Hanoi Tours Guide to Pho: Unique Flavors Locals Recommend

Top 10 Must-Try Pho Spots in Hanoi (2025 Rankings)

1. Pho Gia Truyen – The Legendary Line-Up Spot

• Address: 49 Bat Dan Street, Hoan Kiem District
•  Price: 50,000-70,000 VND/bowl
• Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 AM | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

For what the locals call the best pho Hanoi Old Quarter has, head somewhere like this. At Pho Gia Truyen, you don’t just have a meal, you participate in a ritual. This place is pure old-school, traditional pho done right; it’s got a take-no-prisoners, self-service attitude (yes, you’ll wait in line and hold your bowl).

The broth here is clean, subtle, and deep-flavored from hours of simmering beef bones, and star anise and ginger add an aromatic edge. The thinly sliced meat is so tender that it melts in your mouth, with the noodles being soft and sleek, and the green onions are used as the simplest of garnish. No gimmicks here, just straightforward, honest beef pho. This beloved spot, with its authenticity, long family history, and dedicated local following.

Looking to create an entire food experience? Put it on your list of Hanoi local foods to discover in the Capital, or make it a breakfast accompanied by a walk through Hoan Kiem Lake and the best breakfast in Hanoi!

Pho Gia Truyen (Source: guidemichelin)

2. Pho Thin Lo Duc – Stir-Fried Beef, Smoky Broth Magic

• Address: 13 Lo Duc Street, Hai Ba Trung District
•  Price: 60,000-70,000 VND/bowl
•  Hours: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Next up on our search for the Best Pho in Hanoi: a legendary bowl that defies the norm, Pho Thin Lo Duc. This is the spot known for its sizzling, fragrant take on pho bo. Rather than the usual slices of raw beef in broth, they make it by stir-frying beef with garlic just before serving it, which adds a deeper, smokier dimension to the bowl, distinguishing it from anything else in town.

Locals long for the rich flavored broth that envelops a shiny blanket of fat holding every spicy and umami note. Whether you get a splash of their spicy chili sauce, some vinegar, and a squeeze from a lime wedge and you’ve got a bowl that is bold, addictive, and one of a kind.

This is required if you like strong flavors and one of the true legends of some of the best pho in Hanoi Old Quarter!

Pho Thin Lo Duc (Source: thegioitiepthi)

3. Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su – Presidential Favorite, Balanced Broth

• Address: 10 Ly Quoc Su Street, Hoan Kiem District
•  Price: 60,000-90,000 VND/bowl
•  Hours: 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM | 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM

No roster of Best Pho in Hanoi would be complete without Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su, a household name among pho places in Hanoi and known to be a favorite of none of than South Korea’s President Moon Jae-in.

What makes this place shine? Its broth is a masterful hymn, clear and yet deep, and subtly sweet, beautifully balanced, and a little bit star-anise-like. The beef cuts here, rare on up to well-done, are always tender beef, thinly sliced and fanned across soft, chewy noodles. Each bowl is generously portioned, garnished with green onions, and sent out with optional add-ins: bean sprouts, herbs, and extra garlic vinegar.

And then, of course, there’s Highland, the sort of spot that has fans coming back for more, one of the top contenders in the race for the best pho Hanoi Old Quarter scene, and a certified must-visit in any serious Hanoi local food itinerary. It is also a perfect base to another famous name on this list – St. Joseph’s Cathedral, and you’ve got the best beginning of the day, maybe the best breakfast in Hanoi!

Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su (Source: live2makan)

4. Pho Suong – Hidden Alley Gem with Tender Cuts

• Address: 24 Trung Yen Alley, Hoan Kiem District
•  Price: 40,000-70,000 VND/bowl
•  Hours: 5:30 AM – 11:00 AM | 4:30 PM – 9:30 PM

Hidden in downtown Hanoi, a small alley just walk 2 minutes to the Hoan Kiem Lake when speaking of Pho Suong – ( Suong in Vietnamese means Happy ), then trust me, you will know the reason why I put this list of pie for Best Pho in Hanoi.

The place is known for its thick noodles, which swim with chiffonades of roast chashu in a fortified braise of a broth, bone marrow wedding itself to hot water. The beef? They are thinly sliced, cooked to the very verge of doneness, and good to the very last one. And whether you opt for rare, brisket, or mixed beef cuts, every bowl ends with fragrant green onions and a dry dash of fresh herbs.

But locals keep coming back not just for the quality but for the nostalgic, no-fuss setting. Whether you’re piecing together your perfect Hanoi local food tour, scratching the surface of your top best breakfast in Hanoi, make sure you don’t overlook this charming corner of Hanoi’s food map. Pho Suong - Hanoi old quarter in 2020 for Beef Noodle Soup (Soup) is one of the shining stars of the best pho Hanoi Old Quarter.

Pho Suong (Source: vietnamnet)

5. Pho Bo Khoi Hoi – The “Secret Broth” Recipe from the Subsidy Era

• Address: 50C Hang Vai Street, Hoan Kiem District
•  Price: 40,000-90,000 VND/bowl
•  Hours: 6:00 AM – 9:30 PM

Are you prepared for a time-traveling pho bo experience? Welcome to Pho Bo Khoi Hoi, where each bowl of pho is a testament to Hanoi’s culinary endurance during the Subsidy Era. Natives like to say that, “Uncle Khoi makes pho that hugs the soul.” And one spoonful later, you will.

This is no ordinary beef noodle soup. The broth is wonderful here, deep and bone-rich, with a nice twist: mint. It’s gently simmered with spices like cinnamon, star anise, and cardamom, which gives it that delicious, rich flavorful punch. Throw in some baby beef and you’re living the hidden gem life.

This restaurant is popular with both old-timers and youngsters in this area. Located in the middle of the best pho Hanoi Old Quarter, it’s the kind of place you’d only find through word of mouth from a guide. Now you do.

Pho Bo Khoi Hoi (Source: kenh14)

6. Pho Cuong – Affordable Nam Dinh-style Pho

• Address: 23 Hang Muoi Street, Hoan Kiem District
•  Price: 45,000-80,000 VND/bowl
•  Hours: 6:30 AM – 10:00 PM

Hunting down excellent pho bo that doesn’t break the bank? Pho Cuong is your go-to. Delivering a bowl of both humble and heavenly delight, it does so in a fusion of the proud traditions of Nam Dinh, the spiritual home of traditional pho, in the heart of Hanoi.

The broth is lighter than many do but still intensely aromatic, allowing the flavors of the tender beef and silky noodles to shine. Everything is fresh, and each bowl is topped with a dash of scallions, a splash of vinegar, and if you’re game, a spoonful of their house chili sauce.

The difference between Pho Cuong and many of the pho restaurants in Hanoi is that here you’ll find good value: quality taste, good portions, and a local environment without the masses. Though its notoriety doesn’t expose widely, it is worth a visit if you are working on your Hanoi local food list or craving for something raw and tasty alongside the best breakfast in Hanoi.

Pho Cuong (Source: bld)

7. Pho Ga Nguyet – Chicken Pho Mastered with Michelin Recognition

• Address: 5B Phu Doan Street, Hoan Kiem District
•  Price: 40,000-90,000 VND/bowl
•  Hours: 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM | 4:00 PM – 12:30 AM

Don’t eat beef? No problem! Hanoi Pho Ga Nguyet has cemented its name on the Hanoi food scene with chicken pho good enough to win it a Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2023. It’s no small achievement, trust me, it’s well deserved.

The broth is remarkably clear, yet full of umami, shaped by simmered chicken bones, ginger, and coriander roots. The chicken is juicy and has fleshly thighs, breast, or wings. And this spot serves pho in a dry style (no broth), tossed with house sauce and herbs for a refreshing twist.

It is a great option for those visiting who are seeking the Best Pho in Hanoi and looking for some variety. And if you’re scheming a morning food crawl in the neighborhood of the Old Quarter, Pho Ga Nguyet should be your partner in getting the best breakfast in Hanoi possible.

Pho Ga Nguyet (Source: phoganguyet)

8. Pho Bung Hang Trong – One Type Only, One Perfect Bowl

• Address: 8 Hang Trong Street, Hoan Kiem District
•  Price: 30,000-55,000 VND/bowl
•  Hours: 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Hidden steps from the frenetic Hoan Kiem Lake, Pho Bung Hang Trong is the unsung Best Pho in Hanoi. It’s not very long and luxurious; there are no fancy add-ons or a long menu. It does just a single thing, in fact: beef pho, and it does it so unassuming but so well.

In each bowl of pho, slices of well-done brisket, sliced thin as paper, hover in a crystal-clear broth that is light and deeply savory. The flavors keep to a sotto voce register, no bombshell of spice, just the coy call of star anise, ginger, and long-simmered beef cuts. That, plus a squeeze of lime wedge, a pinch of green onion, and you’ve got a bowl that embodies the most important flavors of pho: the bright, fresh, and aromatic.

It’s loved by locals for its consistency, serene vibe, and melt-in-your-mouth brisket. It’s one of the underrated in the best pho Hanoi Old Quarter list, and a great afternoon break for people who cherish simple, soulful food. Stick it on your map of Hanoi local food joints, or combine it with a leisurely walk before the best breakfast in Hanoi tomorrow!

Pho Bung Hang Trong (Source: ĐoànMinhPhương)

9. Pho Thanh Beo – Stir-Fried Pho for Night Owls

• Address: 11 Hang Buom Street, Hoan Kiem District
•  Price: 70,000 VND/plate
•  Hours: 6:00 PM – 3:30 AM

Do you ever wonder what would happen if pho got brass? Welcome to Pho Thanh Beo, a pho restaurant in Hanoi that’s rethinking tradition right before your eyes, with a wok and a flame. Here you won’t find soup, you’ll find the stir-fried pho, steaming because it’s still cooking hot, umami-stuffed, and with a side of late-night buzz.

Their signature dish, stir-fried pho bo, is comprised of soft marinated beef, crispy on the edges, stirred into a mass of noodles, garlic, and a melange of greens that are still toothsome. The flavors are smoking, savory, and satisfyingly rich. And don’t ignore the homemade chili sauce, it’s the spark that ignites the dish.

The most off-the-wall place on the Best Pho in Hanoi list, Pho Thanh Beo is a favourite with night workers, young foodies, and adventurous tourists. It has a special kind of pho that you must try if going through your best pho Hanoi Old Quarter list at night.

Pho Thanh Beo (Source: PhởBòThanhBéo)

10. Pho Tien Nguyen Truong To – A Chicken Pho for Connoisseurs

• Address: 103 Nguyen Truong To Street, Ba Dinh District
•  Price: 50,000-100,000 VND/bowl
•  Hours: 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM | 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM

Rounding off for the chicken lovers is a gem: Pho Tien, the only pho restaurant in Hanoi to get onto the Michelin Selected List. This spot’s been an anchor in the neighborhood for more than two generations, serving steaming bowls of chicken pho with integrity and care.

The broth is a revelation, clear and golden and scented with ginger, coriander root, and sweet marrow of slow-cooked poultry. A bowl of pho is served with your choice of chicken parts: thigh, wing, or tender, shredded breast, and fragrant, forward-thinking green onions and a modicum of fresh herbs (the latter comes on the side).

Known by far and wide as the de facto standard for elegance, balance, and tradition, it’s that quiet icon in the Best Pho in Hanoi game. And despite being just outside the Old Quarter, it’s a requis­ite stop for any serious pho bo fan looking to expand their palate. Slide it onto your Hanoi hit list after getting stuck into the best breakfast in Hanoi, or if you’re on the lookout for a light alternative to Hanoi local food staples.

Pho Tien Nguyen Truong To (Source: momo)

Local Tips to Eat Pho Like a True Hanoian

Go Early – Before the Rush Hits

When’s the best time to plunge into a hot bowl of pho bo? Just after sunrise. In many of the most popular local pho restaurants in Hanoi (some of which include Pho Suong and Pho Gia Truyen were part of the unofficial best pho Hanoi Old Quarter circuit), open as early as 5:30 AM, and by 7:00 AM are lines that wrap around the building. Want to know what the pulse of the city is? Go before the crowds, when the broth is freshest and the pace of Hanoi has yet to reach full throttle.

Sauce Light, Slurp Loud

Only authentic Hanoians will cover their beef pho in hoisin or chili sauce. These are all meant to take a back seat to the rich, flavorful broth, clear and fragrant and softly perfumed with star anise and ginger, with whisperings of beef that has been slowly simmered all day. Just a little lime wedge, a whiff of chili, a few sprigs of fresh herbs, that’s all you’ll need. And, yes, slurping is not just permitted, it’s encouraged. That’s how you drop the broth temperature and take in the smell of the bite!

Always Order Quay on the Side

What’s better to eat with your warm bowl of pho? A couple of pieces of quay, the crisp fried dough sticks, were plunged directly into the soup. Top it with a scorching cup of black coffee or hot green tea, and you’ve got a power breakfast that simply can’t compare to anything on our best breakfast in Hanoi list!

Street-side Stools, Always a Good Sign

Hanoians are not fussy about chairs; if the food is good, we sit on anything. That’s sidewalks, plastic stools, or group tables wedged into skinny alleys. Best pho Hanoi Old Quarter haunts like Pho Bung Hang Trong or Pho Vui have you eating magic in unsophisticated settings. So claim your spot, take in some street vibe, and slurp like a local.

Conclusion

The Best Pho in Hanoi isn’t a meal but a culinary adventure that digs the spoon into the very soul of Vietnamese culture. Whether it’s smoky bowls in the hidden alleys of Hanoi or the delicate broths you find near Hoan Kiem Lake, each pho you’ll encounter there will speak to you. Make a round of a couple of them, considering the broth, the cuts of beef, and the vibe, that’s where you’ll find the best pho Hanoi Old Quarter has to offer.