10 Spots to Indulge in The Best Pho in Ho Chi Minh City

While Northern-style pho delights with its delicate and clear broth, the best pho in Ho Chi Minh City is richer, sweeter and often accompanied by various fresh herbs and hoisin or chili sauce. This regional twist creates a bold and aromatic experience that captivates both locals and visitors. If you’re eager to embark on a culinary journey through this distinctive regional specialty, join us as we explore the 10 spots serving the finest pho in the city!

1. Pho Phuong (District 1) - Best “Pho Duoi Bo” Ever

Located on Hoang Sa Street, Pho Phuong captivates diners with its authentic flavors and signature “Pho duoi bo”, featuring tender meat and delightfully chewy skin. The rich, naturally sweet broth is carefully simmered for 20 hours using beef bones, with oxtail playing a key role in enhancing its depth and balanced richness. 

Pho duoi bo (oxtail pho) stands out not only for its tender, flavor-infused meat but also for the delightfully chewy, gelatinous skin, adding an enjoyable texture to every bite. This masterful combination creates a captivating dining experience, leaving a lasting impression on those who seek the true essence of traditional pho.

Enjoy a rich and flavorful oxtail pho, with tender meat and an irresistibly savory broth (Source: Internet)

Beyond its flavors, the restaurant maintains a clean and well-organized space. Despite the constant flow of customers, the staff ensures a tidy dining environment. Peak hours are usually in the morning and at lunchtime when many seek to enjoy its signature bowl of pho.

Thanks to its exceptional quality, in 2023, Pho Phuong was honored with the Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand, recognizing it as a must-visit spot to savor the best pho in HCMC and authentic tastes of Southern Pho at a reasonable price.

The outdoor space is quite airy and spacious for diners (Source: Internet)

Having attained hoards of foodie fans, Pho Phuong continues to dominate the ranks when it comes to Southern pho (Source: Internet)

2. Pho Le (District 5) - Most Flavorful “Pho Dac Biet”

A household name among pho lovers in Saigon, Pho Le has been serving rich, flavorful pho for generations. Located on Nguyen Trai Street in District 5, it is widely known for its hearty portions and intense broth.

The special pho bowl, packed with rare beef, brisket, beef balls, and tendon, is the ultimate choice. The broth, slightly cloudy yet light and savory, is simmered for 8 hours, extracting natural sweetness from beef bones. Thin, chewy noodles pair perfectly with thick, flavorful beef balls, ensuring a satisfying bite every time. 

What makes this pho unique is its authentic Southern Vietnamese flavor. Unlike Northern-style pho, it contains less scallion, and the restaurant serves a generous basket of fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and nearly ten types of greens, creating a distinctive dining experience.

Pho Le also boasts a spacious, well-ventilated dining area with two floors - the ground floor is equipped with fans and the upper floor has air conditioning, ensuring a comfortable experience. With its dedication to quality and service, Pho Le has been Michelin-selected and recognized by The Wall Street Journal as the most beloved pho spot among Saigon locals.

A perfect combination of tender brisket and fatty flank, blended in a fragrant, steaming broth (Source: Internet)

The restaurant has a simple, rustic charm with communal tables and plastic chairs (Source: Internet)

Situated on a busy road, the aroma of pho fills the air, drawing in countless customers (Source: Internet)

3. Pho Hung (District 1) - Generous Portions of Pho Dac Biet With Unmatched Flavor 

Just a few minutes away from the Independence Palace and Bui Vien Walking Street in District 1, Pho Hung on Nguyen Trai Street is a go-to spot for pho enthusiasts. Its beef ball pho is a knock-out for its firm, flavorful meatballs.

The secret to Pho Hung’s appeal lies in its light yet deeply aromatic broth, simmered from pure beef and over 10 different herbs and spices. In particular, each bowl is sliced ​​with thick slices of meat, served with small, Southern-style pho noodles and crispy greens, creating an unforgettable taste experience for both Western and local guests.

With the swift service and friendly staff, the restaurant remains a favorite. Peak hours are usually between 6:00 PM and 10:00 PM when the place buzzes with hungry diners. A major plus is that it’s open till 3:00 AM, catering to late-night cravings. Pho Hung was also awarded a Michelin star for a classic yet outstanding flavors dining spot in Saigon.

The special pho is loaded with rare beef, brisket, tendon, and meatballs, all in a naturally sweet broth (Source: Internet)

Its bright, glowing signboard stands out in the lively neighborhood, making it easy to find (Source: Internet)

A spacious and airy setting ensures a comfortable dining experience, even when the restaurant is crowded (Source: Internet)

4. Pho Hoa Pasteur (District 3) - Rich, Flavorful Broth Made to Perfection

Serving customers since 1968, Pho Hoa Pasteur stands out in its signature bowl is the high-quality beef, with a variety of options such as rare beef, brisket, tendon, beef balls, and especially the house-made beef roll and honeycomb tripe, all carefully prepared to retain their original flavors.

The broth is simmered for hours using 100% beef bones, creating a naturally sweet and rich taste without artificial seasoning. For an extra creamy and indulgent touch, diners can add a poached egg yolk, making the broth even smoother and more flavorful. Another highlight is the crispy fried dough sticks (quay), a popular side dish that pairs perfectly with the steaming hot pho.

Flavorful Pho with fragrant stir-fried beef and sweet broth (Source: Internet)

Beyond pho, the restaurant is also known for its delicious side dishes like spring rolls and fresh summer rolls, adding variety to the dining experience. With over 50 years of history, Pho Hoa Pasteur has been widely featured in international travel vlogs and news websites, including the New York Times, Herald Sun, The Washington Post, etc. It’s no surprise that the restaurant is always bustling with visitors from all over the world.

Located on the bustling Pasteur Street, it’s a go-to spot for both locals and international visitors (Source: Internet)

Pho Hoa Pasteur is frequently viral in international travel vlogs and television programs (Source: Internet)

5. Pho Hien 1985 (District 1) - A True Pho Bo Vien Classic

For over 40 years, Pho Hien 1985 has preserved the authentic taste of traditional pho, passing down its family recipe through two generations. The restaurant is renowned for its naturally sweet and flavorful broth, using a secret recipe and has carved out its loyal following among those who appreciate Southern-style pho. This place is also famous for its square-shaped noodles, a broth that is rich and slightly sweet, fresh beef, and clean, well-prepared vegetables, creating a hearty and flavorful bowl.

A standout feature of Pho Hien is its handmade beef balls, crafted fresh daily from high-quality beef without preservatives, ensuring a naturally springy texture and deep flavor. The restaurant’s clean and airy space makes it an inviting spot to enjoy a comforting bowl of pho at any time of day.

A rich bowl of pho with tender rare beef and bouncy beef balls in a fragrant broth (Source: Internet)

One of Pho Hien’s biggest draws is its late-night opening hours, making it a go-to destination for those craving a satisfying midnight meal. However, the broth does contain a relatively high amount of MSG, so those sensitive to it may want to take that into account before visiting.

Beyond its exceptional taste, Pho Hien is among the busiest pho restaurants in Saigon, serving approximately 2,000 customers weekly. While the space isn’t particularly large, the restaurant maintains a clean and organized environment. Mornings are lively but never overcrowded, allowing diners to enjoy a warm, comforting bowl of pho in a pleasant atmosphere.

The restaurant exudes a traditional charm with its bold red signage, standing out in one of the busiest streets (Source: Internet)

The interior is spacious and simple, featuring sturdy stainless steel tables and chairs (Source: Internet)

6. Pho Mien Ga Ky Dong (District 3) - Iconic “Mien Ga Xe” Bowl

Anyone who had been familiar with Pho Mien Ga Ky Dong's chicken noodles had been savoring its flavors long before it was listed in the Michelin Guide’s 29 Best Affordable Restaurants in June 2023. What makes Pho Mien Ga Ky Dong truly special is its rich, slow-simmered chicken broth, which boasts a slightly thick texture and a deep, non-greasy flavor. The dish is complemented with shredded chicken, chicken skin, gizzards, liver, and young eggs, served alongside blanched bean sprouts and fresh herbs. 

Delight in shredded chicken pho and glass noodle soup with just the right chewiness and a sweet, aromatic broth (Source: Internet)

Interestingly, diners here rarely feel the need to adjust the seasoning, as the broth is already perfectly balanced with a natural sweetness. The condiments on the table are mainly used for dipping chicken meat, a unique habit among the restaurant’s patrons. For those who love the rich, aromatic flavors of chicken, the restaurant’s signature chicken salad (goi ga) is a must-try. The dish is well-seasoned, with tender, fragrant chicken and a perfectly balanced dressing, making it an ideal choice for a light yet flavorful side.

According to the owner, the restaurant has been around for over 50 years, consistently maintaining its traditional cooking methods. The commitment to consistency in every bowl of pho and chicken glass noodles has solidified its reputation for decades, ultimately earning it a spot on this year’s Bib Gourmand list. 

A long-standing eatery with a simple, unpretentious setup, always filled with loyal customers (Source: Internet)

Despite being in the heart of a busy city, the restaurant’s charm keeps crowds coming in all day (Source: Internet)

7. Pho SOL (District 1) - Ultimate “Pho Tai Lan” Experience 

Pho SOL, also known as Pho Thin by SOL, is a must-visit destination for those craving an authentic taste of Hanoi-style pho in the heart of Saigon. The restaurant takes pride in its broth, which is simmered for 12 hours using beef marrow bones, oxtail, and sea worms, combined with ionized water technology. This meticulous process extracts the maximum essence from the ingredients, resulting in a naturally sweet yet remarkably light broth.

The heart of SOL’s pho menu is the pho tai lan, featuring a clear yet intensely flavorful broth that stays true to Northern-style pho, a taste that lingers long after the first bite. Popular choices include marbled Wagyu stone bowl pho, and giant beef rib stone bowl pho, each offering its own distinct flavor. 

Indulge in the ultimate Wagyu beef pho, where premium marbled beef melts in your mouth (Source: Internet)

Alternatively, explore the most beloved variations like Pan-Seared Beef Pho and Crispy Fried Pho, accompanied by authentic Hanoi street snacks for a truly flavorful dining experience. However, with premium ingredients and meticulous preparation, prices here are higher than typical pho spots. 

Pho SOL also impresses with its elegant, spacious ambiance and lush garden area, creating a tranquil dining experience perfect for families, office workers, and international visitors alike. With multiple locations across Saigon, including District 4, the upscale District 7, Thao Dien, and more, the restaurant’s expansion is a testament to its finest flavors and status as a local favorite, winning the hearts of Hanoi pho lovers and foodie enthusiasts. As one satisfied diner, Vy Nguyen, puts it: "Hands down the closest to Hanoi Pho in Saigon. Everything was authentic and delicious etc. We'll definitely be back for more."

A stylish, modern interior with warm lighting creates an upscale dining experience (Source: Internet)

Situated in a high-end district, this spot attracts food connoisseurs seeking a refined pho experience (Source: Internet)

8. Pho Chua Thanh (District 3) - Unique “Pho Chua Lang Son” Taste In Sai Gon 

Tucked away in a vibrant laneway within the Ban Co Market (District 3), Pho Chua Thanh is one of the few spots in Saigon serving the renowned Lang Son-style sour pho. The restaurant incorporates various chicken ingredients and slightly sweetens the sauce to appeal to the local palate while the essence of the original dish remains intact.

The noodles are visually enticing, topped with crispy shrimp crackers and lightly blanched greens underneath, accompanied by a side of spicy satay pork cracklings. To enjoy the dish, diners must mix everything, allowing the rich tamarind-based sweet-and-sour sauce to coat the pho noodles while blending with dried chili flakes, crispy cracklings, and fried wontons for an irresistible taste. Each bowl also comes with a separate serving of broth made from duck-boiled water, balancing the flavors and preventing any heaviness.

Besides its famous pho chua, Pho Chua Thanh is also well-known for its delicious “banh gio”. The special version, though priced at 35k, is worth it - steaming hot with smooth, non-greasy dough. While there's more dough than meat, it’s soft and pairs perfectly with the flavorful dipping sauce. A highlight is the generous portion of pork offal, crispy fried shallots, wood ear mushrooms, and two quail eggs, making each bite rich and satisfying.

Lang Son’s sour pho, features chewy noodles, tangy sauce, and crispy toppings for a perfect balance (Source: Internet)

Tucked in a quiet street, it’s an ideal spot to enjoy a one-of-a-kind pho variation (Source: Internet)

9. Pho Kho Hoa Po Lang (Tan Phu District) - Authentic “Pho Kho Gia Lai” Style

Gia Lai Dry Pho, also known as "pho hai to," was recognized as one of Vietnam’s top 10 specialties in Asia’s records in 2012. Unlike traditional pho, it comes with a bowl of dry pho mixed with minced meat and a separate rich broth flavored with beef and chicken, served with fresh herbs. The chewy noodles combined with the savory broth create a signature taste of Gia Lai’s highlands. Locals even joke: “You need two bowls to feel satisfied.”

Gia Lai’s dry pho comes in many variations, but Hoa Po Lang stays true to its traditional roots, offering a meticulously prepared dish bursting with rich flavors. This dish perfectly balances tender pho noodles, savory soy sauce, and flavorful beef, served with dry pho and a rich broth filled with braised brisket, rare beef, tendon, and meatballs, capturing the essence of Gia Lai’s cuisine.

Authentic Gia Lai dry pho with chewy noodles, tender beef, and a hot, flavorful soup on the side (Source: Internet)

Diners can enhance the flavor by adding black bean sauce, chili sauce, or a squeeze of lime, allowing the dish’s richness to fully unfold. Each noodle strand absorbs the sauce beautifully, blending harmoniously with the robust broth for an unforgettable taste experience.

Located on a lively street, this spot is always bustling with food lovers drawn to its unique taste (Source: Internet)

The restaurant is designed in a bright style, creating a comfortable feeling for diners (Source: Internet)

10. Pho Phu Gia (District 3) - Conservative Pho Restaurant With Old Hanoi Flavor

What sets Pho Phu Gia apart is its commitment to tradition – no fresh herbs or hoisin sauce like most pho spots in Ho Chi Minh City. Instead, diners are only served lime, pickled garlic, chili sauce, sliced onions, and scallions. The owners firmly believe that keeping this style intact allows Pho Phu Gia to maintain the essence of Hanoi’s old-school pho. The only slight compromise is blanched bean sprouts, which do not alter the original flavor.

Pho Phu Gia’s broth is crystal clear, naturally sweet from slow-simmered beef bones, without excessive seasoning. A golden layer of beef fat floating on top provides a mild richness without being greasy. The wide, flat rice noodles are soft yet firm enough to absorb the broth beautifully, making every bite flavorful and satisfying. 

Fragrant beef meets a clear, flavorful broth - every bowl of Pho Tai Lan is a tribute to the essence of traditional Vietnamese cuisine (Source: Internet)

One of the must-try pho dishes at Pho Phu Gia is pho tai lan, with beef lightly stir-fried in a hot pan before being put into the bowl, helping to preserve the natural sweetness and perfect tenderness of the meat.

Though the space is modest, its neat and nostalgic ambiance effortlessly transports diners to the charm of old Hanoi, where simplicity speaks volumes. More than just a Michelin-recognized eatery, Pho Phu Gia has etched its place in the hearts of generations, serving bowls of pho that embody the essence of tradition - each spoonful a tribute to its rich culinary heritage.

Pho Phu Gia stands as a timeless haven where diners return for the rich flavors of its family heritage pho (Source: Internet)

A cozy, rustic space with simple plastic tables and chairs in Ly Chinh Thang Street (Source: Internet)

Ho Chi Minh City is a true paradise for pho lovers, offering a diverse range of flavors from rich, traditional broths to unique regional variations. Whether you crave the deep, aromatic taste of southern-style pho or want to explore creative twists like pho cuon and pho chua, these 10 spots will satisfy your cravings. Each restaurant brings its own signature touch, making the journey of discovering the best pho in Ho Chi Minh City an unforgettable culinary adventure.

For more exciting travel and food experiences, don’t forget to check out other must-visit destinations with Vietnam Airlines. Plan your next trip and indulge in Vietnam’s vibrant flavors today!