The old quarter in Hanoi is renowned for its delicious and authentic Vietnamese cuisine, and one dish that stands out among the rest is pho. This iconic Vietnamese noodle soup has captured the hearts and taste buds of locals and tourists alike. If you’re looking for the best pho Hanoi Old Quarter, look no further. In this article, we have compiled a list of the top 10 pho restaurants in the area, each offering a unique and tantalizing experience for your taste buds. Join us on a culinary journey through the old quarter of Hanoi as we explore the best pho spots in town.
Introducing Hanoi Pho
Hanoi Pho is a beloved Vietnamese dish that has gained international popularity for its delicious flavors and comforting qualities. Pho, pronounced “fuh,” is a Vietnamese noodle soup that’s considered one of the country’s national dishes. While it’s enjoyed throughout Vietnam, the version from Hanoi, the capital city, is particularly renowned for its unique characteristics.
Here are some key aspects of Hanoi Pho:
- Clear and Fragrant Broth: Hanoi Pho is known for its clear and delicately fragrant broth. The broth is typically made by simmering beef bones and various aromatic spices, such as star anise, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom. This slow-cooked process imparts a rich and complex flavor to the soup.
- Thin Rice Noodles: Unlike some regional variations of pho that use wider rice noodles, Hanoi Pho features thin, flat rice noodles that are soft and slippery when cooked. These noodles are an essential component of the dish and provide a satisfying texture.
- Toppings and Accompaniments: Hanoi Pho is often served with thinly sliced beef, which can be cooked in the broth or served raw and allowed to cook in the hot soup. The soup is also garnished with fresh herbs like Thai basil, cilantro, and mint, as well as bean sprouts, lime wedges, and thinly sliced chili peppers. These accompaniments add freshness, crunch, and a touch of spiciness to the dish. Hoisin sauce and sriracha are commonly provided condiments for diners to customize their soup’s flavor.
- Simplicity and Elegance: Hanoi Pho is celebrated for its simplicity and elegance. The focus is on the quality of the broth and the balance of flavors. It’s often seen as a breakfast or street food in Hanoi, but it’s enjoyed throughout the day by locals and tourists alike.
- Regional Variations: While Hanoi Pho is one of the most well-known styles of pho, there are numerous regional variations throughout Vietnam. Each region has its own unique twist on the dish, incorporating local ingredients and culinary traditions.
- Cultural Significance: Pho, including Hanoi Pho, is an integral part of Vietnamese culture and cuisine. It’s a dish that brings people together, whether it’s a family meal or a quick street food bite.
Hanoi Pho is a delightful and nourishing dish that offers a taste of Vietnamese culture. If you ever find yourself in Hanoi or at a Vietnamese restaurant, don’t miss the opportunity to savor this iconic and delicious noodle soup.
Best pho Hanoi: 10 best pho restaurants in Hanoi Old Quarter
Phở Gia Truyền – 49 Bát Đàn
Located on Bát Đàn Street, Phở Gia Truyền is a must-visit for pho lovers. Known for their flavorful broth and tender beef slices, this restaurant has been serving up traditional pho for generations. As you enter the restaurant, the rich aroma of the broth simmering with spices will draw you in. The first taste of their pho will transport you to pho heaven, with the perfect balance of flavors and the melt-in-your-mouth beef slices. Don’t miss out on this authentic pho experience at Phở Gia Truyền.
This rundown shop is located at the heart of the old quarter. Don’t be discouraged by the little stools and basic tables, this is the best pho joint in all of Hanoi and has been there since the ’60s, saving the same, consistent recipe that has remained unchanged since. You can tell you’ve arrived at the right spot when you see half of Hanoi queuing outside to get a fix, and, when table space runs out, people eat perched up on their bikes.
The only thing on the menu is beef noodles, and the broth here is clear and rich with a subtle blend of many flavors. The beef is the right amount of tender and soft with a glowing pink hue, and no matter how many times you ask what their secret to the best bowl of pho is, they will not tell you!
- Address: 49 Bat Dan, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Open hours: 6 am – 10 am and 6 pm – 8:30 pm daily
- Price: from 50,000VND /bowl
Phở 10 Lý Quốc Sư
Situated on Lý Quốc Sư Street, Phở 10 is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. What sets this restaurant apart is its emphasis on fresh ingredients and top-notch beef. The broth at Phở 10 is carefully prepared, allowing the flavors to meld together perfectly. Each bowl of pho is a symphony of flavors, with the fragrant beef broth complementing the tender beef slices and fresh rice noodles. To elevate your pho experience, be sure to pair it with their homemade chili sauce for an extra kick of flavor.
- Address: 10 Ly Quoc Su, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Opening hours: about 6:30 am – 2 pm daily
- Price: 60,000 – 85,000 VND/person.
Phở Thìn Bờ Hồ – 61 Đinh Tiên Hoàng
A stone’s throw away from the picturesque Hồ Hoàn Kiếm, Phở Thìn Bờ Hồ is known for its signature pho with thin beef slices. The beef at this restaurant is cooked to perfection, tender and succulent, and the broth is packed with umami flavors. As you enjoy your bowl of pho, you can take in the scenic surroundings, making it a favorite among both locals and tourists. Indulge in the delicious pho and soak in the charm of Hanoi’s old quarter at Phở Thìn Bờ Hồ.
- Address: 61 P. Dinh Tien Hoang, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Opening hours: about 5:30 pm daily
- Price: 50,000 – 80,000 VND/person.
Phở Vui – 25 Hàng Giầy
Located within walking distance of Hanoi Old Quarter, Pho Vui specializes in beef noodles in many variations. You can get half-done steak, well-done steak, brisket with flank and fillet beef, etc. The broth may be fattier than those served in other restaurants, but it is delicious. Sit on one of the tables located on the sidewalk for a proper Vietnamese experience.
Living up to its name, Phở Vui provides a fun and lively atmosphere for pho enthusiasts. Located on Hàng Giầy Street, this restaurant offers a wide range of options to cater to all tastes, including beef, chicken, and vegetarian pho. Whether you’re a meat lover or a vegetarian, you’ll find a satisfying bowl of pho at Phở Vui. The generous portion sizes and affordable prices make it a great choice for a satisfying meal that won’t break the bank.
- Address: 25 Hang Giay, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Open hours: 6am – 2 pm & 4 pm – 11 pm daily
- Price: 40,000 – 50,000VND /bowl
Phở Sướng – 24B Trung Yên
Like all famous pho restaurants in Hanoi, Pho Suong has been around for many years, having earned a loyal customer base. The pho here is nothing short of amazing, perfecting the broth, the noodles, the herbs, vegetables and the pieces of meat. Certainly, a steal at just VND $50,000 ($2.1), you can enjoy your meal here and then go off wandering down Dinh Let street past the souvenir and art stores and then to the lake where you can sit on a bench and digest. Of all the pho restaurants in this article, Pho Suong has the nicest interior.
Tucked away on Trung Yên Street, Phở Sướng is a hidden gem that locals swear by. This small and unassuming shop serves up pho with a twist – instead of the traditional beef slices, they use grilled meat for a smoky and charred flavor. The broth at Phở Sướng is aromatic and comforting, making it the perfect dish for a chilly evening. Step into this hidden gem and let your taste buds savor the unique flavors of their grilled meat pho.
- Address: 24B Trung Yen, Dinh Liet, Hang Bac, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Opening hours: 5:30 am – 11 am & 4:30 pm – 9:30 pm daily
- Price: 40,000 – 50,000 VND/bowl
Phở Đất Việt – 144A Quán Thánh
In the 1940s, pho was already a beloved dish in Hanoi, made entirely from natural ingredients that brought out rich flavors from beef and bone broth, especially using the unique sá sùng. Nowadays, with societal advancement, chefs have incorporated various spices to enhance the aroma and depth of the broth. Unfortunately, some pho restaurants prioritize profit over health, using harmful ingredients and seasonings. Phở Đất Việt is committed to sourcing spices from their original places to ensure they bring back the finest ingredients, creating a bowl of pho that captures the authentic taste of tender meat, sweet bone broth, and the robust flavor of sá sùng just like in the past.
- Address: 144A Quán Thánh, Ba Đình, Hà Nội.
- Opening hours: 06 am – 21 pm daily
- Price: From 50.000VND/bowl
Phở Gà Lâm – 7 Nam Ngư
If you’re in the mood for chicken pho, Phở Gà Lâm on Nam Ngư Street is the place to go. Their specialty is a fragrant and flavorful chicken broth that is simmered for hours to extract all the deliciousness. The tender chicken meat and the fresh herbs add a refreshing element to the dish, making it a delicious alternative to the traditional beef pho. Don’t miss the opportunity to try this mouthwatering chicken pho at Phở Gà Lâm.
- Address: 7 Nam Ngu, Cua Nam, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Open hours: 6:30 am – 10 pm daily
- Price: 35,000 – 50,000 VND/bowl
Phở Hạnh – 65A Lãn Ông
While traditional pho is made with beef, here you can get the modern adapted version with chicken. Opening only after the sun goes down, this location is famous among many young and trendy Hanoi youth, despite having to sit on the sidewalk on little child-sized plastic stools. You can opt for either the traditional soup-type pho or opt instead for the dry version of the pho, which is equally delicious if not more. Enjoy dinner here at least once and then go explore the rest of what Hanoi nightlife has to offer.
Phở Hạnh on Lãn Ông Street offers a unique twist on pho by incorporating Chinese-style flavors. The broth has a hint of Chinese herbs and spices, giving it a complex and aromatic profile. The tender beef slices and the fresh rice noodles complete the dish, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that will leave you wanting more. Experience this fusion of Vietnamese and Chinese cuisines at Phở Hạnh and indulge in the unique flavors of their Chinese-style pho.
- Address: 65A Lan Ong, Hang Bo, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Opening hours: 6 pm – 11 pm daily
- Price: from 50,000VND
Phở Bò 48 Hàng Đồng
For those craving a hearty and robust bowl of pho, look no further than Phở Bò on Hàng Đồng Street. This restaurant is known for its generous portions of beef, including a variety of cuts like brisket, flank, and tendon. The broth at Phở Bò is rich and flavorful, simmered for hours to extract every ounce of beefy goodness. Customize your bowl of pho to your liking by adding some bean sprouts, basil, and lime. Phở Bò is the perfect place to satisfy your cravings for a hearty bowl of pho.
- Address: 48 Hang Dong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Opening hours: 6am – 1 pm & 5 pm – 11 pm daily
- Price: from 45,000 VND
Phở Gánh – Ngã Tư Hàng Chiếu
Phở Gánh is a street food vendor located at the intersection of Hàng Chiếu Street. Despite its humble appearance, this vendor serves up some of the best pho in the old quarter. The simplicity of the dish is what makes it shine – tender beef slices, fresh noodles, and a fragrant broth that has been perfected over the years. Grab a stool, enjoy your bowl of pho curbside, and savor the flavors of Hanoi at Phở Gánh.
In conclusion, the old quarter in Hanoi is a haven for pho lovers, with each restaurant on this list offering their unique take on this beloved Vietnamese dish. Whether you prefer traditional beef pho or want to try something different like chicken or grilled meat pho, there is a place for you in the old quarter. So, put on your walking shoes, explore the streets, and indulge in the best pho that Hanoi has to offer.
Embark on a culinary adventure and let the unparalleled pho delights in Hanoi’s old quarter engulf your senses, leaving you craving for more. Experience the rich flavors of Vietnam’s national dish at these renowned locations, and discover the mouthwatering pho dishes that make the historic Hanoi old quarter truly special.
- Address: 7 Cho Gao, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Opening hours: 3:30am – 1 0:00pm daily
- Price: from 35,000 VND – 60.000 VND
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: What makes the old quarter in Hanoi special for pho lovers?
A: The old quarter in Hanoi is renowned for its rich history and vibrant food scene. It is home to some of the best pho restaurants in the city, offering a wide range of pho varieties to satisfy every palate.
Q: Are these pho restaurants suitable for vegetarians?
A: Yes, some of the pho restaurants on this list offer vegetarian pho options. Phở Vui, for example, caters to all tastes with their beef, chicken, and vegetarian pho choices.
Q: Can I find other Vietnamese dishes in the old quarter apart from pho?
A: Absolutely! While pho is a highlight of Vietnamese cuisine, the old quarter in Hanoi offers a plethora of other traditional dishes such as banh mi, bun cha, and banh xeo. Make sure to explore the culinary diversity of the area.
Q: Is it possible to try different varieties of pho at the same restaurant?
A: Yes, some restaurants, like Phở 10, offer various pho options on their menu. You can choose between different types of meats, including beef and chicken, and even experiment with additional toppings and sauces.
Q: Are these pho restaurants affordable?
A: Yes, most of the pho restaurants in the old quarter offer affordable prices, making it accessible for both locals and tourists. You can enjoy a delicious and satisfying bowl of pho without breaking the bank.
Q: Can I enjoy the authentic ambiance of Hanoi while having pho?
A: Absolutely! Many of the pho restaurants in the old quarter are located in historic streets, allowing you to soak in the charm and atmosphere of Hanoi as you savor your bowl of pho.
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