Beef DishBreakfast FoodComfort Food

    Beef Pho

    Phở Bò

    4.940k-100k VNDBest in the morning or at lunch when broth is freshest, though many Hanoi shops serve pho throughout the day
    Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash
    Overview

    Vietnam's iconic beef noodle soup

    Vietnam's iconic noodle soup made with clear, aromatic beef broth, rice noodles, thinly sliced beef, and fresh herbs. In Hanoi, the broth is typically lighter and more savory than southern versions, with star anise, cinnamon, ginger, scallions, and fish sauce creating the signature flavor.
    Gallery

    Photos

    What's in it

    • Rice noodles
    • Beef broth
    • Rare beef slices
    • Beef brisket
    • Star anise
    • Cinnamon
    • Ginger
    • Fish sauce
    • Scallions
    When to eat

    Best moments to enjoy it

    BreakfastLunchDinner

    Best in the morning or at lunch when broth is freshest, though many Hanoi shops serve pho throughout the day

    The story

    Origin & history

    Pho developed in northern Vietnam in the early 20th century and became one of the country's most recognized dishes. Hanoi is widely associated with the classic northern style, which emphasizes a cleaner broth, fewer sweet notes, and a stronger beef-forward flavor profile.

    At the stall

    How to order & pay

    Ordering

    For solo diners, order a small bowl if you want a lighter meal or a large bowl if you want better value. Common useful phrases are 'tái' for rare beef, 'chín' for cooked beef, and 'tái chín' for both. If you want less fat, say 'ít mỡ'. Ask for 'không hành' if you do not want scallions or onions. Many local shops are cash-first, so keep small notes ready and point to the menu if there is no English.

    Paying

    Most traditional pho stalls still prefer cash, especially for small orders. Carry 20,000-100,000 VND notes and expect some places to have QR payments or bank transfer options, but not all accept foreign cards. For efficiency, pay at the counter or directly to the vendor after eating if that is the local setup.

    Good to know

    Allergens, nutrition & health

    Allergens

    Contains beef and fish sauce; may be served with soy sauce, chili sauce, or hoisin sauce that can contain soy and wheat

    Nutrition & benefits

    Provides protein, hydration, and minerals from the broth, with fresh herbs adding small amounts of vitamins and antioxidants

    Health notes

    If you have a sensitive stomach, go easy on chili, vinegar, and raw herbs at first. Choose a busy stall with fast turnover for the freshest broth, and drink bottled water if you are unsure about tap water. If you are avoiding excess sodium, ask for less broth seasoning or taste before adding sauces.

    How to eat it

    Add lime, herbs, bean sprouts, and chili gradually so you can control the flavor. Use chopsticks for the noodles and a spoon for the broth. Stir gently before eating, and if you ordered rare beef, let it finish cooking in the hot broth for a few seconds before eating.

    Where to eat it

    Best spots in Hanoi

    • Pho Bat Dan

      Phở Gia Truyền Bát Đàn

      4.3

      49 P. Bát Đàn, Phố cổ Hà Nội, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam

      Hours
      6:00AM - 11:00AM 5:00PM - 9:30 PM
      View on map

    • Pho Thin

      Phở Thìn

      4.1

      13 P. Lò Đúc, Hai Bà Trưng, Hà Nội, Vietnam

      Hours
      5:00AM - 10:00PM
      View on map

    • Pho Ly Quoc Su

      Phở Lý Quốc Sư

      4.1

      10 P. Lý Quốc Sư, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam

      Hours
      6:00AM - 10:00PM
      View on map
    From the Journal

    Stories about Hanoi