Pho has a long relationship with traditional Vietnamese cuisine. Not only is it a mouth-watering hot soup, but it also offers an amazing insight into Vietnamese culture.
The famous beef Pho has taken the Pho scene in Vietnam and around the world by storm. Beef isn’t the only thing that makes savory soups, chewy rice vermicelli, and savory toppings. So, where can you enjoy this special food? Let’s continue reading this article!
Pho – a popular noodle soup in Vietnam
Pho is a typical Vietnamese soup that basically consists of flat rice vermicelli and gravy. The most famous Pho is Pho bo which consists of thinly sliced beef and various toppings. Bowls of Pho are garnished with fresh herbs such as basil, coriander, bean sprouts, hot chili, and hot lime. Don’t be surprised that these additional ingredients not only smooth out the appearance of the Pho, but also add a unique flavor.
Foodies love Pho for its various flavor combinations: sweet, salty, and spicy. The magic of this dish is also in the fragrant soup that whets the senses as soon as you enter the Pho restaurant. It’s always worth ordering the Pho to enjoy the exotic and long-simmered broth.
Pho is now the national dish of Vietnam and is gaining popularity around the world. It is said to have first occurred in Nam Dinh and Hanoi in northern Vietnam. Then, in the 1950s, he followed immigrants south and began traveling around the world, from New York to Melbourne.
Traditional Pho is said to be based on the French pot-au-feu, which combines Vietnamese herbs and spices. Another theory is that Pho originated from Guangdong cuisine.
Nonetheless, it is the local Vietnamese ingredients that make Pho so popular today. Due to the lack of beef availability in Vietnamese markets on Mondays and Fridays, Pho Bo was no longer exclusive until Pho Nga (chicken noodle soup) came to compete in 1939. Since then, Pho Bo and Pho Ga have taken Vietnamese cuisine by storm.
The Pho is more delicious when it’s hot, so please enjoy it as soon as possible. To avoid burning your tongue, consider sipping the noodles rather than waiting for them to cool as Westerners often do. A slurp is called a “hoop” in Vietnamese. When you slurp the noodles quickly into your mouth, the rapid influx of air cools the noodles.
Slurping is considered rude because it makes strange and annoying noises. But don’t worry. Most foreigners and Vietnamese like to drink. Slurping is the most efficient way to consume slippery foods like Pho. Plus, sipping helps you eat the noodles before they become mushy and too soft.
Pho is a popular and unique noodle soup in Vietnam
Best Places To Eat Pho in Vietnam
In Hanoi
Phở Gia Truyền Bát Đàn
This is one of the most well-known Pho brands in Hanoi. When you think of Phở Bát Đàn, the first thing that comes to mind is people queuing up in front of restaurants to get a great bowl of Pho. Phở Bát Đàn gets even busier on weekends.
This restaurant attracts both foreigners and Vietnamese as it serves a truly traditional Pho that maintains the purity and essence of the Hanoi Pho recipe.
Phở Thìn – 30 year old Pho brand in Hanoi, Vietnam
The hotel is located at 13 Lo Duc Street, quite far from the old town center. However, both foreigners and Vietnamese like Pun Ting.
For over 30 years, Fortin has preserved traditional recipes from generation to generation. In addition to the special soup, fried beef makes Fortin tastier than other recipes.
Lightly sear beef with ginger and plenty of sauce in a hot frying pan. People also like Phở Thìn because the porridge is delicious.
Pho Ly Quoc Su, Hanoi, Vietnam
Pho Ly Quoc Su now runs five restaurants in Hanoi. In addition, Pho, Pho Ly Quoc Su offers a variety of delicious dishes such as beef steak, spaghetti, Japanese tofu, beef with black pepper sauce, salads, and chicken stew.
If you want to enjoy Pho, the best place to go is the first restaurant at No.10 Ly Quoc Su.
Phở Nhớ
The name “Nhớ” (meaning “remember”) comes from overseas Vietnamese visiting the restaurant and getting compliments when eating the Pho. The Phở Nhớ was so delicious that he happily exclaimed, “Eat it to remember it forever.”
Phở Nhớ serves a really good chicken noodle soup in addition to their excellent beef noodle soup.
Another good thing about this restaurant is the reasonable prices compared to many others.
Once you eat it you will remember it forever.
Phở Bưng Hàng Trống – Eating Pho Hanoi on the Sidewalk
Eating Phở Hàng Trống is a special experience. Enjoy your Pho at a squat table on the sidewalk.
There are only two people looking after everything in the restaurant, so you serve yourself. The prices are reasonable and the Pho here is very tasty.
Enjoying Pho while people drive by and admiring the beauty of Hanoi’s Old Quarter at night is a memorable experience.
You can choose the best destinations to eat special Pho in Hanoi
In Ho Chi Minh City
Phở Dậu – Original Hanoi Pho in the heart of Saigon
Saigonese is crazy about the original Hanoi Pho. Therefore, multiple Pho restaurants headed to Saigon to try to keep their recipes to satisfy their customers. Pho brand is “Pho Dau”.
In the past, Pho Dau was popularly known as “Phở Nguyễn Cao Kỳ”.
This is because it was a favorite restaurant of Nguyen Cao Ky, the political and military leader of South Vietnam.
Almost 60 years later, Phở Dậu is still one of the best Pho brands in Saigon. Phở Dậu is a clear, flavorful soup.
The Pho here, unlike other Pho restaurants, is served with pickled onions instead of herbs.
The shop is open only in the morning and the cost is relatively high, but Pho Dau is crowded.
Phở Hòa Pasteur – Pho restaurant popular with foreign tourists
Phở Hòa has been serving Pho since 1975 on Pasteur Street, formerly known as the ‘Street of Pho.’
Thanks to a special traditional recipe preserved for generations, Phở Hòa is one of Saigon’s oldest and most familiar brands.
This is also the most popular and recommended for foreign tourists.
Phở Minh – 60-year-old Pho brand in Saigon
Since it is also located on Pasteur Street, Pho Minh has a completely different atmosphere from Pho Hoa. Away from the bustle and hustle of the crowded city, Pho Minh is calm and peaceful all day. People like Pho Minh since eating here makes you feel undisturbed and living in a corner.
The decoration here is also very special, reminiscent of old Saigon 60 years ago. Phở Minh has been serving Pho for over 60 years and has played a key role in the development and beauty of Saigon cuisine.
The Pho here is influenced by Chinese cuisine, so it is served in black and red sauces.
Phở Lệ (Pho Le) – Best Beef Meatball Noodle Soup
If you like beef balls, Pho Le is for you. The restaurant has long been famous for its meatball noodle soup (phở bò viên).
What makes Pho Le different is the incredibly large bowl of Pho. Pho, which uses plenty of fresh vegetables and herbs in freshly made soup, never feels full, no matter how much you eat.
Unlike the restaurants above, Pho Le Pho serves authentic southern cuisine. Boiled chicken eggs and beef blood are often enjoyed when eating Pho.
Pho Tau Bay – Phở Tàu Bay
As the name suggests, this Pho is renowned for its prompt and professional service. Pho Tau Bay is only open in the morning but is always busy.
This is the real thrill of Pho.
How do you eat Pho as the locals do?
You must use both chopsticks and a spoon when eating Pho. Eating Pho is easy and can be done in just a few minutes.
First, add the herbs to the bowl using chopsticks with your dominant hand. Don’t forget to break them apart before adding them. No need to add all the veggies served.
Then a squeeze of lime and some black pepper. Mix everything together with chopsticks and a spoon and enjoy the first sip of warm soup.
It’s perfect for slurping and picking up a bowl to take your last sip. As such, you won’t be able to resist the rich flavor of the meat, coupled with the savory cinnamon.
Don’t always forget to have hoisin and chili sauce on the table. Ask them to add additional ingredients that you like best. It’s about personal preference. Enjoy it!
In conclusion, Pho is not only delicious but also the pride of Vietnamese people. Epitomizing Vietnamese gastronomic culture, Pho is the epitome of a chef with heart.
The best places to enjoy Pho in Ho Chi Minh city
When you visit Vietnam, whatever your destination, drink a bowl of Pho no matter your budget. Enjoying Pho is great for making your trip to Vietnam fulfilling and unforgettable.
With a little more useful information to remember on your next visit to Vietnam, you’ll be less confused about where and how to eat. Whether it’s early in the morning or late at night, whenever you call, you’ll be served a variety of Pho.
