Vietnam is proud to be a country with a unique and diverse cuisine, in which many delicious dishes have been named by international friends when it comes to delicious dishes such as bun cha, and banh mi,… And it is impossible not to mention Pho, a dish revered as the soul of Vietnam and is a culinary ambassador for spreading Vietnamese cuisine to international friends.
While the exact origin of Pho remains uncertain, it is believed that the first Pho restaurant emerged in Hanoi. Over time, Pho has gained immense popularity and can now be savored throughout Vietnam, spanning from the north to the south. Let’s delve into the top 10 best Pho in Saigon 2023 that have captivated locals and visitors alike.
The origin of name Pho Hoa can originate from a man who, over a half-century ago, used to sell Pho on the streets and shared the secrets of pho cooking with a family residing on Pasteur Street. Throughout the fifty years, Pho Hoa has persevered through numerous challenges and transformations. Starting as a humble street vendor, their broth continues to captivate taste buds with its delightful sweetness, richness in fat, and deeply satisfying flavor derived from meticulously simmered beef bones. Accompanied by tender, thin noodles, this iconic soup earned a notable rank as the 20th on the list of the world’s top most delicious foods.
Pho Hoa, in particular, is characterized by Southern style, with the accompanying vegetables served on a large plate and a plate of fragrant yellow crackers that make the flavor extremely nostalgic.
Address: 260C Pasteur Street, District 3
Opening hours: 6 a.m –10.30 p.m
The crowdedness of Cho Lon still doesn’t stop diners from coming to Pho Le, a Pho restaurant with the flavor of Southern Pho. In the style of the Chinese, the signboard of the restaurant includes both Vietnamese, Chinese, and English. The identifying feature is that the Pho truck is full of beef balls, meat, eggs, and instant noodles. Perhaps, therefore, Pho Le is a popular spot that offers a variety of pho options with different cuts of meat.
The restaurant is highly appreciated for its clear pho broth, not-too-strong anise, cinnamon, and sweet taste. Moreover, the restaurant boasts a spacious upstairs area that provides an immense and inviting ambiance, ensuring patrons feel at ease throughout their dining experience. What sets Pho Le apart from other pho establishments is its unique approach to serving bean sprouts. Instead of boiled bean sprouts mixed into the pho bowl, fresh bean sprouts are served separately on a plate alongside an abundance of fragrant coriander and basil. This allows customers to customize their pho by adding these fresh ingredients according to their preferences.
Address: 413-415 Nguyen Trai Street, District 5
Opening hours: 6 a.m – 1 a.m
Pho 2000 is located in the heart of a bustling city. As soon as you step inside, you are greeted by the delightful aroma of traditional Vietnamese spices and flavors that permeate the air. The restaurant’s interior is tastefully decorated with a fusion of modern and traditional Vietnamese elements. The walls are decorated with vibrant paintings depicting scenes from Vietnam’s rich culture and history.
In addition to their delectable pho, Pho 2000 offers a wide range of other Vietnamese specialties. From flavorful spring rolls to savory banh mi sandwiches, each dish is carefully crafted using authentic ingredients and traditional cooking techniques. The menu also includes vegetarian and vegan options, ensuring that there is something to satisfy every palate.
Especially, Pho 2000 gained fame when former U.S. President Bill Clinton dined there during his visit to Vietnam. This is why the restaurant attracts thousands of foreign visitors each year.
Whether you are a devoted fan of Vietnamese cuisine or a curious food enthusiast looking to explore new flavors, Pho 2000 Restaurant is a must-visit destination.
Address: 1-3 Phan Chu Trinh Street, District 1
Opening hours: 7 a.m – 9 p.m
Was born in the heart of the capital in 1979, bringing the desire to standardize the chain of the Pho Thin system. Pho Thin 13 Lo Duc has experienced more than 40 years of ups and downs; although the appearance has changed, becoming more and more modern and new, the core inside still retains the inherent identities from the culture to the taste of the dish. Pho Thin has become famous not only in Ha Noi but also in Sai Gon.
While Pho restaurants sprang up all over the place, Pho Thin continues to maintain diners with the standard Hanoi Pho flavor, a sweet broth, a few slices of ginger interspersed with delicately sliced beef, and especially the outstanding stir-fried beef skills.
Address: 81-83 Le Thi Hong Gam/ 138 Yersin, Nguyen Thai Binh Ward, District 1
Opening hours: 6 a.m – 9 p.m
Pho Binh, located at 7 Ly Chinh Thang, District 3, has a long history and is regarded as one of the most famous pho restaurants in the area.
With over 30 years of experience, the restaurant has become the go-to destination for traditional pho fans. The Pho Binh restaurant is well-known for its rich, flavorful pho and fresh ingredients. The bowls of pho here are meticulously prepared from long-lasting stewed meat and bone broth, combined with traditional spices such as onions, ginger, and fried onions. Thinly sliced chicken, beef, or re-wrapped in a bowl of pho are all processed to medium doneness, ensuring freshness and softness.
Pho Binh’s reputation grew over time, and it is now a popular destination for both locals and tourists. In addition, the restaurant expanded and upgraded its space to meet the growing needs of customers. Despite many changes and developments, the shop retains its traditional taste and commitment to quality.
Address: 7 Ly Chinh Thang, District 3
Opening hours: 6 a.m – 11.30 p.m
Pho Hung is a brand that contributes to bringing Vietnamese cuisine to international friends. Although there are hundreds of competing restaurants, this one still has its unique features. Perhaps that is the attractive feature that gives the impression that the restaurant has always had a place in the hearts of many people.
Pho Hung makes it unique by using fresh ingredients, including stewing bones, to give the water a natural sweetness and rich flavor. It creates an unmistakable aroma when served with a plate of cool green herbs, lemon, chili, and black sauce.
The restaurant not only serves delicious pho, but it also prioritizes space and service. The restaurant has an elegant design in traditional Vietnamese style, giving customers a cozy and comfortable feeling. Service staff that is friendly and professional, ready to meet the needs of customers. With its distinct flavor and high quality, this restaurant is an excellent choice for delicious and traditional pho.
Address: 243 Nguyen Trai Street, District 1
Opening hours: 6 a.m – 3 a.m
Pho Tau Bay is a pho brand that has been around for over 60 years and is well-known in Saigon. When Pho Tau Bay first appeared in 1954, it was probably the oldest brand in Saigon, alongside Pho Hoa, Pho Hung, and Pho Dau.
Many curious people come to the restaurant because of its unique name, but most people return because of the quality of the bowl of pho. The highlight that makes the broth here more unique than in other places is that the broth is added with boiled egg whites. Hard-boiled egg whites will have a sweet, delicious aroma when added to the broth. To preserve the sweetness of the broth, the restaurant will not add bean sprouts. Moreover, Pho Tau Bay is praised for its well-balanced broth and tender beef.
Another factor that contributes to attracting diners is the clean and tidy environment; each space has a specific distance, so stuffiness is avoided.
If there is a special dish of Hanoi Pho in Hanoi, it is impossible not to mention Pho Tau Bay in Saigon. This pho restaurant has long been regarded as a must-try dish for visitors to Saigon.
Address: 433-435 Ly Thai To Street, District 10
Opening hours: 4 a.m – 12 p.m
Pho Dau has been around for a long time and has become a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. It serves delicious and unique traditional pho with rich flavors and quality ingredients.
Pho Dau is known for its meticulousness and sophistication in processing. The bowl of pho has a clear broth and is light yellow, like amber, giving off an irresistible aroma of marrow secretions from stewed beef bones. The noodle soup is small and soft but has just enough toughness. Thinly sliced, blanched just enough to ripeness, and ivory-colored fat around the pink meat. Besides, Pho Dau does not serve accompanying vegetables such as raw bean sprouts, Chinese coriander, or dog basil like other shops, but only a little onion.
That is also why many people are unable to taste the deliciousness of Pho Dau for the first time. Because their tastes and styles of eating pho are completely different.
If you’re in Ho Chi Minh City and want to try Pho Nam Dinh, go to Pho Dau restaurant.
Address: 288 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, Ward 8, District 3
Opening hours: 5 a.m – 1 p.m
Pho Cao Van‘s journey began with a humble noodle truck in Hanoi before making its way to becoming a street vendor in Saigon. Having spent a considerable time selling on Tran Cao Van Street, the business eventually relocated to Mac Dinh Chi Street. Even after more than 60 years in operation, the Pho Cao Van restaurant continues to attract numerous patrons who cherish the authentic flavors of Northern Pho. Pho served here boasts a distinct broth with minimal fat content, yet it is incredibly flavorful, making it a must-try for true Pho Bac enthusiasts. Whether you are a loyal customer or a first-time visitor, Pho Cao Van’s exceptional taste will undoubtedly leave you satisfied.
Address: 25 Mac Đinh Chi Street, District
Opening hours: 6 a.m – 10.30 p.m
Pho Minh is one of the most popular Pho Sai Gon restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. It is well-known for serving delicious and authentic Vietnamese Pho, which is mostly known to locals.
Pho Minh is known for its emphasis on quality and taste. The restaurant is proud of its simple broth, which is at the heart of good Pho. The broth is a comforting and savory broth with no spices and only ginger and grilled dry onions.
Minh’s noodles are cooked to perfection, ensuring a satisfying texture. Pho is typically served with eye-round steaks, well-done steaks, flank, tendon, or tripe. These accompaniments add flavor and freshness to the dish.
Pho Minh is worth a visit for those looking for a respite from the hustle and bustle of life outside of Ho Chi Minh City. Pho Minh offers a memorable dining experience for Pho and Vietnamese cuisine enthusiasts.
Address: 63/3 Pasteur Street, District 1
Opening hours: 7 a.m – 10 a.m
Pho is a culinary treasure that brings together the hardiness of slow-simmered broth, the allure of tender meat, and the dance of fragrant herbs, leaving an indelible mark on every discerning palate.
Let’s embark on Saigon Street Food Tour to savor other tasty and interesting dishes only in Vietnam now.
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