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Each country has its own signature dish that is world famous and nothing is more specifically Vietnamese than Pho. Pho is a popular traditional food in Vietnam, and known as one of the best dishes in the world. There are a huge number of places selling Pho in Hanoi, however some vendors and restaurants famous for their unique and perfect Pho recipes and below is our list of where you can try the best Pho in Hanoi.

Pho Thin – Best Pho in Hanoi 

Pho Thin, though established later and located farther from the city center, stands out as one of the best Pho in Hanoi. Its renowned dish is the stir-fried medium-rare steak noodles, where the steak is swiftly cooked with ginger, onion, and garlic before being combined with the noodles. While Pho Thin’s broth may be slightly richer than that of other establishments, it doesn’t induce any discomfort. 

Enhance the flavors by adding extra spices like pepper, chili sauce, vinegar, or fish sauce to your bowl. Don’t forget to experience the cultural touch of enjoying pho with a side of Chinese cruller, a tradition embraced by the people of Hanoi.

Pho Bat Dan

Pho Bat Dan is a familiar name to any Hanoi local, recognized by the enduring queue that persists throughout the day. Although the wait might seem daunting initially, the prospect of indulging in the best Pho in Hanoi makes it entirely worthwhile, wouldn’t you agree? The beef in Pho Bat Dan is consistently fresh, expertly cooked, and thinly sliced. 

The broth, sweetened by meticulously stewing beef bones for hours, perfectly embodies the authentic essence of the best pho in Hanoi. This quality is what elevates Pho Bat Dan to a must-visit destination for pho enthusiasts. With nearly seven decades of establishment, Pho Bat Dan is renowned not only for its exceptional pho but also for its distinctive queueing culture – a tradition that has persisted for decades and was a cultural phenomenon during the ’80s.

The most intriguing aspect is the lack of impatience among the patrons; instead, they calmly await their turn. As a self-service restaurant, patrons must wait their turn and bring their self-served food to their tables – no waiter service here! A local tip suggests bringing at least one companion; while one person waits to order, the other can head inside to secure seats for both.

Pho Ly Quoc Su

Pho Ly Quoc Su boasts three branches, but locals contend that the original restaurant at 10 Ly Quoc Su street serves the best Pho in Hanoi. Offering a delectable array of choices to cater to all preferences, from well-done to rare steak or heel muscle, this renowned establishment stands out for its carefully selected ingredients, with the flavorful broth being a significant highlight.

The beef is consistently fresh and tender, contributing to the overall excellence of Pho Ly Quoc Su. Complementing the hot bowl of noodles are the positively reviewed crunchy sticks of cruller, adding an extra layer of taste. While this “best Pho in Hanoi” restaurant may be relatively small, requiring a wait during peak hours, it compensates with air conditioning and comfortable seating, ensuring customer satisfaction, especially during the hot summer days.

Pho Vui

Situated on Hang Giay street, just a short stroll from the Old Quarter, Pho Vui is an unmissable gem in Hanoi. If you find yourself in this area during your visit to Hanoi, overlooking the opportunity to experience this unique and best-in-town eatery would be a decision you might regret forever. Positioned across from a vendor specializing in stuffed sticky rice balls and sweet soup, owned by the renowned comedian Phạm Bằng, Pho Vui is a culinary delight. 

At Pho Vui, various beef noodle options are available, ranging from half-done steak to well-done steak, brisket with flank and fillet beef, and more. The broth boasts a rich flavor with a hint of fattiness, while the noodles are delightfully soft, complemented by an abundance of onions in the bowl. Residents of the Old Quarter consistently hold Pho Vui in high regard, a testament to its popularity among locals with discerning palates.

Pho Lam Hanoi

Pho Lam stands as a quintessential Hanoi eatery, epitomizing local flavors with its traditional, thick and small noodles paired with a light, fat-free hot broth. The majority of patrons at Pho Lam are Hanoi locals, drawn to the authentic taste that the restaurant is known for. 

There is a key suggestion for savoring the ideal Pho experience at Lam: indulge in it before 9 a.m. This advice stems from the quality of beef and broth available. Given Pho Lam’s consistent crowd from opening until sold out, popular choices like the signature beef brisket, beef heel muscle, and tendon may run out quickly. Arriving later in the day limits your beef options. 

Moreover, on exceptionally busy days, the restaurant might exhaust its original broth, cooked since midnight, necessitating a replacement with a newer broth that hasn’t had sufficient time to cook. Consequently, the soup’s quality may not be maintained at its peak. Despite the early wake-up call, relishing a steaming bowl of savory Pho at Lam is undeniably worthwhile, offering a glimpse into the authentic taste of traditional Hanoi Pho.

When scheduling your visit to Hanoi, be sure to highlight one of the paramount activities: savoring a bowl of best Pho in Hanoi, whether it’s the beef-based Pho Bo or the chicken-infused Pho Ga. Staying in our capital offers a golden opportunity to indulge in this culinary delight, a decision you will never regret.

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