Products
Corporate
About
Contacts
VN
CN
mr viet blog
Best Pho in Hanoi: Where to Slurp the Ultimate Bowl
Searching for the best pho in Hanoi? Discover legendary beef and chicken pho spots—from Pho Thin and Pho Gia Truyen to hidden local favorites—in this complete guide.
Pho isn’t just breakfast in Hanoi—it’s soul food. On misty mornings, locals queue at tiny stalls and travelers chase legendary recipes across the city. Whether you crave beefy richness or delicate chicken broth, Hanoi’s pho game is fiercely proud, quietly masterful, and always unforgettable. Below you'll find our handpicked guide to the capital’s must-try bowls—from historic classics to hidden-gem favorites.
TL;DR — Quick 2-Day Plan
- Classic beef pho: Pho Thin (13 Lo Duc)
- Old-school original: Pho Gia Truyen (49 Bat Dan)
- Chicken pho legend: Pho Ga Cham (64-68 Yen Ninh)
- For late-night cravings: Pho Suong (24 Trung Yen)
- Veg/vegan? Check for Pho Chay at some city temples
Shop Name | Address | Style | Typical Price (VND) | Opens |
Pho Thin | 13 Lo Duc | Beef, smoky | 60,000 | 5:30am-9pm |
Pho Gia Truyen | 49 Bat Dan | Beef, bold | 60,000 | 6am–10am |
Pho Ga Cham | 64-68 Yen Ninh | Chicken | 60,000 | 6am–1pm |
Pho Suong | 24 Trung Yen (+2) | Beef, lean | 50,000 | 7am–1pm, 5–9pm |
Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su | 10 Ly Quoc Su | Beef, modern | 60,000 | 6am–10pm |
What Makes Hanoi Pho Special?
Hanoi’s pho is minimalist yet deeply flavorful. The northern style uses a clear, savory broth—simmered for hours with beef bone, ginger, and charred onion. Noodles are thin and silky, portions modest. Garnishes are simple: green onions, chili, vinegar, sometimes quay (fried breadstick).
Southern Vietnamese pho tends to be sweeter, with more herbs and toppings. In Hanoi, less is more—a discipline that highlights the perfect balance of flavors.
Southern Vietnamese pho tends to be sweeter, with more herbs and toppings. In Hanoi, less is more—a discipline that highlights the perfect balance of flavors.
Five Must-Try Pho Shops
1. Pho Thin – For Smoky, Stir-fried Goodness
Famous for “pho bo tai lan,” where beef is flash-seared with garlic before joining the rice noodles and broth. A slightly richer, deeper-flavored bowl. Expect to queue at peak hours.
Famous for “pho bo tai lan,” where beef is flash-seared with garlic before joining the rice noodles and broth. A slightly richer, deeper-flavored bowl. Expect to queue at peak hours.
2. Pho Gia Truyen Bat Dan – Old Quarter Essential
Arguably Hanoi’s most famous pho shop, with a queue system that keeps locals and tourists humble. Broth is intense and clear, beef is sliced to order. Come before 8 am for the best experience.
Arguably Hanoi’s most famous pho shop, with a queue system that keeps locals and tourists humble. Broth is intense and clear, beef is sliced to order. Come before 8 am for the best experience.
3. Pho Ga Cham – The Chicken Pho Icon
Bright, fragrant, and topped with succulent poached chicken. Try with a side of “quay.” It gets crowded on weekends.
Bright, fragrant, and topped with succulent poached chicken. Try with a side of “quay.” It gets crowded on weekends.
4. Pho Suong – Local Favorite, Hidden in Alleyways
A beloved spot for a lighter, crisper beef pho. Marked by lean cuts and a cleaner broth, Pho Suong is many locals’ daily pick.
A beloved spot for a lighter, crisper beef pho. Marked by lean cuts and a cleaner broth, Pho Suong is many locals’ daily pick.
5. Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su – Modern, Consistent, Accessible
Easy to find and reliably good, this bright and busy spot is perfect for first-timers seeking a classic beef pho experience.
Easy to find and reliably good, this bright and busy spot is perfect for first-timers seeking a classic beef pho experience.
Pro Tips for Pho Lovers
- Arrive early. Most legendary shops sell out by mid-morning.
- Bring cash. Some shops don’t accept cards.
- Try with quay. Dip pieces of crispy fried bread for the Hanoi experience.
- Taste first, season later. Locals sample the broth before adding lime or chili.
FAQ: Best Pho in Hanoi
What’s the typical price for a bowl of pho in Hanoi?
Most local shops charge 50,000–70,000 VND (about $2–3 USD). Prices can be higher in tourist-heavy areas or upscale restaurants. To compare overall costs for travelers, check our guide on tipping in Vietnam and daily budget expectations.
Are vegetarian or vegan options available?
Yes, but they are less common at traditional pho stalls. Some larger shops and temple-run kitchens serve pho chay (vegetarian pho). For plant-based travelers, exploring wider dining scenes in cities like Da Nang and Nha Trang can provide more international vegetarian-friendly options.
When’s the best time to go for pho in Hanoi?
Early morning (6–8 am) is ideal—the broth is freshest, and lines are shorter. Pair it with a visit to lakeside temples or plan around your 2-day Hanoi itinerary for a full cultural start to the day.
Can I get pho at night?
Yes. While most pho shops serve breakfast and lunch, some iconic spots like Pho Thin and Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su stay open into the evening. For late-night alternatives, Nha Trang nightlife offers a very different kind of after-dark food scene.
What’s the biggest difference between Hanoi pho and Saigon pho?
Hanoi pho is lighter, clearer, and simpler in toppings, while Saigon’s version is sweeter, richer, and comes with a mountain of herbs. Travelers curious about the cultural divide can read our full comparison: Hanoi vs Ho Chi Minh City.
Most local shops charge 50,000–70,000 VND (about $2–3 USD). Prices can be higher in tourist-heavy areas or upscale restaurants. To compare overall costs for travelers, check our guide on tipping in Vietnam and daily budget expectations.
Are vegetarian or vegan options available?
Yes, but they are less common at traditional pho stalls. Some larger shops and temple-run kitchens serve pho chay (vegetarian pho). For plant-based travelers, exploring wider dining scenes in cities like Da Nang and Nha Trang can provide more international vegetarian-friendly options.
When’s the best time to go for pho in Hanoi?
Early morning (6–8 am) is ideal—the broth is freshest, and lines are shorter. Pair it with a visit to lakeside temples or plan around your 2-day Hanoi itinerary for a full cultural start to the day.
Can I get pho at night?
Yes. While most pho shops serve breakfast and lunch, some iconic spots like Pho Thin and Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su stay open into the evening. For late-night alternatives, Nha Trang nightlife offers a very different kind of after-dark food scene.
What’s the biggest difference between Hanoi pho and Saigon pho?
Hanoi pho is lighter, clearer, and simpler in toppings, while Saigon’s version is sweeter, richer, and comes with a mountain of herbs. Travelers curious about the cultural divide can read our full comparison: Hanoi vs Ho Chi Minh City.