1. Introducing Pho Hanoi

What exactly is pho? Pho is a Vietnamese noodle soup that typically includes flat rice noodles, a clear broth made from simmered bones, and thin slices of beef or chicken. It is usually topped with chopped scallions, herbs like cilantro, and served with lime and chili on the side.

Pho first emerged in northern Vietnam in the early 20th century, particularly in Hanoi. Its creation was likely influenced by both Chinese and French culinary traditions. Unlike pho from the south, Hanoi-style pho is known for its clarity and depth: the broth is simmered from beef bones for hours, lightly seasoned, and focused on a naturally sweet and clean taste rather than heavy use of spices.

But pho in Hanoi is more than just a dish – it’s a daily ritual. Locals start their mornings with pho, families gather over it, and tourists seek it out as a must-try experience. The best part? The heart of the pho culture is right in the Old Quarter, where time-honored pho stalls still stand strong.

Pro Tip: If you’re searching for the best pho in Hanoi Old Quarter, follow the locals and the steam rising from sidewalk shops!

A steaming bowl of traditional pho in Hanoi, served with rice noodles, herbs, and tender slices of beef or chicken – a true taste of Vietnam

2. Best Types of Pho Hanoi You Should Try

Pho in Hanoi comes in more forms than you might expect. While most tourists know about beef pho, locals enjoy it in many styles depending on the mood, season, or time of day. Here's a breakdown of the most popular types you should definitely try during your stay:

2.1. Beef Pho (Pho Bo)

• What it is: Traditional pho made with a beef bone broth, flat rice noodles, and slices of beef (rare, well-done, brisket, tendon, etc.).
• Flavor: Deep, savory, umami-rich with a subtle sweetness.
• Why try it: It’s the original Hanoi pho and the most beloved version among locals.
• Where to find it: Almost every pho shop in Hanoi, especially in the Old Quarter.

Classic beef pho is the soul of Hanoi street food culture, rich in flavor and history

2.2. Chicken Pho (Pho Ga)

• What it is: A lighter version of pho using chicken broth and native chicken meat, often with chewy, flavorful texture.
• Flavor: Clear and light with natural chicken sweetness.
• Why try it: Perfect for a lighter meal and great during cooler days.
• Where to find it: Look for shops that specialize in chicken-based pho.

Light, aromatic, and comforting – chicken pho is a favorite for any time of day

2.3. Stir-fried Pho (Pho Xao)

• What it is: Flat rice noodles stir-fried with beef or chicken and vegetables, often with soy sauce and garlic.
• Flavor: Smoky, savory, and texturally rich.
• Why try it: Offers a completely different take on pho with no broth – ideal for noodle lovers.
• Where to find it: Some pho restaurants or local eateries offering diverse menus.

Stir-fried pho brings bold flavors and wok aroma to the classic noodle dish

2.4. Mixed Pho (Pho Tron)

• What it is: Noodles mixed with sauce (often soy-based), herbs, meat, and pickled vegetables.
• Flavor: Tangy, fresh, slightly sweet and spicy.
• Why try it: Refreshing and perfect for summer days or street food adventures.
• Where to find it: More common in chicken pho restaurants or street vendors.

Mixed pho is a street food gem – tangy, herbaceous, and delightfully unique

3. 15+ Best Pho Hanoi You Shouldn’t Miss

Here are the most beloved pho shops in Hanoi that consistently rank among the best. Whether you're looking for the boldest broth or the most tender meat, these places have something special to offer.

3.1. Top Spots for Best Beef Pho Hanoi

3.1.1. Pho Thin Lo Duc

• Address: 13 Lo Duc Street, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi
• Signature Dish: Pho bo tai lan (stir-fried rare beef pho)
• Price Range: VND 60,000 - VND 100,000 (USD 2.50 - USD 4)

Famous for its unique twist on traditional pho, this spot stir-fries the beef before adding it to the broth, creating a rich, smoky depth of flavor. It's a favorite among locals who crave something a little bolder. Expect fast service and big flavors in a casual setting.

Famous for its stir-fried beef slices and steaming hot broth, Pho Thin offers a bold and smoky take on the classic

3.1.2. Pho Bat Dan

• Address: 49 Bat Dan Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Signature Dish: Pho bo tai, nam, gau (rare beef, flank, brisket pho)
• Price Range: VND 60,000 - VND 100,000 (USD 2.50 - USD 4)

This spot is a Hanoi institution, known for its traditional pho and long queues that speak to its popularity. Locals and tourists alike line up for a taste, even early in the morning. It’s a no-frills, authentic experience that feels like a step back in time.

A time-honored gem where locals queue every morning for a taste of Hanoi’s most traditional beef pho

3.1.3. Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su

• Address: 10 Ly Quoc Su Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Signature Dish: Pho bo tai chin (half rare, half well-done beef pho)
• Price Range: VND 70,000 - VND 120,000 (USD 3 - USD 5)

Spotless interior, quick service, and consistently well-balanced bowls make this a reliable go-to. Popular with both locals and tourists, it's one of the most recognized pho spots in the city.

Sleek, clean, and consistently flavorful, this modern favorite caters well to both locals and tourists

3.1.4. Pho Suong

• Address: 24B Trung Yen Alley, Dinh Liet Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Signature Dish: Pho bo tai nam gau (rare beef, brisket, flank pho)
• Price Range: VND 50,000 - VND 90,000 (USD 2 - USD 3.75)

Tucked away in a quiet alley, this pho spot is known for its tender beef and well-developed broth. It offers a peaceful escape from the crowds without compromising on flavor.

A humble and cozy pho joint serving deep, beefy bowls that locals swear by

3.1.5. Pho Thin Bo Ho

• Address: 61 Dinh Tien Hoang, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Signature Dish: Pho bo tai (rare beef pho), Pho bo vien (beef meatball pho)
• Price Range: VND 40,000 - VND 80,000 (USD 1.75 - USD 3.50)

A cozy, no-frills shop that locals frequent for a quick and comforting bowl. The broth is light yet flavorful, perfect for a casual meal near the lake.

Simple, friendly, and satisfying – a great stop for a no-frills pho experience with natural sweetness

3.1.6. Pho Ong Vui

• Address: 25 Hang Giay, Hang Buom, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Signature Dish: Pho bo tai nam (rare beef & brisket pho)
• Price Range: VND 60,000 - VND 90,000 (USD 2.50 - USD 3.75)

A modern take on a traditional classic, this place features a clean, stylish interior and a refined broth that appeals to the younger crowd.

This modern take on traditional pho impresses with clean flavors and generous beef portions

3.1.7. Pho Khoi Hoi

• Address: 50 Hang Vai Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Signature Dish: Pho bo nam gau (brisket & flank pho)
• Price Range: VND 55,000 - VND 85,000 VND (USD 2.25 - USD 3.50)

Celebrated for its rich broth, slowly simmered to perfection, this spot delivers a deeply satisfying bowl with a naturally sweet beef flavor.

Hidden gem offering flavorful broth and melt-in-your-mouth brisket that locals rave about

3.1.8. Pho Lam

• Address: 48 Hang Vai Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Signature Dish: Pho bo tai nam
• Price Range: VND 45,000 - VND 70,000 (USD 1.90 - USD 3)

A long-standing family-run shop known for its straightforward, no-frills pho. Loyal regulars keep coming back for the authentic flavor and fast service.

Rustic ambiance and balanced broth make Pho Lam a beloved classic for both regulars and visitors

3.1.9. Pho Tu Lun Au Trieu

• Address: 34 Au Trieu Street, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Signature Dish: Pho bo tai gau
• Price Range: VND 50,000 - VND 90,000 (USD 2 - USD 4)

Tucked near the cathedral, this hidden gem is loved for its bold broth and generous beef portions. It’s easy to miss, but hard to forget.

Nestled near the cathedral, this spot is known for its intense broth and early-morning crowds of loyal pho lovers

3.2. Top Spots for Best Chicken Pho Hanoi

While beef pho takes center stage in many discussions, chicken pho has quietly built a loyal fan base thanks to its comforting flavors and wholesome appeal. Whether served in a rich traditional broth or reinvented in mixed or herbal styles, these chicken pho spots show off the lighter side of Hanoi’s beloved dish. Below are some of the best places in the capital to enjoy a heartwarming bowl of chicken pho.

3.2.1. Pho Ga Pho Co

• Address: 14 O Quan Chuong, Hang Buom, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
• Signature dish: Chicken pho with free-range chicken, rich and clear broth.
• Average price: VND 50,000 - VND 80,000 (USD 2 - USD 3.50)

One of the most iconic places in the Old Quarter to enjoy chicken pho. The broth is rich yet clear, made from free-range chicken for a naturally sweet depth. It's a must-try for first-time visitors.

A household name for pho lovers, offering rich chicken flavors right in the Old Quarter

3.2.2. Pho Ga Huyen Huong

• Address: 20 Bao Khanh, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
• Signature dish: Traditional pho ga with thin chicken slices.
• Average price: VND 45,000 - VND 70,000 (USD 1.75 - USD 3)

This cozy local joint has been serving traditional chicken pho for over a decade. Known for its consistency and simplicity, it’s a quiet retreat in the busy Old Quarter.

Authentic, aromatic pho ga served in a family-style atmosphere

3.2.3. Pho Ga Nguyet

• Address: 5B Phu Doan, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
• Signature dish: Pho ga featuring tender free-range chicken, especially the juicy thigh.
• Average price: VND 55,000 - VND 75,000 (USD 2.25 - USD 3.25)

A Michelin Bib Gourmand–recognized chicken pho stall open late (until around midnight), it’s especially famed for its succulent free-range thigh meat, though you can choose from breast, wings, or mixed cuts. The broth is clear, naturally sweet, and richly aromatic, frequently praised for its balance and depth.

A cult-favorite among locals for its late-night bowls and smoky broth

3.2.4. Pho Ga Lam

• Address: 7 Nam Ngu, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
• Signature dish: Pho ga with tender free-range chicken thighs/breast, served in a light but flavor-packed broth.
• Average price: VND 50,000 - VND 70,000 (USD 2 - USD 3)

A legendary, family-run chicken pho stall dating back over 50 years - much loved by locals and travelers alike. It’s celebrated for its rich yet clear broth, tender free-range chicken, and well-balanced noodles. Reviewers consistently highlight the dish’s comforting flavor and quality: “The broth is so perfect and clear looking and absolutely loaded with greens”.

A traditional chicken pho spot with a quiet, local vibe

3.2.5. Pho Hanh Lan Ong

• Address: 65B Lan Ong, Hang Bo, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
• Signature dish: Pho ga tron Lan Ong – mixed-style chicken pho with flavorful sauce and generous dark meat, often hailed as their best-seller .
• Average price: VND 55,000 - VND 80,000 (USD 2.25 - USD 3.50)

This family-run pho stall, nestled on the Old Quarter’s herbal medicine street, is beloved by locals - especially in the evenings. While it offers both soup and dry pho, its standout is undoubtedly the pho ga tron, a “dry” chicken pho tossed with savory sauce, chicken fat, fried onions, peanuts, herbs, and served alongside a small bowl of broth.

Infused with traditional herbs, this pho shop offers a healing and tasty twist

4. Tips for Savoring Pho in Hanoi

To make the most of your pho experience in Hanoi, here are some insider tips:

• How to order like a local: If you like rare beef, ask for “pho bo tai”. If you don’t want green onions, say “khong hanh”. Most shops understand simple Vietnamese phrases, and a smile always helps!
• Customizing your bowl: Enhance the flavor with a squeeze of lime, some chili slices, and a bit of garlic vinegar. Be careful not to overpower the broth.
• Best time to eat pho: Morning is ideal when the broth is freshest and the atmosphere is most authentic. Many pho shops sell out before noon.
• Don’t be shy about the seating: Many of the best pho spots have simple plastic stools and shared tables. Embrace the setting - it’s part of the charm.
• Payment tips: Most places are cash-only, so bring small bills. Prices are usually listed clearly, and tipping is not expected but appreciated.
• Use apps for navigation: Google Maps, or TripAdvisor can help you locate the nearest popular pho shops with highest reviews.

Next time you’re wandering the streets of the Old Quarter or beyond, follow the steam, the crowd, and your nose - you just might stumble upon the best pho in Hanoi! Pho in Hanoi isn’t just food - it’s heritage, tradition, and flavor in every bite. From roadside stalls to tucked-away alleys, you’ll find warmth and authenticity in every bowl.

To explore the best pho in Hanoi, book your Flight to Hanoi with Vietnam Airlines today! For more details on flights, baggage policies, and travel itineraries, contact Vietnam Airlines via their hotline at 1900 1100, or through Fanpage or Zalo for expert advice.