Attractions

Pho Bo: A Culinary Odyssey Through Hanoi’s Historic Old Quarter Eateries

12 October, 2025

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THE HANOI TIMES — For many locals, pho bo, the soul-warming beef noodle soup, transcends mere sustenance. It’s a cherished ritual, a daily comfort deeply ingrained in the fabric of life for Hanoians, particularly those in the Old Quarter.

Starting the day with a steaming bowl of this aromatic broth is an unbreakable tradition.

Hanoi’s Old Quarter boasts a unique *pho bo* experience, with flavors found nowhere else. Photo: Duy Khanh/The Hanoi Times

Whether enjoyed at a bustling street-side stall or a hidden gem tucked away for decades, each bowl tells a story. Below, we explore five iconic pho bo destinations that have captivated both locals and international visitors alike.

Dining in Hanoi’s Old Quarter is an immersive experience. Expect tiny plastic stools, shoulder-to-shoulder seating with locals, and the vibrant energy of a bustling sidewalk. Be prepared to wait, especially at popular spots, but trust us – every spoonful of pho bo is worth the anticipation.

Pho Bo Khoi Hoi

A bowl of Pho Khoi Hoi. Photo: Hana Trang

Named after its beloved, bald owner, Pho Bo Khoi Hoi is a treasure among Hanoi’s pho aficionados. Despite its modest size, this 50 Hang Vai Street shop has earned a coveted spot on the Michelin Guide’s Bib Gourmand list, celebrating exceptional yet affordable dining.

The star here is the beef tendon pho. The tendons are cooked to perfection – tender yet chewy, rich without being greasy. The broth, light, clear, and subtly sweet, embodies the essence of Hanoi’s traditional pho style.

What sets this place apart is its unwavering commitment to tradition. The owner and his wife personally prepare and serve each bowl, ensuring the dish’s authentic flavor endures for generations.

Lam Pho Bo

Nestled within a family home at 48 Hang Vai Street, Lam Pho Bo initially appears unassuming. With limited seating, guests often spill onto the sidewalk or even neighboring tea shops during peak hours, adding to its charm.

Renowned for its pho loi bo (beef shin shank pho), this dish features a prized cut marbled with fat, offering a tender, flavorful bite. Only five kilograms of this premium meat are served daily, sourced from local suppliers to guarantee freshness.

The broth, gently sweet and clean, is crafted in small batches with meticulous care. Dining at Lam Pho Bo transcends mere eating; it’s witnessing a family’s quiet pride in preserving a culinary legacy.

Pho Bo Au Trieu

Just steps from the iconic St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Pho Bo Au Trieu offers a bolder, richer broth than typical Hanoi pho. The secret lies in a family recipe, passed down for over 80 years, resulting in a cloudy, fatty, and utterly addictive broth.

Ngo Thi Phi Nga, granddaughter of Pho Tu Lun’s founder, upholds the tradition, insisting on handcrafted techniques. Every piece of beef, whether rare or brisket, is meticulously sliced by hand and served fresh.

Following its Michelin distinction in 2023, the restaurant saw a surge in customers. Even if you find yourself seated on a borrowed chair at a nearby café, your pho bo will arrive promptly, its unforgettable flavor making the wait worthwhile.

Pho Duc Khoi

Khoi, a descendant of the family behind the legendary Pho Suong, has forged his own path with Pho Duc Khoi at 45C Phung Hung Street in Cua Nam Ward. This restaurant is celebrated for its meticulous attention to detail, from the artfully sliced beef to the perfectly balanced, aromatic broth.

Unlike some modern interpretations, the minimalist broth here contains only ginger, grilled onions, and premium fish sauce, omitting star anise and cinnamon. This results in a light, sweet, and clean flavor profile. The beef, especially the rare slices, is so fresh it clings to your hand when cut.

Despite its narrow space, diners flock to Pho Duc Khoi for its harmonious flavors and the respectful continuation of a decades-old family tradition.

Pho Van

By 7:30 AM each morning, Pho Van at 14 O Quan Chuong is alive with the sizzle of beef, clinking bowls, and lively chatter. For over 30 years, Pham Thi Bich Van, now in her 70s, has been serving steaming bowls of rare beef pho that keep locals and tourists returning.

Here, the beef is briefly stir-fried with garlic over high heat before being layered atop the pho noodles. Hot broth is then poured over, infusing the meat with deep flavor and tenderness.

Despite its popularity and resulting crowds, service remains swift and efficient. The recipe, unchanged for three decades, stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of Hanoi’s pho.

For Hanoians, pho bo is more than food – it’s a way of life. They passionately debate broth styles, meat cuts, and noodle textures with the same fervor others reserve for sports or politics. For visitors, savoring a bowl of pho in Hanoi is not just a culinary delight but a gateway to understanding the city’s rich culture. These five legendary spots offer a glimpse into Vietnam’s vibrant culinary heritage.