Best Pho in Hanoi, Vietnam, and Where To Find It

Although I have not yet made it to Vietnam, I really enjoy Vietnamese cuisine and wanted to learn even more about one of my favorite Vietnamese dishes, pho, and how it is enjoyed in its homeland.

Luckily, my friend Hira has lived in and travelled around Vietnam extensively, and she has volunteered to share with us her passion for pho and the best places to get remarkable versions of this incredibly satisfying soup in Hanoi. Here’s her story.

Falling in Love With the Best Pho in Hanoi, Vietnam

The best pho in Hanoi is Pho Bo. — Most agree that the best pho in Hanoi is pho bo (beef pho).

While spending my first lengthy, unforgettable stint living in Vietnam, there was one dish I could never get enough of: pho. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to quiet alleyways, enjoying pho became a daily ritual, a constant comfort no matter the time of day.

Whether it was grabbing a steaming bowl after a late-night walk or savoring a light, delicate broth at sunrise, pho truly became more than just a meal—it was an experience.

In Hanoi, where this iconic dish originated, there’s no shortage of places to enjoy a soul-warming bowl of pho. This popular traditional food is still made in almost every household, sold by thousands of humble street vendors, and offered at famous pho restaurants.

So, let’s take a look at what this delicious Vietnamese food is and what makes it so wonderful and enduringly beloved. Then we’ll talk about the best places to get amazing pho in Hanoi.

What Is Pho?

eating pho in Hanoi — Eating pho in Hanoi is a must-do foodie activity!

Pho, Vietnam’s most iconic dish, is one of the stars among Hanoi’s rich culinary offerings. The dish is believed to have originated in the early 20th century in northern Vietnam, combining influences from Chinese and French cooking techniques. It began as a simple beef noodle soup and quickly became a staple of the local diet.

At its core, a bowl of pho is a delicate balance of aromatic broth, silky, flat rice noodles, fresh herbs, and tender cuts of meat—typically beef, but at times chicken.

Traditionally, the soup is made by simmering beef bones for hours in a broth that often contains star anise, cloves, coriander, cardamom, and even cinnamon. However, no two recipes are the same.

Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen and every element carefully prepared to create a comforting, yet complex flavor profile that’s both savory and refreshing.

Pho isn’t just food in Vietnam; it’s a cultural experience. For Hanoians, a bowl of pho is as much about nourishing the body as it is about bringing people together, whether for a quick breakfast or a late-night snack.

Types of Pho You’ll Find in Hanoi

bowl of pho bo — Pho is served piping hot so the meat can finish cooking in your bowl.

Although it may seem like a simple soup on the surface, pho comes in a variety of versions in Hanoi. Let’s dive in to them.

Pho Bo (Beef Pho)

Pho bo is the most popular version of pho and a cornerstone of Hanoi’s food scene. What sets Hanoi’s pho bo apart is the clarity and depth of its broth, the result of the lengthy period beef bones are allowed to simmer and impart their rich flavor to the soup stock of which they are the key ingredient.

In a classic pho bo, you’ll often find a mix of different beef cuts—rare slices, brisket, or even tendon—layered over fresh rice noodles and topped with herbs like cilantro and green onions.

Pho Ga (Chicken Pho)

A lighter, equally cherished counterpart to beef pho, pho ga uses a fragrant chicken broth and tender pieces of chicken meat. It’s a breakfast favorite in Hanoi, with a more delicate flavor profile than a typical beef pho, perfect for those seeking a lighter start to their day.

This lovely soup is often served with chilies, bean sprouts, spring onions, and lime wedges.

Pho Xao

Pho xao offers a unique take on traditional pho by stir-frying noodles before adding them to broth, resulting in a smoky, savory flavor that’s more reminiscent of Vietnamese street food. Be sure to try this twist on the original for some incredibly good pho in Hanoi.

Pho Tron

Pho tron is a dry version of pho in which the noodles are tossed with herbs, sauce, and slices of meat. It’s often served with a side of broth, letting you enjoy the best of both worlds: noodles and soup—in whatever ratio you see fit.

The Best Pho in Hanoi, Vietnam

Hanoi’s pho scene is more than just food—it’s a reflection of the city’s soul, where every bowl tells a story. From the hidden carts tucked away in quiet alleys to the bustling, legendary pho joints, each spot offers a unique take on this iconic dish.

And whether you prefer the classic broth of pho bo, the lightness of pho ga, or the smoky flavors of stir-fried pho, there’s no shortage of options to satisfy your pho cravings in Vietnam’s capital.

And after slurping my way through the city’s best pho restaurants, I can tell you that the following spots are the ones that stand out. So, if you’re looking for the most delicious, authentic bowls of pho in Hanoi, here’s where you need to go.

1. Pho Bo Yen 86 Cua Bac

This small, no-frills, women-owned pho cart may not have the flashy appeal of some touristy spots, but don’t let that fool you—the pho here is phenomenal.

The broth is perfectly balanced, clear but rich, with a delicate touch of herbs that doesn’t overpower the beef. The noodles have just the right texture, soft but not mushy, and the beef is always fresh and tender.

It’s the kind of place where you can sit on a low stool, sip your broth, and watch the city go by. Trust me, after one bowl, you’ll want to come back for more.

Pho Bo Yen 86 Cua Bac: 86 Cua Bac, Quan Thanh, Ba Dinh, Hanoi

Hanoi's best pho bo — Getting ready for the first delicious bite of incredible pho in Hanoi

2. Pho Thin

Located in one of the busiest streets within Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Pho Thin has been drawing crowds since the 1970s. It was one of the first places I tried after hearing locals rave about its unique twist on traditional pho.

Pho Thin is famous for its smoky broth—a flavor that sets it apart from any of the other pho places in Hanoi.

They achieve this by stir-frying their beef before adding it to the soup. It’s the stir-fried beef that creates the heartier, almost roasted taste of this pho.

This Hanoi Old Quarter gem is a must visit if you’re after a unique take on traditional pho. The soup here has certainly earned its reputation as some of the best pho in Hanoi Old Quarter.

Pho Thin: 13 P. Lo Duc, Ngo Thi Nham, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi

3. Pho Gia Truyen Bat Dan

Pho Gia Truyen is a legendary spot in Hanoi, and since it’s by far the most popular eatery on its stretch of Bat Dan Street, Hanoians often just call it Pho Bat Dan.

Although you might have to stand in a long line with both fellow foreign tourists and local aficionados to get your steaming bowl of pho here, the wait is worth it. This is absolutely one of the city’s best restaurants for pho, and every element of the locally prized soup here is done just right.

The tender slices of beef are shaved razor thin and served both rare and brisket-style. They sit atop noodles that are perfectly cooked.

But it’s the broth that keeps people coming back—the result of hours of slowly simmering bones until the tender bone marrow imparts a depth of flavor that’s both comforting and powerful.

This is a self-serve pho spot, so grab your bowl and find a seat—the humble simplicity of the set-up is part of the charm.

Conveniently, Pho Bat Dan is also just a short walk from the popular tourist destination Hanoi Train Street, so you can enjoy a bowl of pho before heading over to check out this impressive site.

Pho Gia Truyen Bat Dan: 49 Bat Dan Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

4. Pho nhu lua

For an authentic pho experience outside the Old Quarter, Phở Như Lụa is the spot where you’ll find only local pho lovers slurping away. The beef here is incredibly tender, living up to this eatery’s name, which translates to “silky pho.”

The broth is light yet flavorful, letting the natural sweetness of the meat come through without it being overly influenced by a surfeit of spice. If you’re looking to escape the tourist crowds and enjoy a quiet bowl of some of the best beef pho in Hanoi in a hidden gem, this is the place to go.

Phở Như Lụa: 19P, Thuy Khuê, Ba Dinh, Hanoi

Traditional pho with garnishes — Traditional pho comes with a variety of garnishes.

5. Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su

One of Hanoi’s most famous pho restaurants, Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su is a favorite with both locals and tourists, and with good reason. The flavorful broth here is the star: clear, fragrant, and perfectly balanced with a subtle sweetness from the long-simmered bones.

What makes the experience of eating here even more rewarding is that the entire process of your pho’s assembly happens right in front of you. You get to see the fresh beef slices being layered over the noodles and bathed in steaming broth.

Whether you prefer rare beef, brisket, or tendon, each cut adds its own texture and flavor. Despite the sometimes-long wait, the consistent quality of the delicious pho bowls and air-conditioned comfort make Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su worth every minute of anticipation.

This pho Hanoi loves also happens to be in the same neighborhood as Hoan Kiem Lake, home to Ngoc Son Temple. Both are popular attractions for tourists and locals.

Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su: 10 Ly Quoc Su Street, Hang Trong Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

6. Pho Vui

Pho Vui may be tucked away from the main tourist streets, but this Hanoi pho restaurant is a true local favorite. What really stands out here is the tenderness of the beef—each piece seems to melt in the hot broth.

And the clear broth is indeed delicious, with a slightly sweet taste that is full of rich, savory notes.

With its low stools, wooden tables, and open kitchen, it’s a more laid-back spot than many other pho joints in the city. I felt like I’d found a little slice of everyday Hanoi life here.

If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience, away from the touristy areas, Pho Vui is a great place that delivers.

Pho Vui: 25P Hang Giay Street, Hang Buom, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

7. Pho Tien

If you’re craving pho ga (chicken pho), Pho Tien is a must visit. Known for some of the most wonderful pho ga Hanoi offers, this bustling spot is packed during breakfast and lunch, and for good reason: This is probably the ultimate Vietnamese chicken noodle soup anywhere in the capital. It definitely gets my vote for the best chicken pho in Hanoi.

The broth is super light and flavorful, and you can pick between dark or white meat, depending on your preference. The noodles are perfectly chewy, and the pho comes with some fried dough sticks to dip in your soup—the perfect complement to the chicken broth!

Pho Tien: 103 Nguyen Truong To Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi

Hanoi pho with chicken — Chicken pho in Hanoi is especially popular for breakfast.

8. Pho Xao Phu My

If you’re craving something a little different, Pho Xao Phu My is the spot for stir-fried pho, and trust me, it’s worth the wait. This small, cramped spot may be easy to miss, but the line of locals waiting outside is your assurance that you’re at the right place.

The noodles here are tossed in a hot wok and sizzle together with tender beef slices, creating a smoky, slightly charred flavor that’s hard to forget. It’s simple—just beef and noodles—but prepared so well that it feels like a revelation.

If you want a break from the usual pho, this is the best bowl of pho xao you’ll find in Hanoi.

Pho Xao Phu My: 45 B Bat Dan Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

9. Pho Cuon Huong Mai

If you’re looking to try something lighter but still packed with flavor, pho cuon is the perfect choice. This popular dish is a refreshing mix of beef, herbs, and lettuce, all wrapped in a thick flat rice noodle and served with a side of tangy fish sauce for dipping.

Pho Cuon Huong Mai is a well-known chain in Hanoi, and their version of this dish is the perfect way to cool down in the city’s heat. It’s simple, fresh, and incredibly satisfying.

Pho Cuon Huong Mai: 25 Ngu Xa Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi

Pho cuon is a refreshing dish when it’s too hot for pho. — Pho cuon is a refreshing dish when it’s too hot for traditional pho.

More on Vietnamese Cuisine

I hope you’ve enjoyed this article on the best pho Hanoi has to offer. But Hanoi and Vietnam have an incredibly diverse culinary scene and their food is certainly worth exploring in greater depth.

Here are two articles on other exciting foodie destinations in Vietnam and the alluring cuisine they have on offer:

Saigon Food Guide
The Best Food in Da Nang

And here are two recipes for making a couple of delicious Vietnamese dishes in your own home:

Hanoi Ramen Recipe
Banh Mi Salmon Recipe

Whether on the exciting streets of Vietnam or in the comfort of your own dining room, I hope you enjoy the fascinating flavors of Vietnamese cuisine.