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CUISINE
The Best Pho in Ho Chi Minh City A Guide for Foodies
As the largest city in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, is a bustling metropolis with vibrant culture, rich history, and of course, delicious food. One dish that stands out among the rest is pho. This traditional Vietnamese noodle soup has gained worldwide popularity and can be found in almost every corner of the globe. However, nothing compares to the authentic pho experience in its birthplace – Ho Chi Minh City.
For foodies, trying out different pho spots in Ho Chi Minh City is a must-do when visiting this dynamic city. But with countless options available, it can be overwhelming to find the best one. That’s why we have compiled a list of the top pho places in Ho Chi Minh City to help you navigate your way through the endless bowls of steaming hot broth and tender rice noodles. So let’s dive into the world of pho and discover the best of the best in Ho Chi Minh City.
1. History of Pho in Ho Chi Minh City
Before we delve into the best pho places in Ho Chi Minh City, let’s first take a look at the history of this beloved dish. Pho, pronounced as “fuh,” originated in Northern Vietnam in the early 20th century. It was initially sold as a street food by vendors who carried two baskets on a pole – one basket containing a hot pot of beef broth and the other holding all the necessary ingredients such as rice noodles, herbs, and spices.
As pho grew in popularity, many variations of the dish emerged, but the two main types are pho bo (beef pho) and pho ga (chicken pho). Both versions feature a flavorful broth made from long-simmered beef or chicken bones, aromatic herbs and spices, and served with rice noodles and various toppings. Today, pho can be found in every region of Vietnam and is a staple in most Vietnamese households.
2. The Best Pho Places 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
Located on Pasteur Street in District 1, Pho Hoa Pasteur has been serving up steaming bowls of pho since 1963. This restaurant is known as the “Pho King” of Ho Chi Minh City and is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Pho Hoa Pasteur is also the first pho chain in Vietnam, with over 60 branches across the country and even international locations.
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 takes pride in its secret recipe, which involves simmering the broth for at least six hours to develop a rich and flavorful base. Their pho is served with tender rice noodles, along with a plate of fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and lime wedges for you to add according to your preference. 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). Unlike the traditional pho bo, pho bo kho features chunks of tender beef and tendon that have been slow-cooked in a flavorful broth with spices like 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)
Aside from their famous pho bo kho, Pho Le also offers other variations of pho such as pho ga (chicken pho) and vegetarian pho. The broth at Pho Le is clear yet flavorful, and the meat is always tender and packed with flavor, making it another top 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 known for its unique take on pho – they serve the broth separately from the noodles and toppings, allowing customers to mix and match according to their liking.
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 small and unassuming eatery may not look like much, but their pho is legendary among locals and tourists alike.
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)
What sets Pho Hung apart from other pho places is their use of high-quality ingredients such as grass-fed beef, which is more flavorful and tender compared to regular beef. 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
Located in District 3, Pho Xua is a charming little restaurant decorated with vintage items and old photographs, giving it a nostalgic feel. Despite being relatively new, this restaurant has quickly gained a reputation for serving some of the best pho in Ho Chi Minh City, thanks 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)
One of the standout dishes at Pho Xua is their pho bo tai nam, which features perfectly cooked beef slices and well-done brisket that adds a depth of flavor to 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 fancy as some of the others on this list, but it makes up for it with its delicious and affordable pho. Despite its central location, Pho Binh remains relatively unknown among tourists, making it a hidden gem for those who love a good bowl of pho.
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)
What makes Pho Binh unique is that they use both beef bones and chicken bones to make their broth, resulting in a rich and flavorful base that is also slightly sweet. 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
For vegetarians and vegans, finding pho can be a bit challenging as the traditional recipe calls for beef or chicken broth. However, there are a few places in Ho Chi Minh City that cater to plant-based diets and offer delicious vegetarian and vegan pho options.
4.1 Hum Vegetarian
Located in District 2, Hum Vegetarian is one of the best spots for vegetarian pho in Ho Chi Minh City. They use a mushroom-based broth instead of beef or chicken, making it suitable for vegetarians and vegans. Their pho is served with vegan beef slices made from soy protein, along with all the traditional toppings and a flavorful broth that will satisfy even the most dedicated meat lovers.
4.2 Vege Tao Pho
Vege Tao Pho is another vegetarian restaurant that offers a variety of vegetarian pho options. Located in District 1, this spot serves up delicious pho made with a vegetable-based broth and features toppings such as tofu, mushrooms, and soy protein. Their menu also includes vegan options for those following 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! While the traditional recipe involves hours of simmering and a long list of ingredients, we have simplified it for you so you can enjoy a bowl of delicious pho in the comfort of your own kitchen.
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
Aside from being a delicious and comforting bowl of soup, pho holds a special place in Vietnamese culture. In fact, it’s more than just a dish – it’s a way of life. Pho brings people together, whether it’s a family enjoying a meal, friends catching up over a bowl of noodles, or strangers bonding over their love for this iconic dish.
Pho also reflects the resilience and adaptability of the Vietnamese people. During times of war and hardship, pho remained a staple in Vietnamese cuisine, providing comfort and nourishment to those who needed it most. Today, it continues to be a symbol of Vietnamese identity, and its popularity has spread far beyond its borders.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ho Chi Minh City is a food lover’s paradise, and no trip to this vibrant city is complete without trying the best pho spots. From traditional eateries to modern restaurants, these six places offer some of the most delicious and authentic pho in Ho Chi Minh City. So next time you’re in the city, be sure to add these spots to your food itinerary and get ready to fall in love with this iconic Vietnamese dish all over again.
