Pho Gia Truyen
This rundown shop is located at the heart of the old quarter. Do not be discouraged by the little stools and basic tables, this is the best pho joint in all of Hanoi and has been there since the ’60s, saving the same, consistent recipe that has remained unchanged since. You can tell you have arrived at the right spot when you see half of Hanoi queuing outside to get a fix, and, when table space runs out, people eat perched up on their bikes.
The only thing on the menu is beef noodles, and the broth here is clear and rich with a subtle blend of many flavors. The beef is the right amount of tender and soft with a glowing pink hue, and no matter how many times you ask what their secret to the best bowl of pho is, they will not tell you!
Address: 49 Bat Dan, Cua Dong, Ha Noi
Pho Ly Quoc Su
There are three branches but the best Pho in Hanoi, according to local eaters, is the original restaurant, located at number 10, Ly Quoc Su street. Pho here is delicious with lots of choice to serve all customer’s preferences from well done to rare steak or heel muscle. A huge plus of Pho Ly Quoc Su is the flavorful broth, thanks to the carefully selected ingredients. The beef here is always fresh and tender. Pho Ly Quoc Su also has positive feedback for its crunchy sticks of cruller, which helps to elaborate on the taste of your hot bowl of noodles.
Address:
Branch 1: 10 Ly Quoc Su street
Branch 2: 42 Hang Voi Street
Branch 3: N2A Hoang Minh Giam Street
Pho 10
With native Vietnamese plants lining the reflective and silvery polished entrance, Pho 10 is hard to miss with its big orange banner flying above. Frequently visited by locals as well as tourists, this restaurant has fast service but speaks a limited amount of English. While Pho 10 can get crowded, mouth-watering Vietnamese pho, complemented with doughnuts and a favorite drink of yours is not to miss, especially at reasonable prices.
If waiting in line, sharing tables, or pushing your etiquette is not your thing, then why not try out a cooking course? Never again will you have to wait in line for a delicious bowl of pho. Cookly has plenty of courses for you to choose from.
Address: 10 Ly Quoc Su Street | corner of Chan Cam St, Hanoi, Vietnam
Pho Thin
Pho Thin is a little ways away from the center of Hanoi Old Quarter, but many people still make this journey, sometimes on a daily basis, just to have a bowl of pho here. Serving their loyal and new customers for over 30 years, every bowl of pho served here is consistent and never fails to delight its patrons.
Pho Thin stands out from other pho restaurants because the recipe uses stir-fried beef instead of raw beef. Do not forget to order yourself some “quay,” dough sticks to dip into the broth and eat along with the noodles.
Address: 13 Lo Duc, Ngo Thuy Nham, Ha Noi
Pho Vui
Pho Vui is located on Hang Giay street, within walking distance of the Old Quarter. If you have an opportunity to visit Hanoi and stay in this area, skip the chance to visit this interesting yet best in Ha Noi to your everlasting regret. It is opposite to a vendor selling stuffed sticky rice balls and sweet soup, owned by Pham Bang, a famous comedian.
Pho Vui also specializes in selling beef noodles in many variations, half-done steak, well done steak, brisket with flank and fillet beef, etc. The broth is very flavourful and somewhat fatty, the noodles are soft, the bowl also has a lot of onions.
Address: 25 Hang Giay, Hang Buom, Hoan Kiem, Ha Noi
Pho Suong
Like all famous pho restaurants in Ha Noi, Pho Suong has been around for many years, having earned a loyal customer base. The pho here is nothing short of amazing, perfecting the broth, the noodles, the herbs, vegetables and the pieces of meat. Certainly, a steal at just VND $45,000 ($1.98), you can enjoy your meal here and then go off wandering down Dinh Let street past the souvenir and art stores and then to the lake where you can sit on a bench and digest. Of all the pho restaurants in this article, Pho Suong has the nicest interior.
Address: 24B Ngo Trung Yen, Dinh Liet, Hang Bac, Hoan Kiem, Ha Noi