Over the years, Hanoi pho has preserved its authentic flavor, drawing food lovers from all corners of the world to come and enjoy it.

Hanoi pho is a renowned delicacy of the capital land. Locals themselves are unsure of exactly when it first appeared. With its rich, aromatic broth, tender yet chewy rice noodles, and the fragrant blend of accompanying herbs, Hanoi pho has truly become something special in the eyes of culinary enthusiasts.

What sets Hanoi pho apart from the rest is its signature broth.

A Glimpse into the History and Features of Hanoi Pho

Hanoi pho was first known through the footsteps of street vendors. Back then, people affectionately called it "pho gánh" (shoulder-pole pho), creating a unique cultural trait. These wandering pho vendors roamed through every street and threaded into tiny alleys, bringing with them a nostalgic echo of an ancient Hanoi.

Today, these traditional pho gánh are no longer common, appearing only sparsely in the Old Quarter and becoming quite rare to spot. However, the value and flavor of Hanoi pho remain untouched, undiluted by the passage of time.

Hanoi pho is exceptionally distinct thanks to its clear, naturally sweet broth, meticulously simmered from beef or buffalo bones. When paired with the delicate, chewy noodle strands, a sprinkle of green scallions, a dash of chili vinegar, and fresh herbs, it creates a flawless bowl of beef pho that cannot be replicated anywhere else.

Because of this, Hanoi pho has successfully carved out its own unique identity in Vietnamese gastronomy, captivating the hearts of countless foreign tourists. You can easily find a long-standing, delicious pho restaurant in Hanoi to enjoy a steaming, incredibly enticing bowl.

Presently, Hanoi pho has reached global status, gaining fame and appearing in numerous countries. In Japan, the United States, Australia, and beyond, many authentic Hanoi pho restaurants have opened, proudly promoting the captivating culinary arts of Vietnam.

Authentic Hanoi Pho Spots to Try

• Pho Bat Da Hung Vuong (No. 37 Hung Vuong, Ba Din, Hanoi): This is the first restaurant in Hanoi to serve traditional pho in a stone bowl. Every day, it welcomes hundreds of diners from all over, making it a top destination for food lovers.

• Pho Bat Dan (49 Bat Dan, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi): With a history spanning over 100 years, Pho Bat Dan proudly stands as one of the restaurants with the most distinctive flavor. The broth here is incredibly aromatic, boasting a delicate sweetness crafted from strictly selected ingredients.

• Pho Ganh (Hang Duong - Hang Chieu Crossroads, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi): This spot is famous for its deeply flavorful wine-sauce beef pho (phở sốt vang), enriched by the sweetness of bone broth. The bowls here are generously portioned, with the broth ladled directly from a boiling pot. However, the place is always crowded, so you might need to wait a while to get a taste.

• Pho Thin Lo Duc (13 Lo Duc, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi): When mentioning Hanoi pho, many will instantly think of Pho Thin Lo Duc, a world-famous brand. The restaurant serves only one signature dish: stir-fried beef pho (phở bò tái lăn). The hallmark of a pho bowl here is the abundance of green onions.

• Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su (No. 10 Ly Quoc Su, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi): This is currently the Hanoi pho chain with the most locations. However, its main address remains in Hoan Kiem, attracting a massive number of food enthusiasts. A bowl of Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su features a sweet, clear broth, fresh beef, and incredibly tender noodles.