Discover Hanoi’s renowned pho brands, such as Pho Thin, Pho Ngoc Vuong, and others, at the upcoming Pho Festival in 2024.
Taking place from March 15 to 17 in Nam Dinh City, this festival aims to celebrate the art of traditional pho-making. It’s also an opportunity for both tourists and locals to savor and explore the diverse flavors of pho, which are deeply rooted in regional cultures throughout Vietnam.
| A long queue of diners at Pho Bat Dan, Hanoi. Photo: Minh An/The Hanoi Times |
The festival will feature various activities aiming to promote Vietnamese cuisine and drive pho towards becoming a symbol of national pride, contributing to the growth of domestic and international tourism. Vietnam is currently preparing a dossier to submit to UNESCO to have Vietnamese Pho recognized as a World Heritage Site.
Le Thi Thiet, the President of the Nam Dinh Culinary Culture Association, shared that the festival will include a Vietnamese Pho Street comprising more than 50 booths representing pho brands from all over the country. These booths will be organized into three sections, showcasing distinct types of pho from the North, Central, and South regions, along with the range of ingredients and spices used to create this beloved dish.
Exciting festival activities include a pho culture exhibition, a spectacular giant pho bowl preparation, pho-themed photo booths, and thought-provoking discussions on the evolution of pho from the past to the future. Visitors will also have the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the process of making pho.
According to Le Thi Thiet, this event aims to elevate the image of Vietnamese pho and the value of Vietnamese cuisine on the global gastronomy map, while also showcasing the potential of Vietnam’s flourishing tourism industry.
| One of Hanoi’s specialties is chicken pho. Photo: Bao Chau/The Hanoi Times |
During the festival, visitors can indulge in pho at one-third of its regular market price.
Here are the top ten pho shops in Hanoi:
1. Pho Bat Dan: Located at 49 Bat Dan Street, Hoan Kiem District. This renowned location is famous not only for its traditional and delicious pho but also for its long queues that stretch throughout the entire day.
2. Pho Thin: Situated at 13 Lo Duc Street, Hai Ba Trung District. The meat used in this establishment is quickly stir-fried with ginger, onions, and garlic before being placed on the pho plate. The broth here is slightly thicker compared to other places.
3. Pho Ly Quoc Su: Found at 10 Ly Quoc Su Street, Hoan Kiem District. This venue always serves fresh and tender beef.
4. Pho Vui: Located at 25 Hang Giay Street, Hoan Kiem District. Pho Vui offers various beef noodle variations, including medium rare beef, well-done beef, brisket with flank, and beef tenderloin.
5. Pho Suong: Available at 24B Trung Yen Alley, Dinh Liet Street, Hoan Kiem District; 1/26 Nguyen Hong Street, Dong Da District; and 36B Mai Hac De Street, Hai Ba Trung District. Pho Suong is widely recognized for its light and sweet broth, made by simmering beef bones and meat for hours.
6. Pho Nho: Situated at 27A Huynh Thuc Khang, Dong Da District. This place combines elastic noodles, tender beef slices, and the delightful piquancy of onion to create a simple yet captivating flavor.
7. The beef noodle shop at 1 Hang Trong Street, Hoan Kiem District. Although considered ordinary, the pho from this street stall stands out thanks to its light broth and tender beef.
8. Pho ga Cham: Located at 63 Yen Ninh Street, Ba Dinh District. This establishment typically offers 4-5 large chicken pieces, but customers can request eggs, half-boiled eggs, or organ meat as well.
9. Pho Ngoc Vuong: Found at 108 – G22 Huynh Thuc Khang Street, Dong Da District; 1 Le Van Luong Street, Thanh Xuan District; 349 Doi Can Street and 50 Dao Tan Street, Ba Dinh District. The quality of beef served at this establishment is impeccable, as every slice is meticulously cut thin, tender, and succulent. The shop has been in operation for three generations.
10. Pho ga Nguyet: Located at 5 Phu Doan Street, Hoan Kiem District. Chicken pho is the star of the show at this establishment and comes highly recommended by the Michelin Guide.
