Looking for the best pho in Hanoi Old Quarter? You’re in the right place! In this guide, we’ll explore the top 10 restaurants where you can savor the most authentic and delicious pho in the vibrant streets of the Old Quarter. Whether you’re embarking on a Hanoi Old Quarter food tour or just stopping by for a quick meal, these spots offer a taste of Hanoi’s culinary heritage. From classic flavors passed down through generations to innovative takes on this beloved dish, these restaurants are a must-visit for any food enthusiast.
1. Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su
Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su is a top spot for the best pho in Hanoi Old Quarter. This humble eatery is known for its authentic pho, drawing both locals and tourists alike with its consistent quality. The signature beef pho, offered in various cuts, highlights their dedication to tradition.
What sets Pho 10 apart is the clear, flavorful broth made from slow-cooked beef bones and spices. Fresh ingredients like perfectly cooked rice noodles and tender beef make each bowl exceptional. Customize your pho with condiments to create a personalized and satisfying meal.
Opening hours: 6 AM – 10 PM
Address: 10 Ly Quoc Su, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Price: 40,000 – 60,000 VND (approximately $1.75 – $2.60)
2. Hanoi Food Culture Restaurant & Cooking Class
For those eager to taste the best pho in Hanoi Old Quarter and learn about its cultural significance, Hanoi Food Culture Restaurant & Cooking Class is the perfect destination. This unique establishment blends traditional dining with an interactive cooking school, offering a deep dive into Vietnamese cuisine.
Their pho, simmered for over 12 hours, delivers a rich and complex broth, available in both beef and chicken varieties. What truly sets this place apart is the chance to learn how to make pho yourself, turning your culinary journey into a hands-on experience.
Opening hours: 7 AM – 10 PM (Restaurant), Cooking classes by appointment
Address: 22 Hang Be, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Price: 120,000 – 150,000 VND for pho (approximately $5.20 – $6.50), Cooking classes are priced separately
3. MET Vietnamese Restaurant & Vegetarian Met 2
The restaurant has a diverse range of pho options that cater to all dietary preferences. Known for their quality and inclusivity, these restaurants are popular with both locals and tourists. At MET, you’ll find traditional meat-based pho, including beef, chicken, and a unique pork pho, all with lighter broths that highlight the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Vegetarian Met 2 provides plant-based diners with flavorful vegetarian and vegan pho options, such as tofu, mushroom, and seasonal vegetable pho. Both restaurants prioritize fresh, high-quality ingredients and offer various accompaniments for customizing your pho. The modern ambiance and welcoming service make MET and Vegetarian Met 2 ideal spots for all diners.
Opening hours: 10 AM – 9:30 PM
Address: 42 Luong Van Can, Hang Gai, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Price: 60,000 – 90,000 VND (approximately $2.60 – $3.90 USD)
4. Huong Viet Restaurant
Huong Viet Restaurant offers authentic home-style Vietnamese cooking in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Family-run for over three decades, it’s a favorite among locals and tourists. Their pho is known for its clear, flavorful broth, made by simmering bones and spices for hours. The beef pho, with tender slices of meat and options like beef balls or tripe, is a standout.
What sets Huong Viet apart is their use of traditional charcoal stoves, enhancing the flavor of their pho. With locally-sourced ingredients and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, this spot feels like a true taste of Vietnamese home cooking.
Opening hours: 6 AM – 10 PM
Address: 13 Hang Ca, Hang Bo, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Price: 50,000 – 70,000 VND (approximately $2.17 – $3.04 USD)
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5. Tung’s Kitchen
Tung’s Kitchen has quickly gained popularity among food lovers seeking the best pho in Hanoi Old Quarter. This modern eatery blends traditional flavors with contemporary presentation, offering a fresh take on the classic dish. While their traditional beef and chicken pho are excellent, it’s their innovative “pho fusion” creations that stand out, such as the “Pho Rossini” with seared foie gras or the seafood-packed “Pho Ocean.”
Despite these creative twists, Tung’s Kitchen maintains the essence of pho with carefully prepared broths and perfectly cooked noodles. The restaurant’s focus on presentation makes each bowl visually stunning, complementing the stylish decor that blends Vietnamese tradition with modern design.
Opening hours: 11 AM – 10 PM
Address: 2 Hang Tre, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Price: 80,000 – 150,000 VND (approximately $3.47 – $6.51 USD)
6. Era Restaurant
Era Restaurant offers an upscale dining experience while preserving the authenticity of traditional pho. Housed in a restored French colonial building, it combines old-world charm with modern culinary techniques. The extensive pho menu includes classic recipes and innovative variations, making it a must-visit for pho enthusiasts.
The signature Era Pho, with its 24-hour simmered broth and premium beef options like wagyu, is a highlight. For the adventurous, unique variations like seafood pho and French-inspired fusion pho showcase the chef’s creativity. With organic, locally sourced ingredients and an elegant atmosphere, Era elevates the pho experience to a new level.
Opening hours: 11 AM – 10 PM
Address: 48 Ma May, Hang Buom, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Price: 150,000 – 250,000 VND (approximately $6.50 – $10.85)
7. Hoang’s Restaurant – Vietnamese Cuisine & Vegan Food
This family-run restaurant has been serving delicious bowls of pho for generations and has been perfecting its recipe over the years. One of the restaurant’s standout dishes is the traditional beef pho, which has a rich, aromatic broth simmered for hours with beef bones, star anise, cinnamon and other secret spices.
The soup is served with tender slices of beef, fresh vermicelli and a variety of herbs such as Thai basil, cilantro and mint. What sets the restaurant apart is its attention to detail – each bowl is carefully crafted to ensure the perfect balance of flavours.
Opening hours: 10 AM – 10:30 PM
Address: 54 Hang Buom, Ham Buom, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Price: Around 99,000 VND (approximately $4.30)
8. Madam Tran Restaurant & Cooking Class
Madam Tran Restaurant & Cooking Class offers an immersive Vietnamese culinary experience, with their pho being a standout in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. The restaurant serves a variety of pho, including traditional beef pho with a rich, aromatic broth simmered for hours. For a unique twist, their duck pho is a must-try.
What sets Madam Tran apart is their cooking class, where guests can learn to make pho from expert chefs, covering everything from ingredient selection to broth-making. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available, ensuring all diners can enjoy flavorful, plant-based pho. The warm atmosphere and friendly staff make this spot perfect for both casual dining and culinary exploration.
Opening hours: 7 AM – 10 PM (Restaurant), Cooking classes by appointment
Address: 42B Dao Duy Tu, Hang Buom, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Price: 70,000 – 100,000 VND for pho (approximately $3.04 – $4.34 USD), Cooking classes priced separately
9. Pho Ga 26 Restaurant
For those seeking the best chicken pho in Hanoi Old Quarter, Pho Ga 26 Restaurant is a must-visit. This humble eatery is renowned for its flavorful and satisfying chicken pho. What sets Pho Ga 26 apart is their expertly crafted broth, simmered for hours with chicken bones and a blend of herbs and spices, resulting in a clear, aromatic base.
The free-range chicken, tender and juicy, is another highlight, with diners able to choose between white and dark meat. Freshly made noodles with the perfect texture and a generous portion of herbs complete the dish. Despite its popularity, the restaurant maintains a no-frills, local atmosphere, focusing entirely on delivering an authentic pho ga experience.
Opening hours: 6 AM – 10 PM
Address: 26 Hang Ga, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Price: 40,000 – 60,000 VND (approximately $1.74 – $2.60 USD)
10. Pho Bo Khoi Hoi
Rounding out our list of the best pho in Hanoi Old Quarter is Pho Bo Khoi Hoi, a local favorite for exceptional beef pho. This family-run restaurant has refined its recipe over generations, serving fresh, locally-sourced beef in a clear, flavorful broth. The broth, simmered with spices like cinnamon and star anise, is rich yet light.
Pho Bo Khoi Hoi stands out for its “self-serve” garnishes, letting diners customize their pho with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and chili peppers. Despite its small size and occasional wait times, its quality and authenticity make it a must-visit for pho enthusiasts.
Opening hours: 5 AM – 10 PM
Address: 50 Hang Va, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Price: 45,000 – 65,000 VND (approximately $1.95 – $2.82 USD)
Tips for enjoying Pho in Hanoi Old Quarter
To truly appreciate the best pho in Hanoi Old Quarter, keep these Vietnam Travel Tips in mind:
- Customize your bowl: Don’t be shy about adding herbs and condiments to your liking. A typical spread includes Thai basil, cilantro, mint, bean sprouts, lime wedges, chili peppers, and various sauces. Experiment to find your perfect combination.
- Respect the broth: Before adding any sauces, take a moment to taste the broth on its own. A well-made pho broth should be flavorful enough to stand alone.
- Master the chopsticks and spoon technique: Use your chopsticks to eat the noodles and meat, and the spoon for sipping the broth. It’s perfectly acceptable to lift the bowl to your mouth to drink the last of the broth.
- Embrace the local atmosphere: Many of the best pho restaurants in Hanoi’s Old Quarter are small, family-run establishments with simple decor. Don’t let appearances deceive you – often, these places serve the most authentic and delicious pho.
- Try different variations: While beef pho (pho bo) is the most famous, don’t miss out on chicken pho (pho ga) or even vegetarian options. Each has its unique flavors and textures.
- Pair your pho: Many restaurants offer traditional Vietnamese drinks like ca phe sua da (iced coffee with condensed milk) or tra da (iced green tea) that pair well with pho.
Exploring the best pho in Hanoi Old Quarter is an exciting culinary journey into Vietnamese culture and tradition. From the traditional beef pho at Pho Bo Khoi Hoi to the inventive dishes at Tung’s Kitchen, each spot offers a unique taste experience. Whether you’re enjoying vegetarian options at MET or learning to make pho at Madam Tran’s cooking class, these dining experiences reflect the richness of Vietnamese cuisine. Armed with these Vietnam Travel Tips, you’re set to discover your favorite bowl of pho in the heart of Hanoi.
