5 Best Addresses for “Northern-style” Pho in Ho Chi Minh City

Even in the center of Ho Chi Minh City, lovers of Northern-style Pho can still find restaurants that satisfy their craving. This article presents a list of five must-visit establishments that have been preserving the traditional taste of Pho.

Pho Dau- An institution of Phở Bắc (Northern-style Pho) in Ho Chi Minh City

For over 60 years, Pho Dau has been the best address for traditional Northern-style Pho lovers in Ho Chi Minh City. Located in a small alley, this establishment offers the authentic taste of Nam Dinh-style Pho.

Simplicity is prioritized at Pho Dau. Instead of being served with a generous kind of fresh vegetables like a typical bowl of Southern-style pho, a bowl of pho in Pho Dau is served with just a garnish of coriander and onion, topped on thinly sliced tender beef. The bowl is then poured over with clear and fragrant steaming broth and accompanied by a small plate of raw onion, which allows diners to enhance the flavor to their liking.

While this establishment is frequented by diners, those familiar with Southern-style Pho might find Pho Dau’s broth not quite rich.

Opening hours: 5:00 AM - 1:00 PM 

Address: Alley 288, Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, Ward 8, District 3. 

Price: Between 90,000 to 100,000 VND. 

Pho Bo Phu Gia—A place for authentic Hanoi-style Pho taste

Pho Bo Phu Gia, originating from Hanoi, is another famous destination for Northern-style Pho in Ho Chi Minh City. Since 1997, this establishment, affectionately nicknamed “the conservative restaurant”, has been committed to a tradition firmly upheld by the owner despite customers’ requests: no vegetables served with the pho.

While offering many variations of beef pho, such as Pho Tai, Nam, and Gau, the specialty of Pho Bo Phu Gia is Pho Tai Lan, in which the beef is thinly sliced and quickly wok-fried in beef fat to enhance the taste. The broth, delicately spiced with notes of cinnamon, star anise, cardamom, and sá sùng (sea worm), offers a rich flavor experience.

However, the restaurant's limited space can mean long waits, especially at peak hours.

Opening hours: 5:00 AM -9:00 AM, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM 

Address: 146E, Ly Chinh Thang Street, District 3 

Price: 75,000-95,000 VND 

Pho Phuong- A recipe passed down through generations

For more than 40 years, Pho Phuong has been a go-to address for Pho lovers in Ho Chi Minh City. This family-run restaurant perpetuates a recipe inherited directly from Nam Dinh, with a few adjustments to satisfy southern palates.

Pho Phuong has twice been awarded the Bib Gourmand by the Michelin Guide 2024, which recognizes establishments with excellent cuisine at affordable prices.

At Pho Phuong, the broth is simmered for 20 hours with bones, meat, and oxtail, which helps develop a rich and mouth-watering flavor. The establishment welcomes hundreds of diners every day, which means the long wait is expected, but the taste is totally worth it. One important note to keep in mind: the oxtail dish, while appealing and tasty, might not suit all appetites. 

Opening hours: 5:30 AM - 8:30 PM

Address: 25 Hoang Sa Street, District 1

Price: 70,000 - 110,000 VND

Pho Hoang—A Michelin address in the center of the city 

Run by the sister of Pho Phuong’s owner, Pho Hoang shares the same family recipe but distinguishes itself with specialties such as Pho Tai and Bo Vien (Vietnamese beef meatball). The establishment was also given the Bib Gourmand award by the Michelin Guide in 2024, proof of the restaurant’s quality.

Offering a cozy ambiance and attentive service, Pho Hoang is an ideal pho restaurant for people seeking an authentic experience without compromising on quality.

Opening hours: 6:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Address: 460 Nguyen Tri Phuong Street, District 10
Price: 70,000 - 110,000 VND

Pho Phu Vuong – Pho for every appetite 

Featuring several branches in Ho Chi Minh City, Pho Vuong is known for its spacious setting and impeccable service. The broth is delicately sweet, achieved through a slow-cooking process that extracts flavors from bones and meat, staying true to the northern pho style while making slight adjustments to cater to southern tastes.

Pho lovers can customize their pho with various toppings, from Pho Tai to beef meatballs. The restaurant is also known for its generous portions and friendly atmosphere.

Opening hours: 5:30 AM - 12:00 AM

Address: 120 Nguyen Thai Binh Street, District 1

Price: 60,000 - 105,000 VND

These five establishments are evidence of Ho Chi Minh City's culinary wealth and its attachment to the phở Bắc tradition. Whether you're a curious visitor or a loyal resident, these addresses will delight your taste buds and offer you a gustatory immersion in the heart of authentic Vietnam. 

TOLUNHA

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