The 5 oldest restaurants in Saigon for tasting Pho

Present in Saigon for at least half a century, these canteens continue to be talked about by the gourmets who frequent them to savour the traditional Pho and also the variations adapted to all palates.

Certainly, the southern metropolis is not the cradle of Pho, but this flavour is certainly unmissable on the tables of Saigon. Eating Pho is not just about tasting the best Vietnamese soup, but also to discover a culinary tradition of a place, a region. Here is our address book of the 5 oldest restaurants in Saigon where you can go to experience a memorable taste sensation.

Pho Dau 

This restaurant dating from the end of the 1950s is, for many gourmands, a corner that is important to them. Originally from Nam Dinh, the northern style Pho became a favourite to generations of people in Saigon.

A bowl of Pho "tai nam" mixing slices of lean meat and greasy tendon should make you salivate at first sight. The soup broth of Pho Dau is not as sweet as other Saigonese restaurants. The cook is faithful to the typical Tonkinese flavour by preparing a broth made from simmering beef bones. Thin, the rice pasta is tender but tough and can be tasted in the harmony of the enticing smells between beef, onion and pepper.

Pho Hoa

Debuting in the 1960s, Pho Hoa is indisputably a place to see fully to discover the richness of Pho flavours in Saigon. This old travelling kiosk stands out over time as an ideal meeting place for fans of these famous noodles. The restaurant has something to delight Saigonese people by the typical, preserved culinary customs of the south.

In addition to the classic "Pho tai" menu or the beef Pho, you will have a wide choice of filling with "nam gan", "gau",lean or greasy beef... Not to mention the Pho with chicken, Pho with meatballs or Pho with ham which are also served to satiate diversified tastes. The key to Pho Hoa's success is due to the refined flavour of the broth, which is carefully prepared with meat and beef bones. To eat like a southern local, enjoy Pho with a generous plate of herbs and  beansprouts.

Address: 260C Pasteur, District 3
Opening: 7h - 22h
Price: 75.000 - 85.000 VND

Pho Cao Van

Found in the Mac Dinh Chi Street brimming with inns, this kitchen in its sixties is a stop for lovers of Pho Bac or northern style Pho. The recipe of Pho Cao Van is distinguished by a pure broth that is completed in harmony with fine white rice pasta and succulent beef. All are seasoned with scallions and onion to awaken all your taste buds. 

Address: 25 Mac Dinh Chi, District 1
Opening time: 6h - 22h30
Price: 50.000 - 55.000 VND

Pho Minh

This kitchen, where the nostalgia of a 1950s Saigon smells heavenly, should stop fans of the typical Pho soup of the north. Located in a small alley with modest tables and chairs, this corner is enough to make gourmets come back with the raging smell of ginger. Variants of their Pho are also available to satisfy the most demanding guests.

Address: 63/16 Pasteur Street, District 3
Opening time: 6h30 - 22h
Price: 60.000 - 80.000 VND

Pho Le

No doubt one of the best known places to eat Pho in Saigon, this restaurant made its appearance a little later than the others, opening in the 1970s.

Indulge in a tantalizing bowl full of flavours and spices from Pho Le, it’s a must for a real Pho Saigon experience. Very sweet compared to Pho Hanoi or ambassador of the northern Pho, the broth of Pho Le has an added piece of fat to enhance the taste of the dish. Bovine beef, tendon, beef balls, lean or greasy meat... there is something for everyone at Pho Le. A half-cooked chicken egg in a steaming bowl is also served as desired.

Address: 413 - 417 Nguyen Trai Street, District 5
Opening time: 6h - 1h
Price: 60.000 - 75.000 VND

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