When it comes to Vietnamese cuisine, pho is undoubtedly a must-try dish. As an iconic symbol of Vietnamese culture and food, pho has won the hearts of millions of international tourists. However, each region of Vietnam offers a different version of pho, creating unique flavors. Among them, Pho Hanoi is considered the most refined, with its subtle yet rich taste. Let’s explore this famous dish in the article below.
Pho Hanoi: A Traditional Dish with Refined Flavors
The History of Pho Hanoi: A Dish That Has Existed for Centuries
Pho Hanoi originated in the early 20th century and quickly became an integral part of daily life for Hanoians. Initially, pho was sold by street vendors in small alleyways. Over time, the dish evolved and was perfected, but it still retains its traditional essence.
Pho is not only a favorite breakfast dish but is also served all day at many small eateries throughout the city. What makes Pho Hanoi stand out is the local method of preparation, with a delicate and balanced flavor in every sip of the broth. While southern pho tends to have a sweeter taste, Pho is known for its subtlety, impressing diners from the first taste.
The Key Ingredients for the Perfect Bowl of Pho Hanoi
A perfect bowl of Pho Hanoi requires fresh ingredients and meticulous preparation. Traditional Pho Hanoi includes soft, smooth rice noodles, a clear, fragrant broth made from beef or chicken, and tender slices of meat. All these elements come together to create a rich yet balanced bowl of pho.
Pho, Vietnamese’s most famous traditional food.
The Broth: The Soul of Pho
The broth of Pho is made by simmering beef or chicken bones for several hours to extract the natural sweetness. Spices such as star anise, cinnamon, onions, and ginger add the characteristic aroma. The difference in Pho Hanoi broth compared to other regions lies in its perfect balance: not too sweet, not too spicy, resulting in a light yet flavorful experience.
The Noodles and Meat
Hanoi pho noodles are thin, tender, and just the right texture—not too soft or too chewy. The beef is thinly sliced and briefly cooked in the hot broth, retaining its natural freshness. In addition to beef pho, you can also enjoy chicken pho, featuring soft, succulent poached chicken.
The Distinctive Flavor of Pho: A Perfect Balance of Light and Rich
Pho Hanoi is renowned for its delicately balanced flavors, especially in its broth. The broth is clear, naturally sweet, and not overwhelmed by strong spices. Unlike southern pho, which is often served with bean sprouts and herbs, Pho is simpler, with only a few slices of lime, a touch of chili sauce, and a sprinkle of fresh green onions to preserve the integrity of the broth’s flavor.
When you savor a bowl of Pho , you’ll experience the fragrance of onions, the sweetness of the bone broth, and the subtle lightness of the soup. These elements come together harmoniously, creating an unforgettable culinary experience.
Top Pho Restaurants in Hanoi You Shouldn’t Miss
1. Pho Cham Yen Ninh – Michelin Selected
Pho at Pho Cham is used with chicken.
One of the long-standing chicken pho restaurants that tourists should not miss when visiting Hanoi is Pho Cham Yên Ninh, which has been in operation for over 30 years. The restaurant specializes in serving chicken pho and is known for preparing a limited amount each day, closing once sold out. Therefore, visitors are encouraged to come early, starting from 6:30 AM, to have more options. Since its opening, the owner has always prioritized the quality of ingredients and food safety, personally overseeing every stage of preparation. Notably, the pho noodles here are hand-sliced rather than machine-cut, ensuring they remain soft and retain their traditional flavor.
2. Hang Trong Pho
Second, Hang Trong Pho is the famous address where people eat Pho while holding it on hands. Due to the limited working hours (from 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM), the food stalls are highly visited by the early guests. A special thing about this shop is that people will eat Beef Pho while one hand holds the bowl and another hand uses the chopsticks to take the noodles. They put the bowl to the mouth and slurp the broth. That is the unique style of Hang Trong Pho. Though it’s “hard-working”, it’s delectable with the enchanting aroma. Hang Trong Pho certainly makes your Vietnam Discovery Tour more interesting.
3. Bat Dan Pho
Third, Bat Dan Pho is the inherited and historical shop that the tourists must visit to evaluate the original Hanoi Pho taste and the tradition of queuing – the special culinary trait right in Hanoi. When it comes to your turn, your order the Beef Pho, pay the price, and receive the “reward” – a bowl of mouth-watering Pho with the clear broth, aromatic slices of beef, etc. Having a breakfast at Bat Dan Pho is quite often recommended in Vietnam Family Tours.
The space of the restaurant shows the longevity of the pho restaurant.
4. Thin Pho
Fourth, Thin Pho serves the oldest and greasiest Pho in Hanoi. With more than 30 years of experience, Thin Pho establishes its name with the single food choice – the Beef Pho. Following the different technique, this shop creates the greasy broth with the stir-fried beef. The Pho here is sweet, aromatic, and greasy, but many guests do feel addictive to such peculiar taste.
5. Pho Ly Quoc Su (10 Ly Quoc Su)
This is one of the most loved pho restaurants by both locals and tourists. The broth here is cooked with meticulous attention to harmony, not too strong, while still maintaining the natural sweetness.
How to Properly Enjoy Pho: An Art in Every Bowl
Enjoying Pho Hanoi is not just about eating a meal, but about experiencing a unique culinary culture. Hanoians often eat pho leisurely, savoring each layer of flavor.
You can add a bit of chili sauce or fresh chili for a mild spiciness. Some people like to squeeze a little lime for a light sourness, but this depends on personal taste. A special feature of Pho Hanoi is that it is not served with many fresh herbs like southern pho, just a little green onion and fresh herbs to enhance the flavor without overpowering the broth.
Experience Pho When Visiting Vietnam.
Pho is not just a dish but a symbol of Vietnamese cuisine, especially in the capital city of Hanoi. If you have the chance to visit Hanoi, don’t miss the opportunity to try Pho Hanoi – one of the most exquisite dishes this country has to offer.
To have a complete journey of exploring Hanoi’s cuisine and culture, contact Paradise Travel to book a tour to Hanoi. We not only bring you the finest culinary experiences but also help you discover the unique cultural aspects of Vietnam’s capital city.
Contact Paradise Travel today to plan your trip and experience an authentic bowl of Pho Hanoi!
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