists.
The broth, rich with the umami of beef, has nothing extraneous, and the amount of beef is astonishingly generous. The cramped, hot interior has local flavor and is, if anything, the best.
There can be a long line in the morning, and it sometimes closes as soon as it sells out, so we recommend going early.
Address: 49 P. Bat Dan, Cua Dong, Hoan Kiem, Ha Noi, Vietnam
Hours：6:00〜10:00 18:00～20:30
Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su
A famous shop in the Old Quarter that draws overwhelming support from tourists and locals alike.
The broth, which uses no artificial additives and simmers beef bones for hours to draw out natural sweetness and umami, has a deliciousness that seeps in more with every sip.
Besides the main shop, it has several locations around the city, but the main shop's flavor is exceptional. It opens from 6 a.m., so be sure to make it your breakfast for Hanoi sightseeing.
Address：10 P. Ly Quoc Su, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem, Ha Noi
Hours：6:00〜22:00
Price range: 50,000-130,000 dong
Recommended famous pho shops that locals frequent
Pho Minh Thuy 66 Thuy Khue
Though a local shop, the interior is clean and there's an English-language menu, making it easy for foreigners to enter too. The staff always serve you politely, so you can eat comfortably.
The recommendation here is "Pho Tai Lan," topped with stir-fried beef. It has plenty of pepper, so if you're not a fan, try ordering "no pepper" using a translation app or the like.
Address: 66 D. Thuy Khue, Thuy Khue, Tay Ho, Ha Noi 100000 Vietnam
Hours：6:00～14:00
Pho Tam
In the heart of Hanoi, "Pho Tam," within walking distance of the Lotte Center and the Japanese Embassy, is a popular shop bustling with locals and one of my favorites that I've visited many times.
The recommendation is "Pho Tai Lan," with stir-fried meat. Full of rich broth, beef, herbs, and scallions, this pho overturns the light impression of pho.
It's open not only in the morning but at lunch and dinner too, so be sure to visit between sights.
Address: 23 P. Lieu Giai, Lieu Giai, Ngoc Ha, Ha Noi 11106 Vietnam
Hours：6:00～14:00 17:00～21:00
Pho Thin Lo Đuc
A famous shop so well known that "Pho Thin" is what comes to mind when you think of Hanoi pho. Its trademark is the sign of a bearded old man, and this hugely popular shop has several locations in Hanoi and even one in Ikebukuro, Japan.
Speaking of Pho Thin, it's "Pho Tai Lan," beef stir-fried with onion, garlic, and ginger. Rather than blanching the beef in the broth, stir-frying it draws out the fragrance and umami to the fullest.
The broth is rich, and this filling pho is easy for Japanese people to eat too.
Address：
[Main shop] 13 Lo Duc, Hai Ba Trung, Ha Noi
Hours:Varies by shop
Pho Tu Trang A Tra
A chicken pho shop popular not only with locals but with Japanese residents too. You can choose the cut of chicken, and you order by writing it on a slip after taking your seat. The chicken is tender and goes well with the light broth and noodles.
The interior has local flavor and may feel a bit high a bar for tourists, but for anyone who wants to savor not just the taste but the authentic atmosphere, I'd love for you to try it.
Address：289 P. Kim Ma, Giang Vo, Ba Đinh, Ha Noi
Hours: from around 6:30 to 13:00
PHO GA VM17
A pho shop near the tourist site the "Temple of Literature." A nice point is that, being a tourist-oriented shop, you can also choose no-cilantro and vegetarian menu options.
The light, ginger-infused broth matches the pho. "Pho Tron," eaten with a sweet-and-spicy sauce, is also recommended, with nuts, chicken, vegetables, and pho going together superbly.
Address：2RHP+QP Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam
Hours: from around 6:30 to 22:00
Pho Cuon 31
Speaking of fried pho, a shop so famous it's called "Pho Cuon 31." The crispy fried pho goes well with the gooey gravy.
Personally, I recommend the rich fried pho more as a companion to lunch or evening beer than for the morning. It's a lot for one person, so sharing among 2 to 3 people is best.
Address：31 P. Ngu Xa, Truc Bach, Ba Đinh, Ha Noi
Hours: from around 9:00 to 22:30
Tips for eating Hanoi pho deliciously
Tip 1: eat it first without adding anything
Even if there are condiments (garlic vinegar, chili, lime) on the table, first try a sip of the broth without adding anything.
Because pho's broth is delicate, enjoying it as-is is the basic approach. After that, try adjusting it to your taste little by little.
Tip 2: add fried bread to bump up the volume
Topping it with fried bread called "quay" and dipping it in the pho broth as you eat is exceptional. At many shops you need to order it separately, at a typical price of 5,000 dong (about 30 yen).
The staff may recommend it, so if you've never had it, be sure to give it a try once.
It turns a light pho into a satisfyingly filling bowl.
Tip 3: add herbs a little at a time
For herbs like basil, coriander, and scallion, we recommend adding them a little at a time to enjoy the change in flavor. Adding too much makes the precious flavor of the broth disappear.
Frequently asked questions about Hanoi pho
Q. How much does pho cost in Hanoi?
A. At a good local shop, 50,000 to 70,000 dong (about 300 to 430 yen) is typical. Even at Michelin-listed shops you can eat a bowl for around 60,000 dong, which is Hanoi's appeal.
At upscale restaurants, some cost around 150,000 to 200,000 dong (about 1,000 to 1,200 yen). If you're not comfortable with local shops, first try a hotel or a tourist-oriented restaurant.
Q. What's the best time to eat pho in Hanoi?
A. Many famous shops open from early morning and many sell out and close by early afternoon, so we recommend eating it in the morning. Eating at the same times as the locals lets you enjoy the authentic atmosphere too.
Q. What kinds of pho are there in Hanoi?
A. Broadly, the three basics are "TAI" (rare beef), "CHIN" (well-simmered beef), and "NAM" (brisket). First-timers who choose TAI NAM (a combination of rare and simmered) can enjoy the difference in texture all at once.
Q. Can vegetarians eat Hanoi pho?
A. Shops serving vegetarian-specific pho are increasing in Hanoi. You'll often find them especially in the Old Quarter area around tourist sites, so it's good to look into it in advance.
