When it comes to must-try dishes in Hanoi, nothing beats a steaming bowl of traditional Vietnamese pho. While pho is enjoyed across Vietnam, the flavor of Hanoi-style pho stands out with its delicate broth, tender beef, and fresh herbs. Whether you’re visiting Hanoi for the first time or returning to savor its street food charm, here are 10 of the best pho restaurants in Hanoi that locals swear by—perfect for those cool, misty mornings or anytime you crave something soul-warming.
Introduction to Hanoi Pho
The Origins of Hanoi Pho
Pho, Vietnam’s most iconic noodle soup, has a rich and fascinating history that reflects the country’s evolving culinary traditions. In the early days, beef was not commonly consumed in Vietnam. Many historians believe that pho may have evolved from a dish called xao trau—a simple meal where stir-fried buffalo meat was served over rice noodles with a light broth.
By the early 20th century, a few beef vendors began appearing in Hanoi, although beef bones were often discarded due to low demand. Creative street food vendors saw an opportunity: they began simmering beef bones to make a flavorful broth and replacing buffalo meat with beef. This adaptation marked the birth of what was first known as xao bo (beef noodle soup). Over time, rice noodles (called banh pho) replaced the original noodle types, and the dish gradually took on the name pho.
Pho became widely popular in Hanoi around the 1930s and spread quickly throughout the city. Its golden era is considered to be from 1939 to 1942, when pho was sold on nearly every street corner.
From the 1960s to the 1990s, during periods of economic hardship, a unique version called “pho khong nguoi lai” (literally, “pilotless pho” – pho without meat) became common in the North. After the 1990s, pho diversified in both flavor and presentation, often served with crispy fried dough sticks (quay) and enjoyed at any time of the day.
How Has Pho in Hanoi Changed Over Time?
Pho in Hanoi has gone through a fascinating evolution—from humble street stalls to becoming a world-renowned symbol of Vietnamese cuisine.
In the past, pho was commonly sold by street vendors who carried their entire kitchen on a shoulder pole, known as a ganh pho. One side held bowls, chopsticks, and noodles, while the other carried a pot of steaming beef broth. The aroma of spices like star anise, cinnamon, and roasted cardamom filled the morning air, drawing early risers in for a warming bowl.
Traditional pho broth was slow-cooked for 8 to 10 hours using beef bones, roasted spices, and carefully selected herbs. The noodles were flat, soft but not too thick, topped with slices of perfectly cooked beef, and garnished with fresh scallions, cilantro, and onions. Locals often paired pho with crispy fried dough sticks (quay), making it a simple yet soul-satisfying meal.
Today, pho is served in everything from casual eateries to upscale restaurants across Hanoi and beyond. While many still cherish the classic recipe, modern pho can include flavor enhancers like seasoning powder or pre-made pho spice blends to suit contemporary tastes and cooking convenience. The spice levels are often milder, and meat options have expanded—diners can now enjoy rare beef, well-done brisket, stir-fried beef, and even poached eggs with their pho.
Pho has become not just a dish, but a culinary ambassador for Vietnam. It has found its place in cities around the world—from Tokyo and Sydney to Los Angeles—allowing people everywhere to experience a taste of Hanoi’s pho heritage.
So when you visit Hanoi, don’t miss the chance to try an authentic bowl of pho in the Old Quarter. Whether you choose a quiet corner stall or a bustling modern restaurant, you’ll be tasting a piece of Vietnamese history.
The Flavor of Hanoi Pho & How Locals Enjoy It
Hanoi pho is more than just a bowl of noodle soup — it’s a soulful expression of Vietnamese culinary heritage. What makes this dish unforgettable is its perfect balance: a rich, savory broth simmered for hours, tender slices of beef or chicken, silky rice noodles, and a touch of fresh herbs like scallions and cilantro.
Pho is always best enjoyed steaming hot, right as it’s served. Locals in Hanoi often add a splash of lime, pickled garlic vinegar, or a spoonful of Hanoi-style chili sauce to enhance the flavor to their liking. But one rule always remains: taste the broth first — the heart of the dish — before adding anything else.
For Hanoians, pho isn’t just breakfast or lunch; it’s a daily ritual, a comfort food that warms the body and connects people to tradition with every spoonful.
Top 10 Famous Pho Restaurants in Hanoi
Pho Hanoi is one of the most iconic dishes in Vietnam, and when talking about Hanoi’s culinary scene, pho is a must-try. A steaming bowl of pho, filled with tender beef, aromatic herbs, and a rich broth made from simmered beef bones, is not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes. The silky rice noodles and the delicate flavors of the broth make each bowl a delight. If you’re visiting Hanoi, don’t forget to check out these 10 must-try pho places recommended by ExplorePrivateCar.com.
Pho Bat Dan – Hanoi’s Oldest Pho Restaurant
- Address: 49 Bat Dan Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
- Opening Hours: 06:00 – 10:00 and 18:00 – 20:30
- Price Range: 30,000 – 55,000 VND
Pho Bat Dan has been around for over 50 years, and even though the chefs may have changed, the traditional recipe has remained the same, passed down through generations. It’s a popular spot, so expect to wait in line, especially during peak hours.
What makes Pho Bat Dan stand out is its traditional broth—the heart and soul of any good pho. The broth is simmered for hours from beef bones, resulting in a sweet and clear flavor. The noodles are soft but hold their shape, and the beef is tender, with delicious brisket and fatty beef adding a rich texture. A tip for visitors: it’s best to go with at least two people, one to save your spot and the others to queue for your pho!
Hung Vuong Stone Bowl Pho – Authentic Hanoi Stone Bowl Pho
- Address: 37A Hung Vuong, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
- Opening hours: All day
- Price range: 40,000 – 60,000 VND
Hung Vuong Stone Bowl Pho is the first stone bowl pho restaurant in Hanoi, offering a distinct traditional flavor. Each bowl of pho is served in a hot stone bowl to keep the soup warm, providing a comforting experience from the very first spoon. The broth is made from bones, giving it a rich yet refreshing taste. The pho noodles are soft, and the beef is fresh and tender, making this a must-visit spot for pho lovers!
Pho Thin – Creamy and Rich Pho of Hanoi
- Address: 61 Dinh Tien Hoang, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
- Opening hours: 6:30 AM – 8:30 PM
- Price range: 40,000 – 60,000 VND
Pho Thin is considered the longest-running pho restaurant in Hanoi, attracting generations of customers for over 70 years. This restaurant is famous for its stir-fried beef pho, where the beef is cooked with onions, garlic, and ginger, giving it a rich and savory flavor. The pho is served with a raw egg and crispy fritters, making it a unique experience you can’t find elsewhere in Hanoi.
Ly Quoc Su Pho – Traditional Pho With Guaranteed Quality
Address:
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10 Ly Quoc Su, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
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N2A Hoang Minh Giam, Thanh Xuan District, Hanoi
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26 Lo 6 To Huu, Van Phuc, Ha Dong District, Hanoi
Ly Quoc Su Pho is a familiar name in Hanoi, known for its exceptional taste and registered trademark. Originally a small shop at 10 Ly Quoc Su, the restaurant has now expanded into a chain throughout the city, but the best pho can still be found at the original location. The pho here is known for its clear, flavorful broth and tender beef slices. Whether you like your pho rare, well-done, or with beef brisket, you’ll be energized for a day of exploring the beautiful Old Quarter of Hanoi.
Pho on the Train Tracks – A Three-Generation Pho Family Tradition
- Address: 3 Tran Phu, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
- Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 2:00 AM
- Price range: 30,000 – 50,000 VND
Located next to the train tracks, Pho on the Train Tracks offers a variety of traditional pho dishes such as rare beef, brisket, and beef stew. The pho noodles here are thin, soft, yet durable, and the beef is cooked perfectly. The highlight of this pho shop is the broth, which is simmered for an entire day from beef bones, creating a rich, naturally sweet flavor. The restaurant’s cozy atmosphere, with only a few tables, adds to its charm and authenticity.
Pho Bo Phu Xuan – No MSG Pho for Pure Natural Taste
- Address: 36 Hang Da, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
- Opening hours: 5:30 AM – 12:30 PM
- Price range: 45,000 – 55,000 VND
Located on Hang Da Street, Pho Bo Phu Xuan is known for offering pho made without MSG or preservatives, ensuring a naturally delicious and healthy flavor. The broth is carefully simmered from beef bones, giving it a rich, deep taste that complements the tender beef and soft pho noodles. The menu offers a variety of pho options, from rare beef to brisket and tendon.
Lam Pho – Famous for Its Beef Loin Pho
- Address: 48 Hang Vai, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
- Opening hours: 5:30 AM – 10:30 AM
- Price range: 20,000 – 66,000 VND
Located in the Old Quarter, Pho Bo Lam stands out for its signature beef loin pho, a favorite among pho enthusiasts. The broth is rich and flavorful, made from beef bones and simmered to perfection. The beef is tender and sliced thin, offering a melt-in-your-mouth experience. The unique combination of beef loin, thick pho noodles, and crispy fritters creates the perfect pho dish that reflects the traditional taste of Hanoi.
Pho Vui – A Family-Style Pho Experience in Hanoi
- Address: 25 Hang Giay Street, Hang Buom, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Opening Hours: 06:00 – 22:00
- Price Range: 30,000 VND – 90,000 VND
Pho Vui, also known as Pho Ong Vui, has been a beloved spot on Hang Giay Street for over 30 years and is considered one of the best pho places in Hanoi. Famous for its variety of pho dishes, Pho Vui offers options like rare beef, brisket, stewed beef, and more.
The restaurant is committed to providing high-quality meals, especially its clear, natural broth made from simmered bones without any artificial additives. The beef is prepared carefully, keeping it tender and flavorful, without being tough or overcooked. Pho Vui’s commitment to traditional flavors and healthy ingredients makes it a must-try for pho lovers.
Pho Cuong – Traditional Pho at Affordable Prices
- Address: 23 Hang Muoi Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Opening Hours: 06:30 – 22:00
- Price Range: 25,000 VND – 45,000 VND
Looking for where to get the best pho in Hanoi? Pho Cuong is a great choice. Known for its traditional pho, this restaurant serves a variety of beef pho dishes, with the standout being the rare beef pho.
The broth at Pho Cuong is rich and flavorful, crafted from slow-cooked bones for a smooth, delicate taste. Each bowl is served piping hot with fresh spring onions, a slice of lime, and tender beef slices over perfectly chewy pho noodles, offering a truly satisfying meal.
Pho Xao Thanh Beo – A Unique Stir-Fried Pho Experience
- Address: 11 Hang Buom Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Opening Hours: 18:00 – 03:30
- Price Range: 50,000 VND – 110,000 VND
- Phone: 035 495 6666
Pho Xao Thanh Beo is famous for its unique stir-fried pho, a delicious twist on traditional pho dishes. The pho noodles are stir-fried with fresh vegetables and tender beef, keeping their chewy texture and absorbing all the rich flavors. The dish is served with a sweet and tangy dipping sauce made from papaya, making it a one-of-a-kind experience for pho enthusiasts.
The restaurant is set in a casual street-side atmosphere, offering an authentic and cozy experience in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. The fast and friendly service adds to the overall delightful dining experience.
Conclusion
Above are the most famous pho restaurants in Hanoi, beloved by many. Each restaurant offers its own unique flavor and characteristics, providing diners with unforgettable culinary experiences. With these recommendations, ExplorePrivateCar.com hopes you’ll find a pho spot that suits your taste to enjoy the delicious, rich flavor of this iconic Hanoi dish.
