Best Pho in Hanoi: 8 Local Spots Every Traveller Should Try (Plus 2 Vegan Places)

In case you didn’t already know, you absolutely cannot visit Hanoi without trying pho. Well, technically you can, but you'd be missing out on one of Vietnam's most famous dishes.

And when it comes to finding the best pho in Hanoi, you're spoilt for choice. 

There are hundreds of options from tiny street-side restaurants with plastic stools to family-run shops that have been serving the same recipes for decades. 

There's a bowl of pho waiting around practically every corner.

But with so many places to choose from, where can you find the best pho in Hanoi? 

We've rounded up 8 local spots worth trying (tried and tested by Bong Hanoi staff), and 3 vegan spots. 

The list includes some of the city's most famous beef pho restaurants, traditional chicken pho specialists, and a few favourites tucked away in the Old Quarter. 

What Makes Hanoi Pho So Special?

Pho (pronounced roughly fuh) is a traditional Vietnamese noodle soup made with flat rice noodles, aromatic broth, herbs, and usually beef or chicken.

Although the exact origins of pho are still debated, the dish developed in northern Vietnam in the early 20th century, with both Hanoi and neighbouring Nam Dinh playing important roles in its history.

Today, you'll find pho all over Vietnam, but the northern and southern versions have some noticeable differences.

Hanoi-style pho is generally known for its lighter, clearer broth and simpler garnishes. The flavour comes from carefully simmered bones, meat, and aromatic spices, with spring onions, coriander, and sometimes pickled garlic vinegar adding the finishing touches.

In southern Vietnam, pho tends to be sweeter and is often served with bean sprouts, Thai basil, and a wider selection of sauces and herbs.

Neither version is necessarily better. Although we're sure a few Hanoians would have something to say about that.

You'll also come across two main types of pho:

• Pho bo: Beef noodle soup, usually available with different cuts of beef.

• Pho ga: Chicken noodle soup, typically served with shredded or sliced chicken and a lighter chicken-based broth.

But the important thing is, you don't need a fancy restaurant or a huge budget to enjoy a good bowl.

8 Local Spots to Try the Best Pho in Hanoi

Some of Hanoi's best-known pho restaurants have been around for decades, while others have built their reputations more recently.

We've included a mix of famous establishments, traditional street-food spots, and restaurants specialising in different styles of pho.

1. Pho Gia Truyen Bat Dan – The Famous Old Quarter Favourite

Address: 49 Bat Dan Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
What to order: Pho bo tai nam (beef pho combining rare beef with cooked beef flank).
What to expect: A busy atmosphere with shared tables

If you've spent any time researching where to eat pho in Hanoi, you've probably already come across Pho Gia Truyen Bat Dan.

This was actually the top recommendation when I asked our Bong Hanoi Hostel staff. And there's a good reason for that.

Located in Hanoi's Old Quarter, Pho Gia Truyen is famous for its traditional beef pho, clear broth, and queues of hungry customers waiting outside.

Pho bo tai nam is a popular choice, but you can also order quẩy, crispy fried dough sticks that are perfect for dipping into the hot broth. If you've never tried bread with your noodle soup, now's your chance.

2. Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su – A Great First Bowl of Pho in Hanoi 

Address: 10 Ly Quoc Su Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
What to order: Pho bo with your preferred beef cuts, or a mixed beef combination if you'd like to try more than one.

If it's your first time eating pho in Vietnam, Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su is a good place to start.

Located on the southern edge of the Old Quarter, near the French Quarter, this well-established restaurant specialises in beef pho, offering several combinations of different beef cuts.

The broth is clear and delicately seasoned, allowing the flavour of the beef to come through without being overwhelmed by spices.

You can choose from tender brisket, beef fillet, and other cuts, depending on what you fancy.

It's also a convenient option if you're exploring the Old Quarter and want somewhere relatively straightforward to order.

And let's face it, when you're hungry, hot, and have already walked around Hanoi for several hours, sometimes straightforward is exactly what you need.

Not sure where to stay in Hanoi to make the most of your visit? Read our guide Where to Stay in Hanoi (2026): Old Quarter vs French Quarter – The Backpacker’s Dilemma for more information.

3. Pho Ga Nguyet – One for the Chicken Pho Lovers

Address: 5B Phu Doan Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
What to order: Pho ga with chicken thigh, or pho ga tron if you fancy something different

Beef pho might get most of the attention, but chicken pho deserves some love too.

And if you're looking for a good bowl of pho ga in Hanoi, Pho Ga Nguyet is worth knowing about.

Opened in 2009, this popular restaurant specialises in chicken pho, with a choice of different cuts, including breast, thigh, wings, and offal.

The chicken is served with rice noodles and a fragrant broth, creating a comforting meal that's a little different from traditional beef pho.

One of the recommended choices is chicken thigh, which works particularly well in both the soup and dry noodle versions—Yes, dry pho is a thing too!

4. Pho Suong – A Traditional Pho Spot Hidden in an Alley

Address: 24B Trung Yen Alley, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
What to order: Traditional pho bo (beef pho)
What to expect: Modest establishment with very good pho

Some of Hanoi's most interesting restaurants are hidden down little alleyways, and Pho Suong is one of them.

Tucked away in Trung Yen Alley, just off the busy streets of the Old Quarter, this traditional pho restaurant has built a reputation for its beef noodle soup.

Its broth is known for being delicate but full of flavour, with your typical pho signatures of tender beef, rice noodles, and simple garnishes.

Finding the entrance is also a nice excuse to explore one of the smaller alleyways that make Hanoi's Old Quarter so interesting.

5. Pho Ga Cham – Traditional Chicken Pho in Ba Dinh

Address: 64–68 Yen Ninh Street, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
What to order: Pho ga with a combination of white and dark chicken meat.

Another restaurant for chicken pho fans is Pho Ga Cham, located in Hanoi's Ba Dinh area.

This small, traditional restaurant specialises in chicken noodle soup, with freshly prepared chicken and a rich, naturally flavoured broth.

You can choose between white meat, dark meat, or a combination of both.

The noodles are soft and smooth, while spring onions and coriander add extra flavour without overpowering the broth.

One of the interesting things about Pho Ga Cham is being able to watch the staff preparing the chicken and assembling the bowls near the entrance. It's a reminder that even a simple bowl of pho involves quite a bit of work behind the scenes.

6. Pho Khoi Hoi – Beef Pho With Plenty of Character

Address: 50 Hang Vai Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
What to order: Beef pho with your preferred cut of meat

Pho Khoi Hoi is another local favourite amongst our staff and is well worth adding to your Hanoi food list.

Located on Hang Vai Street, this restaurant has developed a loyal following for its beef pho and traditional street-side dining atmosphere.

The broth is rich and aromatic, with flavours from ingredients such as ginger, cinnamon, and shallots.

There are also several beef cuts to choose from, including options you might not find on the menu at every pho restaurant.

Seating can be limited, with small stools outside the restaurant, and it's often busy during peak eating times.

7. Pho Thin Lo Duc – Something a Little Different

Address: 13 Lo Duc Street, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi
What to order: Pho bo tai lan (pho with stir-fried beef)

Not all bowls of Hanoi pho are created equal, and Pho Thin is a good example of that.

While traditional northern pho usually focuses on a clear, delicate broth, Pho Thin is famous for a richer, more aromatic version made with stir-fried beef.

Founded in 1979, the restaurant became known for cooking beef in a hot wok before adding it to the noodles and broth.

The result is a bowl of pho with a deeper, slightly smokier flavour, plenty of spring onions, and a little more richness than you might expect.

It's still pho, just with a different approach. And if you've already tried a few traditional bowls around Hanoi, it's an interesting one to compare.

8. Pho Tien – A Local Favourite for Chicken Pho

Address: 103 Nguyen Truong To Street, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
What to order: Pho ga dac biet (special chicken pho), or a simpler bowl with your preferred chicken cuts

Rounding off our list is Pho Tien, another popular chicken pho restaurant in Ba Dinh.

The broth is prepared using whole chickens, creating a naturally sweet, fragrant flavour. The restaurant also attracts plenty of local diners. 

There are plenty of toppings to choose from, including white meat, dark meat, and different types of chicken offal.

If you're feeling adventurous, the dac biet (special) bowl includes a mixture of chicken cuts and other toppings, such as gizzard and young eggs.

Where to Find Vegan Pho in Hanoi

If you're vegetarian or vegan, don't worry—you don't have to miss out on a comforting bowl of noodles. You'll just need to look beyond the traditional beef and chicken pho shops.

Here are three plant-based restaurants to look into while you're in Hanoi.

1. Chayfood

Where: 66 Nguyễn Hữu Huân Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

Located in the Old Quarter, Chayfood serves fully vegan Vietnamese food, including mushroom pho. 

It's a good option if you want to try a plant-based version of a traditional Vietnamese noodle soup without worrying about hidden meat ingredients.

2. Dāna Vegan House

Where: 12 Dong Thai Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

Dāna Vegan House puts its own, more modern, spin on Vietnamese plant-based dining and its menu includes Phở Gánh Hà Nội, a vegan take on Hanoi's traditional pho.

3. MET Vietnamese Restaurant and Vegetarian Food

Where: Many locations throughout the Old Quarter

MET Vietnamese Restaurant and Vegetarian Food is a chain of restaurants across Vietnam that serve meat, fish, vegetarian, and vegan dishes.

They offer a delicious vegan pho option, which is a personal favourite of mine, alongside other tasty vegan options such as traditional Banh Xeo and Spring Rolls 3 Ways.

Check out our full guide on Where to Eat Vegan in Hanoi: Top 20 Places for Plant-Based Food.

How to Order Pho in Hanoi

Ordering pho is usually pretty straightforward, even if you don't speak Vietnamese.

As you can see, many restaurants specialise in either beef or chicken pho, so you might only need to decide which cut of meat you'd like.

Here are a few useful Vietnamese words to know before you go:

Don't worry if you can't pronounce everything perfectly. Pointing at a menu or showing the name on your phone usually works just fine.

Most importantly, don't be afraid to try something unfamiliar. You might discover your new favourite Vietnamese dish.

How Much Does Pho Cost in Hanoi?

One of the best things about eating pho in Hanoi is that you don't need to spend much to get a decent meal.

At many local restaurants, a standard bowl costs around 40,000–90,000 VND, depending on the restaurant, the type of meat, and the portion size.

Some well-known restaurants charge more, particularly for special bowls with additional beef or premium cuts.

A few things worth knowing:

• Standard pho: Usually the cheapest option, with noodles, broth, and beef or chicken.

• Special pho: Often includes extra meat or a mixture of different cuts.

• Quẩy: Crispy fried dough sticks that you can dip into your broth. Definitely worth trying.

When Is the Best Time to Eat Pho in Hanoi?

Pho is traditionally a popular breakfast dish in northern Vietnam.

While you might be used to toast, cereal, or a questionable hostel breakfast before heading out for the day, many Vietnamese people start their mornings with a steaming bowl of noodle soup.

And to be honest, once you've tried it, you'll understand why.

This explains why a lot of Hanoi's traditional pho restaurants open early in the morning, close around lunchtime, and reopen for an evening service.

Others stay open throughout the day, so you don't necessarily need to drag yourself out of bed at sunrise.

However, if you're planning to visit a particular restaurant, check its opening hours beforehand. Some places have limited serving times, and popular dishes can sell out.

Tips for Eating Pho Like a Local

Before you head off on your Hanoi pho adventure, here are a few things worth knowing.

• Try pho for breakfast. For the full local experience, we recommend trying pho for breakfast at least once during your time in Hanoi.

• Bring some cash. Smaller restaurants and street-food stalls may not accept international cards. Having a few Vietnamese dong notes handy makes things easier.

• Try the condiments before adding everything. You'll often find fresh chilli, lime, and pickled garlic vinegar on the table. Taste the broth first, then adjust it to your liking.

• Don't be put off by plastic stools. Some of Hanoi's most popular restaurants have simple seating and very little decoration. A fancy dining area isn't a requirement for good pho.

• Be patient when it's busy. Popular pho restaurants can attract queues, particularly around breakfast. Follow the restaurant's ordering system, and be prepared to share a table.

And remember, always be respectful of the staff and other diners, especially if you're taking photographs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pho in Hanoi

How much does pho cost in Hanoi?

A bowl of pho at a local Hanoi restaurant will often cost around 40,000–90,000 VND, depending on the restaurant, meat cuts, and portion size.

Prices can change, so check the menu before ordering.

Is pho better in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City?

That depends on your taste! Hanoi pho generally has a lighter, more delicate broth with simpler garnishes, while southern-style pho is often sweeter and served with more herbs and condiments.

If you're travelling through Vietnam, we'd recommend trying both and deciding for yourself.

What time do people eat pho in Hanoi?

Pho is particularly popular for breakfast, with many traditional restaurants opening early in the morning.

However, you can also find pho for lunch, dinner, and even late at night.

Is pho vegetarian?

Traditional pho bo and pho ga are made with beef or chicken broth, so they're not vegetarian.

However, some restaurants offer pho chay, a vegetarian version made with vegetables and a meat-free broth.

If you're vegetarian or vegan, check the ingredients rather than assuming a bowl without meat is suitable.

Is pho safe to eat?

Pho is generally served hot and freshly prepared, but food hygiene standards can vary between restaurants.

Choose places where food is cooked thoroughly, ingredients are handled hygienically, and there is a steady turnover of customers.

A busy restaurant can be a useful sign, but it isn't a guarantee of food safety.

Staying in Hanoi? Come and Join Us at Bong Hostel!

One of the best things about Hanoi is that you don't have to go far to find incredible food. You could spend days wandering around the Old Quarter, trying different restaurants, and sipping Vietnamese coffee. And we'd fully support that plan.

If you're looking for somewhere to stay while exploring the city, Bong Hanoi Hostel is right in the Old Quarter, making it a handy base for your food adventures.

But there's plenty more to northern Vietnam than the busy streets of Hanoi. Once you've had your fill of pho, why not head into the mountains and experience the Ha Giang Loop?

At Bong Hostel, we organise Ha Giang Loop tours with experienced Easy Riders, taking you through spectacular mountain scenery and giving you the chance to meet local communities along the way.