Pho Hanoi is more than a comforting bowl of broth and rice noodles; it’s a cultural icon, steeped in history and deeply tied to the rhythm of daily life in the capital. Unlike its Southern cousin, Pho Hanoi is known for its clear, savory broth, restrained use of herbs, and the delicate balance of scallions and spices that allow the ingredients to shine. In every early-morning slurp, there’s a quiet ritual that locals have perfected over generations. For both discerning travelers and devoted Hanoians, the search for the best pho restaurant in Hanoi is not just about taste — it’s about tradition, memory, and identity. Explore with Chapter Dining the top 5 best pho Hanoi restaurants for authentic flavors.
When speaking of pho Hanoi, one recalls a dish that has journeyed through generations. First emerging in the 1930s as a humble street food, pho was served from wooden carrying poles with bowls, chopsticks, and a steaming pot of fragrant broth. By the 1990s, pho had evolved — often enjoyed with crispy fried dough sticks or a soft-poached egg. Today, this iconic specialty can be found in eateries ranging from simple street corners to high-end restaurants, with beef prepared in various styles: rare, well-done, or stir-fried. Served piping hot and deeply flavorful, pho Hanoi remains a soulful taste of Vietnam, adaptable to every palate.
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Pho Bo Ho Loi
- Address: No 28 – 209 An Duong Vuong alley, Tay Ho, Hanoi
- Opening hours: 05:30 – 13:30
- Price: 45,000 – 70,000 VND
Pho Bo Ho Loi is where precision meets passion. The broth is simmered from beef bones for over 18 hours, creating a rich, full-bodied flavor that’s clean and free from MSG. Owner Ms. Hoa uses a blend of grilled ginger, onions, fish sauce, and Vietnamese spices for a naturally deep taste without overpowering herbs.
What sets this place apart is its commitment to quality: the rice noodles are soft yet chewy, and the beef is always fresh, sourced from trusted farms. A standout is the slow-braised beef rib pho, introduced when Ms. Hoa discovered the delicious potential of bones used for broth. For those seeking a bowl of pho Hanoi crafted with care and character, Ho Loi is a must-try.
Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su
- Address: 10 Ly Quoc Su, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Opening hours: 06:00 – 22:00
- Price: 50,000 – 130,000 VND
A staple in the Old Quarter for over 2 decades, Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su has earned its place on the Michelin Guide thanks to its consistency, quality, and crowd-pleasing bowls. The broth here is crystal-clear, fragrant, and naturally sweet from long-simmered marrow bones — no MSG needed.
The rice noodles are slightly coarse and springy, staying firm even when soaked in hot broth. The menu offers variety, from traditional rare beef pho to stir-fried and deep-fried noodle dishes. Service is fast, professional, and well-organized — making it ideal for both locals and first-time visitors exploring pho Hanoi culture.
Pho Bo Au Trieu Hanoi
- Address: 34 Au Trieu, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Opening hours: 06:30 – 10:00
- Price: 40,000 – 65,000 VND
Right beside Hanoi’s iconic St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Pho Bo Au Trieu offers a richer, deeper take on pho Hanoi. Listed in the Michelin Bib Gourmand, recognized for both quality and value, the broth here is not clear but cloudy and fatty, made by slow-cooking marrow-rich beef bones with minimal herbs. It delivers an intense flavor that balances boldness with warmth. So if you’re someone who enjoys rich, full-bodied flavors, this pho Hanoi spot is the perfect choice.
Owner Ms. Nga represents the fourth generation of this family-run institution. Though it only opens in the morning, the place is always packed with long queues of loyal customers. The preparation is meticulous: beef bones are cracked, boiled, skimmed, and gently simmered with ginger and fish sauce for hours. The result? A hearty bowl of pho with melt-in-your-mouth beef and a broth that locals crave for its nostalgic, home-style depth.
Pho Thin Lo Duc Hanoi
- Address: 13 Lo Duc, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi
- Opening hours: 05:00 – 22:00
- Price: 50,000 – 70,000 VND
Since 1979, Pho Thin has built a legacy around its signature ‘phở tái lăn’ — beef stir-fried over high heat with garlic and ginger before being served in hot broth. This process adds a smoky, caramelized aroma that gives the pho a bold, oily richness not found in traditional styles.
Mr. Nguyễn Trọng Thìn, the founder, created this signature bowl during a time of scarcity. Today, it remains a favorite for those who enjoy pho Hanoi with a flavorful, slightly charred edge. Expect a layer of oil and generous handfuls of sliced scallions on top — an indulgent twist on the classic pho experience.
Pho Gia Truyen Bat Dan
- Address: 49 Bat Dan, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Opening hours: 06:00 – 10:00 & 18:00 – 20:30
- Price: 50,000 – 60,000 VND
Pho Bat Dan is one of the oldest pho Hanoi restaurants, dating back over 100 years. This no-frills eatery is all about preserving the roots of Northern pho: clear, pure beef broth with no added MSG, topped with thinly sliced tender beef and minimal herbs. It’s no surprise that Pho Gia Truyen has been named in the Michelin Guide’s recommended list.
Guests queue outside and serve themselves — part of the charm and authenticity that feels like stepping back in time. After a long wait, diners follow the “three selves”: self-order, self-pay, and self-serve their own bowl of pho.
The broth is simple yet profound, drawing flavor purely from beef bones, a dash of fish sauce, and long, slow cooking. To accompany this steaming hot bowl of pho, diners always add a bit of fragrant scallions, black pepper, garlic vinegar, and a squeeze of lime. In Hanoi’s pho culture, crispy quẩy (fried dough sticks) dipped into the broth or a soft-boiled egg add both richness and nourishment to the meal. It’s a place where each spoonful echoes generations of tradition — perfect for those seeking pho Hanoi in its most timeless, authentic form.
From bold innovations to time-honored recipes, these 5 restaurants showcase the diverse styles and personalities behind pho Hanoi. Whether you prefer a clean, clear broth or a rich, beefy soup bursting with umami, Hanoi has something to satisfy every palate. Each of these spots carries a distinct story and flavor, ensuring that your pho journey through the capital Hanoi is both delicious and unforgettable.
