Why Pho Thin Hanoi Vietnamese Restaurant Is A Must-Visit for Pho Lovers?

Pho Thin Bo Ho and Pho Thin Lo Duc, two legendary destinations within the Pho Thin Hanoi Vietnamese restaurant legacy, each offer a distinct take on the city's beloved beef noodle soup. These eateries attract both locals and international visitors, and this guide will help you decide which to visit. 

Short comparison of Pho Thin Bo Ho and Pho Thin Lo Duc

To help you understand the differences between these two well-known pho restaurants, here's a side-by-side comparison of their key features:

1. Pho Thin Bo Ho

If you're after traditional Hanoi pho, Pho Thin Bo Ho is a long-standing favorite among locals. Situated near Hoan Kiem Lake, this restaurant is celebrated for its light, clear broth and subtle flavors, offering an authentic taste of classic Hanoi pho.

1.1. History & Recognition

Founded in 1955 by Bui Chi Thin, Pho Thin Bo Ho is one of the oldest pho restaurants in Hanoi, preserving the essence of traditional Vietnamese pho for nearly seven decades. 

In 2019, it was recognized as one of the top 10 most beloved pho brands and has legally retained the Pho Thin trademark within its family-run business operations. That same year, Pho Thin Bo Ho was selected to prepare 4,000 bowls of pho for the U.S. - North Korea Summit, earning widespread acclaim from international journalists and media representatives.

Pho Thin Bo Ho was recognized as one of the top 10 most beloved pho brands in 2019 (Source: Internet)

1.2. Location & Branches

Pho Thin Bo Ho has expanded from a single-location eatery to four official branches across Hanoi, making it easier for both locals and tourists to experience its authentic Hanoi-style pho.

• Branch 1 (Original location): 61 Dinh Tien Hoang, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi (Near Hoan Kiem Lake)

• Branch 2: 1 Le Van Huu, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi

• Branch 3: 1 Hang Tre, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

• Branch 4: 289 Kim Ma, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi

If you’re visiting the Hoan Kiem branch, you can explore popular Hanoi landmarks nearby:

• Ngoc Son Temple — A scenic temple on Hoan Kiem Lake.

• Thang Long Water Puppet Theater — A must-see cultural performance.

• Hanoi Opera House — A stunning French colonial landmark.

Pho Thin Bo Ho has four locations in Hanoi, allowing easy access to its authentic flavors across the city (Source: Internet)

1.3. The Signature Making Process

At Pho Thin Bo Ho, pho is prepared using a time-honored method that has remained unchanged for decades, ensuring a delicate yet flavorful bowl that represents Hanoi’s authentic pho culture.

The broth

The hallmark of Pho Thin Bo Ho is its clear, subtly fragrant broth, made by simmering beef bones for hours with a carefully balanced blend of spices, including star anise, cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom. This process creates a light yet deeply flavorful soup, distinct from other richer or heavily seasoned versions of pho. 

The beef

Unlike Pho Thin Lo Duc, where the beef is stir-fried, Pho Thin Bo Ho stays true to the traditional method, using thinly sliced raw beef (pho tai) that is cooked directly in the steaming hot broth. This method ensures tender, succulent beef that blends seamlessly with the broth's delicate flavors.

Freshly sliced beef, ready for the perfect bowl of Pho Thin Bo Ho (Source: Internet)

The final dish

The making of a perfect bowl of Pho Thin Bo Ho follows a meticulous process. Once the rich, aromatic broth is ready, fresh rice noodles are briefly blanched in hot water to achieve the ideal texture. The thinly sliced raw beef is then placed directly into the serving bowl before being gently submerged under a ladle of boiling broth. 

This quick cooking method keeps the beef tender while allowing it to absorb the broth’s subtle flavors. Finally, the dish is garnished with freshly chopped scallions, and cilantro, enhancing its aroma and authenticity.

A steaming bowl of Pho Thin Bo Ho, featuring clear broth, tender beef, and fresh herbs (Source: Internet)

1.4. Prices & Tips

When visiting Pho Thin Bo Ho, knowing the pricing, ordering system, and best times to visit can help ensure a smooth dining experience.

Pho Thin Bo Ho menu prices:

• Price per bowl: 60,000 - 80,000 VND (around USD 3 to USD 3.5).
• Additional food & drink options: Besides the traditional beef noodle soup, Pho Thin Bo Ho also serves stir-fried pho (pho xao), offering a different take on the classic dish. For drinks, customers can choose from iced tea (best choice), bottled water, or Coca-Cola. 
• Payment method: Pay after eating with cash or bank transfer. 

Best time to visit & avoid crowds:

• Early mornings (before 7:00 AM) or late nights (after 9:00 PM) offer the best experience with fewer crowds.

• Rush hours (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM) are busy with both locals and tourists filling up the space.

Note: Weekdays are quieter compared to weekends when more visitors come to enjoy this famous pho restaurant in Hanoi. The Dinh Tien Hoang location has limited seating and a small space, so you may consider visiting other branches for a more spacious dining experience.

Seating inside the Dinh Tien Hoang location is quite limited (Source: Internet) 

2. Pho Thin Lo Duc

For those who enjoy bold and flavorful pho, Pho Thin Lo Duc is a revolutionized traditional Hanoi-style pho by stir-frying the beef before adding it to the broth, creating a smoky, garlicky depth of flavor. This unique method has made it one of the most famous pho restaurants in Hanoi, attracting both locals and international visitors.

2.1. History & Recognition

Founded in 1979 by Nguyen Trong Thin, Pho Thin Lo Duc took a different approach to Vietnam’s beloved beef noodle soup. Unlike the traditional clear-broth pho served at most Hanoi eateries, Nguyen Trong Thin developed a richer, more aromatic recipe by stir-frying the beef with garlic and onions before adding it to the broth.

This signature smoky pho quickly gained popularity, making Pho Thin Lo Duc a culinary icon in Vietnam. The restaurant has been featured in global food publications, including CNN Travel, The Guardian, and The South China Morning Post, cementing its status as one of the best pho restaurants in Hanoi. 

Mr. Nguyen Trong Thin – the "father" of Pho Thin 13 Lo Duc since 1979 (Source: Internet) 

2.2. Location & Branches

From an original eatery on 13 Lo Duc, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi, Pho Thin Lo Duc has expanded into a major brand with 24 officially licensed locations. There are 12 locations in Hanoi, 1 in Quang Nam, 1 in Hung Yen, 2 in Da Nang, 1 in Quang Ngai, 1 in Hai Phong, 1 in Vung Tau, and 1 in Ho Chi Minh City. Moreover, there are 4 international branches in Japan, Indonesia, the United States, and Australia.

Note: Due to Pho Thin Lo Duc’s immense popularity, many unauthorized restaurants have copied the name "Pho Thin 13 Lo Duc" but do not serve the authentic recipe. Customers should be careful to visit only official "Pho Thin 13 Lo Duc" branches to ensure they experience the true, smoky, garlicky pho that made this brand famous.

Outside the original Pho Thin at 13 Lo Duc (Source: Internet) 

Pho Thin Lo Duc has expanded internationally, bringing authentic Hanoi-style pho to diners in Japan, Indonesia, the United States, and Australia. In Japan, locals have embraced its rich flavors, especially the aromatic broth and tender stir-fried beef, helping to promote Vietnamese cuisine. The brand has also received a warm welcome in other countries, with many diners expressing satisfaction and a desire to return. 

Exterior view of Pho Thin Lo Duc in Melbourne, Australia (Source: Internet) 

2.3. The Signature Making Process

Pho Thin Lo Duc stands out from traditional Vietnamese pho by incorporating stir-fried beef and garlic into its preparation. This method creates a richer, more fragrant bowl of pho, appealing to those who prefer bolder flavors.

The broth

Unlike the light and delicate broth of traditional Hanoi-style pho, Pho Thin Lo Duc’s broth is deeper and more aromatic, thanks to the stir-fried beef juices infused with garlic. The broth is simmered for hours using a blend of spices, including star anise, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, but the real game-changer is the extra layer of umami from the stir-fried beef broth. 

The beef

The biggest difference in Pho Thin Lo Duc’s preparation is the stir-frying process. The beef is first cooked in a hot wok with garlic, releasing a smoky aroma before being added to the broth. This gives the dish a stronger, more robust flavor compared to the raw beef method used in Pho Thin Bo Ho.

Beef is stir-fried with garlic and scallions for a rich flavor before being added to the Pho bowl (Source: Internet) 

The final dish

The flat rice noodles are quickly blanched in hot water to ensure they are soft yet slightly chewy. The noodles are then placed into a bowl, followed by a generous portion of stir-fried beef, which has been cooked with garlic to achieve its signature smoky aroma. 

Next, a ladle of steaming hot broth is poured over the noodles and beef, allowing all the flavors to meld together. What makes Pho Thin Lo Duc stand out even more is the huge amount of scallions added on top - covering the bowl almost entirely. This signature heap of green onions not only enhances the aroma but also balances the richness of the broth.

The finished bowl of Pho Thin Lo Duc, ready to be served to customers (Source: Internet) 

2.4. Prices & Tips

A visit to Pho Thin Lo Duc offers an authentic local dining experience, but understanding the pricing and best times to go will ensure a smoother visit.

Pho Thin Lo Duc menu prices

• Price per bowl: 75,000 - 80,000 VND (around USD 3.5)

• Additional food & drink options: For those looking to explore a heartier, more flavorful alternative to classic pho, “pho sot vang” (red wine beef stew pho) is a must-try. This dish offers a rich and aromatic twist on traditional pho, featuring tender braised beef slow-cooked in a wine-infused broth. For drinks, customers can choose from iced tea (best choice), bottled water, or Coca-Cola.  

• Payment method: Pho Thin Lo Duc requires payment upfront before receiving your order with cash or bank transfer. 

Best time to visit & avoid crowds

• Early mornings (before 7:00 AM) or late evenings (after 8:00 PM) are the best times to enjoy pho without long waits.

• Rush hours (12:00 PM - 1:30 PM & 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM) see heavy foot traffic, especially among locals.

Note: Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends. Visitors can also explore other branches, such as 19B Hoang Ngoc Phach Street, Dong Da District or B2-11 Vinhomes Gardenia Ham Nghi, Nam Tu Liem District for a more relaxed dining experience.

Additional tips for first-time visitors:

• Expect a strong garlic aroma: If you’re not a fan of garlic, this pho may not be for you.

• Limited seating: The original location at 13 Lo Duc is quite small, so be prepared to share a table with other diners.

Seating at the original Pho Thin Lo Duc is limited and should be avoided in rush hours (Source: Internet) 

3. Dining “Pho” Like A Local

Enjoying Pho like a true Hanoian means customizing your bowl with a variety of condiments and sides to enhance its bold, smoky flavors. Here are some recommended additions:

• Vinegar with garlic: A splash of this mild, tangy vinegar helps cut through the richness of the stir-fried beef, creating a more balanced taste.

• Chili sauce: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a small spoonful of this spicy sauce adds an extra kick to every bite.

• Lime: A squeeze of fresh lime brightens the broth, enhancing its depth and complexity.

• Fresh herbs: A mix of basil, coriander, and sawtooth herbs provides a fragrant, refreshing contrast to the savory broth.

• Crispy sticks: These golden, airy sticks soak up the flavorful broth, adding a delightful chewiness to the meal.

• Poached egg: A soft, runny egg can be added for extra creaminess, blending beautifully with the rich broth.

By following these local dining traditions, visitors can enjoy one of the best pho in Hanoi just like a true local.

Pho served the local way, paired with fresh herbs, lime, chili, and crispy dough sticks for the perfect Hanoi pho experience (Source: Internet)

4. Pho Thin Bo Ho vs. Pho Thin Lo Duc – Which one reigns supreme?

While both Pho Thin Bo Ho and Pho Thin Lo Duc are among the best pho restaurants in Hanoi, they offer two distinct experiences rather than competing against each other. Each has its own unique preparation style, making them both must-try destinations for pho lovers.

For traditional pho lovers

If you prefer classic, light, and delicately balanced pho, Pho Thin Bo Ho is the perfect choice. With its clear broth, tender raw beef, and subtle seasoning, this restaurant stays true to authentic Hanoi-style pho, offering a taste of Vietnam’s traditional culinary heritage.

For those who love bold flavors

If you enjoy richer, smokier, and more garlicky pho, Pho Thin Lo Duc is the better option. Its stir-fried beef, garlic-infused broth, and intense aroma create a modern twist on traditional pho, making it a favorite for those who love deep, bold flavors.

For first-time visitors to Hanoi

If it’s your first time in Hanoi and you want to fully experience the diversity of Hanoi’s pho culture, trying both restaurants is highly recommended. Each offers a distinct take on Vietnam’s beloved beef noodle soup, showcasing the contrast between traditional and innovative pho-making techniques. Both restaurants are legendary in their own right, making them essential stops for any pho enthusiast visiting Hanoi.

Visitors who don’t know where to eat pho in Hanoi can try both pho spots for the full experience (Source: Internet) 

As two of the most famous spots under the Pho Thin Hanoi Vietnamese restaurant legacy, Pho Thin Bo Ho and Pho Thin Lo Duc showcase the diverse flavors of Vietnamese pho, each with its own signature style and loyal following. 

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