Ho Chi Minh City, commonly known as Saigon, is Vietnam’s largest city, teeming with lively culture, a rich historical backdrop, and an array of mouthwatering cuisine. Among the many dishes, pho stands out prominently. This iconic Vietnamese noodle soup has become popular around the world and can be found almost anywhere. However, there’s nothing quite like enjoying authentic pho in its place of origin—Ho Chi Minh City.
For culinary enthusiasts, sampling various pho restaurants in this dynamic city is essential. With so many options available, choosing the best can be a challenge. To make your experience easier, we’ve put together a list of the top pho spots in Ho Chi Minh City. Join us as we explore the finest pho offerings this city has to offer!
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1. History of Pho in Ho Chi Minh City
Before exploring the top pho restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City, it’s important to understand the history of this cherished dish. Pho, pronounced “fuh,” originated in Northern Vietnam during the early 20th century. It was originally sold as street food by vendors who balanced two baskets on a pole: one contained a steaming pot of beef broth, while the other held necessary ingredients like rice noodles, herbs, and spices.
As pho became more popular, various versions of the dish developed. The two primary types are pho bo (beef pho) and pho ga (chicken pho). Both offer a rich broth made from simmered beef or chicken bones, complemented by aromatic herbs and spices, served with rice noodles and a range of toppings. Today, pho is widely available across all regions of Vietnam and is a common dish in many Vietnamese homes.
2. The Best Pho in Ho Chi Minh City
Now that we’ve explored the history of pho, it’s time to discover the best places to try this delicious dish in Ho Chi Minh City. From local eateries to high-end restaurants, here are six must-visit spots for the ultimate pho experience.
2.1 Pho Hoa Pasteur
Nestled on Pasteur Street in District 1, Pho Hoa Pasteur has been delighting diners with its hot bowls of pho since 1963. Often referred to as the “Pho King” of Ho Chi Minh City, it remains a top choice for both locals and visitors. As the first pho chain in Vietnam, Pho Hoa Pasteur boasts over 60 branches nationwide and even international spots.
Signature Dishes
- Pho Bo Tai (beef pho with rare beef slices)
- Pho Ga (chicken pho)
- Pho Chien Phong (fried pho topped with meat and vegetables)
Pho Hoa Pasteur is known for its unique recipe, which entails simmering the broth for a minimum of six hours to create a deep and flavorful foundation. The pho is accompanied by delicate rice noodles, along with a selection of fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and lime wedges for you to customize to your liking. The broth is light, yet full of depth and umami flavors, making it one of the best pho broths in the city.
2.2 Pho Le
Located in District 5, Pho Le is a popular spot among locals who flock here for their famous pho bo kho (stewed beef pho). In contrast to the classic pho bo, pho bo kho includes pieces of soft beef and tendon that are slowly simmered in a rich broth infused with spices such as cinnamon, star anise, and cloves. This dish has a slightly sweeter taste compared to regular pho bo, making it a must-try for those looking to try something new.
Signature Dishes:
- Pho Bo Kho (stewed beef pho)
- Pho Bo Tai Nam (beef pho with rare beef slices and well-done brisket)
- Pho Chien Phong Trung (fried pho topped with eggs)
In addition to their well-known pho bo kho, Pho Le provides various other pho options, including pho ga (chicken pho) and vegetarian pho. The broth at Pho Le is both clear and rich in taste, while the meat is consistently tender and bursting with flavor. This makes it a strong contender for the best pho in Ho Chi Minh City.
2.3 Pho Thin
Located in District 1, Pho Thin is a small alleyway restaurant that has been around since the 1930s. It’s hidden away from the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City, but its fame has spread far and wide. Pho Thin is famous for its distinctive approach to pho. They present the broth separately from the noodles and toppings, giving customers the flexibility to combine them as they prefer.
Signature Dishes:
- Pho Xao (stir-fried pho noodles with beef and vegetables)
- Pho Tron (pho noodles mixed with herbs, beef, and peanuts)
- Pho Ga (chicken pho)
The broth at Pho Thin is much darker and more robust than traditional pho, thanks to the addition of caramelized onions. This gives the broth a slightly sweet and smoky flavor, which pairs well with the savory beef and herbs. A visit to Pho Thin is a must for those looking to try a unique and delicious twist on the classic pho.
2.4 Pho Hung
Pho Hung is another restaurant that has been around since the 1930s and is known for its famous pho bo kho. It is located in District 1, just a short walk from Ben Thanh Market. This modest and unpretentious restaurant might not appear impressive, but its pho is famous among both locals and visitors.
Signature Dishes:
- Pho Bo Kho (stewed beef pho)
- Pho Bo Tai (beef pho with rare beef slices)
- Pho Chien Phong Trung (fried pho topped with eggs)
Pho Hung distinguishes itself from other pho restaurants by utilizing premium ingredients, including grass-fed beef. This choice results in more flavorful and tender meat compared to standard beef offerings. The broth at Pho Hung is rich and savory, with a hint of sweetness, making it one of the best pho broths in Ho Chi Minh City.
2.5 Pho Xua
Pho Xua, situated in District 3, is a quaint restaurant adorned with vintage decorations and historical photographs, creating a nostalgic atmosphere. Although it’s a relatively new establishment, it has swiftly earned a reputation for offering some of the finest pho in Ho Chi Minh City, attributed to its homemade broth and fresh ingredients.
Signature Dishes:
- Pho Bo Tai Nam (beef pho with rare beef slices and well-done brisket)
- Pho Chay (vegetarian pho)
- Pho Ga Xe Phay (chicken pho with stir-fried noodles)
A highlight of Pho Xua is their pho bo tai nam, which includes expertly prepared slices of beef and thoroughly cooked brisket. This combination enhances the richness of the broth. The broth at Pho Xua is clear, yet packed with umami flavors, and the noodles are always cooked to perfection. This spot is perfect for those looking for a cozy and authentic pho experience.
2.6 Pho Binh
Pho Binh has been around since the 1960s and is located in District 1, right in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. This restaurant may not be as upscale as others mentioned, but its tasty and reasonably priced pho more than compensates for that. Though it’s situated in a prime area, Pho Binh is still somewhat overlooked by tourists, making it a hidden treasure for pho enthusiasts.
Signature Dishes:
- Pho Bo Tai Nam (beef pho with rare beef slices and well-done brisket)
- Pho Ga (chicken pho)
- Pho Chien Phong Trung (fried pho topped with eggs)
Pho Binh stands out for its distinctive approach to creating broth by combining both beef and chicken bones. This technique leads to a flavorful and rich base that carries a hint of sweetness. The portions here are generous, and the prices are affordable, making it a popular spot among locals. A visit to Pho Binh will not disappoint, and you might even find yourself coming back for more.
3. Tips for Ordering Pho in Ho Chi Minh City
Now that you have an idea of the best pho places in Ho Chi Minh City, here are some tips to help you order like a pro.
3.1 Know Your Pho Types
As mentioned earlier, the two main types of pho are pho bo (beef pho) and pho ga (chicken pho). Beef pho is usually served with rare beef slices, well-done brisket, beef balls, and sometimes tripe or tendon. On the other hand, chicken pho is served with chicken slices, chicken meatballs, and sometimes chicken feet. Some restaurants also offer vegetarian pho, which usually features tofu or mushrooms as a substitute for meat.
3.2 Customize Your Pho
Pho is traditionally served with a plate of fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and lime wedges on the side. Feel free to add these to your pho according to your liking to enhance the flavors and textures. You can also ask for additional chilies or hoisin sauce to adjust the spiciness and sweetness of your broth.
3.3 Eat Like a Local
To eat pho like a local, use chopsticks to pick up the noodles and herbs, then use a spoon to scoop up the broth. You can also add a squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of chili flakes for an extra kick. And don’t be afraid to slurp – it’s considered a sign of enjoyment in Vietnamese culture.
4. Vegetarian/Vegan Options for Pho
Finding pho can be difficult for vegetarians and vegans, since the classic recipe typically uses beef or chicken broth. However, several spots in Ho Chi Minh City accommodate plant-based diets and serve tasty vegetarian and vegan pho alternatives.
4.1 Hum Vegetarian
Hum Vegetarian, situated in District 2, stands out as one of the top places for vegetarian pho in Ho Chi Minh City. They utilize a mushroom-based broth in place of beef or chicken, making it ideal for both vegetarians and vegans. Their pho comes with vegan beef slices crafted from soy protein, accompanied by all the classic toppings and a delicious broth that even the most devoted meat enthusiasts will find satisfying.
4.2 Vege Tao Pho
Vege Tao Pho is a vegetarian restaurant that provides a range of vegetarian pho choices. Situated in District 1, this establishment serves flavorful pho prepared with a vegetable broth and topped with ingredients like tofu, mushrooms, and soy protein. Additionally, their menu features vegan selections suitable for those adhering to a strict plant-based diet.
5. How to Make Pho at Home
If you can’t make it to Ho Chi Minh City to try the best pho, don’t worry – you can make it at home!
Although the classic recipe requires extended simmering and numerous ingredients, we’ve streamlined the process to allow you to savor a tasty bowl of pho right in your home.
Ingredients:
- 1 kg beef bones (or chicken bones for pho ga)
- 500g beef brisket or chicken breasts (if making pho bo, skip if making pho ga)
- 500g rice noodles
- 2 onions
- 6 cloves of garlic
- 3-inch piece of ginger
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 3 star anise
- 3 cloves
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 2 tbsp sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (Thai basil, coriander, mint)
- Bean sprouts
- Lime wedges
- Chili flakes (optional)
Instructions:
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the beef or chicken bones. Let it boil for 5 minutes, then remove from heat and discard the water. This helps remove any impurities from the bones.
- Rinse the bones with cold water and place them back into the pot.
- Add the onions, garlic, and ginger to the pot, along with the cinnamon sticks, star anise, and cloves.
- Cover with water and let it simmer for at least 3 hours, adding water if needed.
- If making pho bo, add the beef brisket to the pot after an hour of simmering. If making pho ga, add the chicken breasts in the last half hour of simmering.
- Skim off any impurities that rise to the surface during cooking.
- After the broth has been simmering for at least 3 hours, season with fish sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions.
- Slice the cooked beef or chicken into thin slices.
- To serve, divide the noodles into bowls and top with the sliced meat. Ladle the hot broth over the noodles and garnish with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lime wedges, and chili flakes (if desired).
- Enjoy your homemade pho!
6. Pho: More Than Just a Dish
Pho is not just a tasty and satisfying soup; it holds significant cultural importance in Vietnam. It’s more than merely a meal—it’s an integral part of life.
– **Social Connector**: Pho unites people, whether families sharing a meal, friends reconnecting over noodles, or even strangers bonding through their love for this classic dish.
– **Cultural Resilience**: The dish symbolizes the strength and adaptability of the Vietnamese population. Even during times of war and adversity, pho remained a vital part of the diet, offering comfort and nourishment to those in need.
Today, pho stands as an emblem of Vietnamese identity, with its appeal extending well beyond the country’s borders.
Conclusion
In summary, Ho Chi Minh City is a haven for food enthusiasts, and experiencing the finest pho is essential during your visit. Whether you prefer classic establishments or contemporary dining options, these six locations serve some of the most genuine and tasty pho in the city. When you find yourself in Ho Chi Minh City next, make sure to include these venues on your culinary agenda and prepare to rediscover your passion for this legendary Vietnamese dish.
