A steaming bowl of pho is one of the simplest pleasures of a morning in Hanoi. The city wakes to the clink of ceramic bowls, the scent of beef stock and ginger, and neighbors gathering around tiny tables before work. But with so many pho signs in the Old Quarter, which places deserve a stop on your trip?
If you're looking for the best pho in Hanoi, start with Phở Gia Truyền Bát Đàn for a classic beef bowl, Phở Thìn Lò Đúc for aromatic stir-fried beef, or Phở Gà Nguyệt for a chicken version. There is no single winner: the most memorable bowl depends on whether you prefer a delicate broth, rich beef, tender chicken, or the atmosphere of a busy neighborhood shop.
This Hanoi pho guide brings together nine well-known addresses, practical ordering tips and an easy way to fit a pho stop into your sightseeing. It is designed for visitors, not as a ranking based on meals personally tasted by our team. Restaurant details can change, so confirm opening hours and menu prices before setting out.
The Best Pho Restaurants in Hanoi at a Glance
| Pho restaurant | Address in Hanoi | Best for | What to order |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phở Gia Truyền Bát Đàn | 49 Bát Đàn | A traditional Old Quarter breakfast | Phở bò tái or chín |
| Phở Thìn Lò Đúc | 13 Lò Đúc | Bold, garlicky beef pho | Phở bò tái lăn |
| Phở 10 Lý Quốc Sư | 10 Lý Quốc Sư | An accessible first bowl near the cathedral | Phở bò with your preferred beef cut |
| Phở Khôi Hói | 50 Hàng Vải | Choosing distinctive beef cuts | Phở bò with shank or brisket |
| Phở Bò Lâm | 48 Hàng Vải | Early-morning beef pho | Phở with heel muscle or flank |
| Phở Gà Nguyệt | 5B Phủ Doãn | Chicken pho and a possible late-night meal | Phở gà đùi or phở gà trộn |
| Phở Gà Châm | 64–68 Yên Ninh | Quality chicken cuts | Phở gà with white or dark meat |
| Phở Gà Tiến | 103 Nguyễn Trường Tộ | A chicken pho breakfast or lunch | Phở gà, with toppings to taste |
| Phở Sướng | Trung Yên Alley, near Đinh Liệt | A small-alley Old Quarter stop | Traditional phở bò |
Quick choice: On a short trip, pick one classic beef pho, one different-style beef pho, and one chicken pho rather than trying to eat all nine. The street addresses above are reference points, not a promise that every shop is open when you arrive.
9 Pho Spots Worth Trying in Hanoi
1. Phở Gia Truyền Bát Đàn: The Old Quarter Classic
Address: 49 Bát Đàn Street, Hanoi Old Quarter. Best for: Visitors who want a traditional, no-frills Hanoi beef pho experience.
At Bát Đàn, the ritual is part of the attraction. Instead of waiting for table service, diners typically join a line, order at the counter and carry their bowl to a seat. The focus is firmly on beef pho: a clear, savory broth, flat rice noodles, and a choice of beef prepared in different ways. This is a popular breakfast stop, so arrive with time to spare rather than squeezing it between two timed activities.
What to order: Start with phở tái (thinly sliced beef cooked in hot broth) or phở chín (well-cooked beef). Add quẩy, crisp fried dough sticks, if available.
Local tip: Queue before choosing a table and keep your belongings close in the busy space. If mobility or comfort is a priority, a shop with easier seating may suit you better.
2. Phở Thìn Lò Đúc: A Richer, Wok-Kissed Bowl
Address: 13 Lò Đúc Street, Hanoi. Best for: Travelers who prefer deep, garlicky flavors.
Phở Thìn on Lò Đúc Street is known for a different approach to beef pho. Thin beef slices are stir-fried, often with garlic, before joining the noodles and broth. The result is a fuller, more aromatic bowl than the restrained style many people associate with northern pho. The signature dish is phở bò tái lăn.
What to order: Phở bò tái lăn. Taste a spoonful of broth before adding chili or other condiments; you may find it needs nothing.
Local tip: Be precise about the address. Hanoi has multiple establishments called Phở Thìn, and they are not all the same restaurant. The 13 Lò Đúc shop is a little outside the Old Quarter core, so allow for a separate walk or short transfer.
3. Phở 10 Lý Quốc Sư: An Easy First Introduction
Address: 10 Lý Quốc Sư Street, near St. Joseph's Cathedral. Best for: First-time visitors who want options and a convenient location.
This well-known shop serves beef pho with a range of cuts and combinations. For someone learning the difference between rare beef, brisket and flank, that choice is useful. The broth is comparatively clear and gently seasoned, letting the meat and noodles come through. It also fits easily into a morning around the cathedral and Hoàn Kiếm Lake.
What to order: Ask for phở tái chín if you would like a combination of rare and cooked beef, subject to the day's menu.
Local tip: Go outside the busiest breakfast period if you would rather not feel rushed. This is a popular name, not a quiet restaurant experience.
4. Phở Khôi Hói: For Curious Beef Lovers
Address: 50 Hàng Vải Street, Old Quarter. Best for: Adventurous diners interested in different beef textures.
Phở Khôi Hói is especially interesting because choosing the beef is almost as important as choosing the soup. Cuts can include shank, flank and other textures that are less familiar to international visitors. The seating is compact, and the street-side atmosphere feels like a typical Hanoi meal rather than a polished dining room.
What to order: Ask which cuts are available and choose one you enjoy. If you prefer lean beef, explain that before ordering; if you like richness, ask about brisket or fattier cuts.
Local tip: Hàng Vải Street also has Phở Bò Lâm. These are separate shops with different offerings, so check the house number rather than following the nearest pho sign.
5. Phở Bò Lâm: Worth an Early Start
Address: 48 Hàng Vải Street, Old Quarter. Best for: Breakfast-focused travelers and those interested in specialist beef cuts.
Just a few steps from Khôi Hói, Phở Bò Lâm is known for a range of beef cuts, including heel muscle, and a morning-focused service. Its availability is more limited than that of an all-day restaurant, making it one to prioritize early rather than leave until after sightseeing.
What to order: Ask about lõi (heel muscle) or flank if available. Texture is a key part of the appeal here.
Local tip: Do not plan this as a guaranteed late lunch. Michelin describes the shop as typically selling out by midmorning, so check the day's opening information before leaving your hotel.
6. Phở Gà Nguyệt: Chicken Pho in the Old Quarter
Address: 5B Phủ Doãn Street. Best for: Visitors who prefer chicken, or want something beyond beef pho.
A good bowl of phở gà is not simply beef pho with the meat swapped. The stock is built around chicken and generally has a gentler character. At Phở Gà Nguyệt, diners can choose from different cuts and may find both soup pho and phở gà trộn, a dry noodle version dressed with sauce. The restaurant is also noted for operating late, although hours should be checked on the day.
What to order: Phở gà đùi (chicken thigh) in broth, or phở gà trộn if you want something different.
Local tip: Chicken offal may appear among the topping choices. If you prefer plain meat, specify breast or thigh and ask for no offal.
7. Phở Gà Châm: Choose Your Favorite Chicken Cut
Address: 64–68 Yên Ninh Street, Ba Đình. Best for: Diners who appreciate firm chicken meat and a carefully prepared bowl.
Phở Gà Châm specializes in chicken pho and allows diners to choose white meat, dark meat or a combination. The chicken has a firmer texture than visitors accustomed to very soft roasted chicken may expect. This is part of the appeal for many local diners. Compared with everyday neighborhood pho, this is one of the places where a bowl can cost more, depending on the cut.
What to order: Phở gà with your preferred cut. Ask for the price of special cuts and extra toppings before ordering.
Local tip: Michelin notes that the restaurant finishes service in the early afternoon. A breakfast or early lunch visit is safer than arriving late.
8. Phở Gà Tiến: A Relaxed Chicken-Pho Alternative
Address: 103 Nguyễn Trường Tộ Street, Ba Đình. Best for: Visitors staying around Ba Đình who want chicken pho for breakfast or lunch.
Phở Gà Tiến offers several choices of chicken meat and optional toppings, including cuts that are popular with local diners but less familiar to newcomers. Its clear, fragrant chicken broth is the main reason to visit. The location also makes sense for travelers spending time in the wider Ba Đình area instead of returning to the Old Quarter for every meal.
What to order: A straightforward phở gà with chicken slices; choose extra toppings only if you want them.
Local tip: According to Michelin's March 2026 guide, the shop opens from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. Check current hours before visiting, especially on public holidays.
9. Phở Sướng: A Small-Alley Discovery
Address: Trung Yên Alley, near Đinh Liệt Street, Old Quarter. Best for: Travelers who enjoy finding a small food spot tucked into Hanoi's lanes.
Hanoi's Old Quarter rewards a little curiosity. Phở Sướng is a familiar name for traditional beef pho in the Trung Yên area, with a setting that feels more intimate than a large restaurant. It works particularly well as a choice for visitors who want to wander through the streets near Hoàn Kiếm Lake rather than plan an entire morning around one famous queue.
What to order: A classic beef pho with the cut you prefer.
Local tip: Alley entrances and location pins can be confusing. Confirm the current storefront on your map before heading out, rather than relying on a precise numbered address from an older guide.
What Makes Hanoi Pho Different?
Pho is eaten throughout Vietnam, but Hanoi-style pho often emphasizes a clear broth and a restrained balance of flavors. Aromatic spices are present without overwhelming the beef or chicken stock, and a bowl commonly arrives with spring onions and herbs already added. In southern Vietnam, many pho restaurants offer a larger plate of fresh herbs, bean sprouts and additional sauces for diners to customize at the table.
Those are broad tendencies, not rigid rules. A wok-seared bowl at Phở Thìn Lò Đúc tastes very different from the lighter broth at Bát Đàn, even though both are Hanoi beef pho. That variety is the best reason to try more than one shop.
Pho Bo or Pho Ga: Which Should You Try?
Phở bò is beef noodle soup and a natural starting point if you want the best-known Hanoi style. Phở gà uses chicken broth and chicken meat and can feel lighter. Neither is automatically more authentic. For two people traveling together, ordering one of each is an easy way to compare.
How to Order Pho in Hanoi Without Speaking Vietnamese
Most shops can understand a few short phrases, and pointing to a printed menu is perfectly fine. These are the terms worth saving on your phone:
| Vietnamese | What it means |
|---|---|
| Phở bò | Beef pho |
| Phở gà | Chicken pho |
| Tái | Thinly sliced beef that finishes cooking in hot broth |
| Chín | Well-cooked beef |
| Tái chín | A mix of rare-style and cooked beef |
| Nạm | Beef flank |
| Gầu | Fatty brisket |
| Tái lăn | Beef stir-fried before being added to pho |
| Phở trộn | Dry mixed pho, usually with sauce rather than a full bowl of broth |
| Quẩy | Fried dough sticks served on the side |
| Không cay | Not spicy |
| Không hành | No onion/spring onion; confirm what the kitchen can omit |
A useful sentence is “Cho tôi một bát phở bò chín, không cay”, meaning “One bowl of pho with cooked beef, not spicy, please.” Menus and preparation styles vary, so feel free to point as well.
A few eating habits make the experience easier. Taste the broth first. Add lime, chili or sauce little by little if provided. Slurping noodles is normal, but there is no special technique you need to master. Shared tables and small stools are part of the experience at many long-running shops.
How Much Does Pho Cost in Hanoi?
As a broad planning guide for 2026, a standard bowl at a neighborhood shop often costs around 40,000–70,000 VND. Famous central addresses, premium chicken cuts, larger portions and extras can cost more, sometimes substantially more. Treat this as a planning range rather than a verified menu price for any of the nine shops above.
Carry small-denomination Vietnamese dong notes. Some shops take electronic payments, but cash is useful at older street-food counters. Check whether an egg, quẩy or specialty cut is charged separately. You do not generally need to tip at a simple pho stall.
A Simple Hanoi Old Quarter Pho Walk
If you have one free morning, combine one bowl of pho with nearby sights rather than attempting a nine-stop tasting marathon.
Option A: Classic Old Quarter morning. Start early at Phở Gia Truyền Bát Đàn on Bát Đàn Street. Continue through the surrounding lanes, walk toward the cathedral and pause for coffee near Hoàn Kiếm Lake. If queues at Bát Đàn do not suit you, Phở 10 Lý Quốc Sư makes a convenient alternative near the cathedral.
Option B: Hàng Vải for beef enthusiasts. Choose either Phở Bò Lâm or Phở Khôi Hói on Hàng Vải Street, depending on their opening times and the cuts you want. Explore the Old Quarter afterwards. There is no need to order two full bowls back to back unless that is genuinely your plan.
Option C: Chicken pho and city exploration. Choose Phở Gà Nguyệt for a central stop or Phở Gà Tiến when your plans take you toward Ba Đình. Allow time for the journey; the restaurants are not all within a comfortable Old Quarter walking loop.
For a fuller day exploring temples, heritage streets and everyday city life, browse our Hanoi tours and excursions. A private itinerary can leave room for an unhurried local meal instead of rushing from one landmark to the next.
Practical Pho Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Go earlier for breakfast-focused shops. Some sell out before lunch; others open again in the evening.
- Check the exact branch. Similar restaurant names do not always mean the same owners, recipe or address.
- Be flexible about comfort. Many famous shops are small and busy, with basic seating and little air-conditioning. If accessibility matters, check before visiting.
- Ask about ingredients. Broths are commonly made with beef or chicken bones; fish sauce and other seasonings may be used. A meat-free pho should never be assumed vegetarian without checking.
- Be thoughtful about food safety. Choose places where food is prepared fresh and served piping hot, and use your own judgment about raw garnishes. Travelers with allergies should carry a translated allergy card and confirm ingredients with staff.
- Verify holiday hours. Lunar New Year and other holidays can affect restaurant schedules.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pho in Hanoi
Where can I find the best pho in Hanoi Old Quarter?
For classic beef pho, Phở Gia Truyền Bát Đàn on Bát Đàn Street is a well-known choice. Phở Khôi Hói and Phở Bò Lâm, both on Hàng Vải Street, are other options for beef lovers. For chicken, consider Phở Gà Nguyệt on Phủ Doãn Street. The best choice depends on opening hours, your preferred meat and how much you enjoy lively, crowded places.
Is pho in Hanoi usually beef or chicken?
Both are popular. Beef pho (phở bò) is widely associated with Hanoi, while chicken pho (phở gà) has its own strong following. Try both if you can.
Is Hanoi pho spicy?
The broth itself is generally not very spicy. Chili or chili sauce is often added by the diner. Ask for không cay if you do not want heat, and remember that seasoning can vary between shops.
What time do locals eat pho in Hanoi?
Breakfast is a traditional favorite, particularly from early morning through midmorning. However, some shops serve pho at lunch, in the evening or late at night. Always check the specific restaurant rather than assuming all pho shops keep the same hours.
How much should I budget for a bowl of pho?
Around 40,000–70,000 VND is a useful general starting point for a standard bowl in 2026, but famous addresses and specialty cuts may cost more. Check the current menu before ordering.
Is pho suitable for vegetarians or people with food allergies?
Traditional beef and chicken pho are not vegetarian, even if you remove the meat, because the broth usually contains animal ingredients. For allergies or dietary restrictions, ask about broth, sauces and garnishes before ordering. Cross-contact is possible in small kitchens.
Can I visit several pho restaurants in one morning?
You can, but it is usually more enjoyable to choose one place for a full breakfast and perhaps return to try another style on a different day. Hanoi has much more to discover than a single dish.
Make Room for Local Flavors on Your Vietnam Journey
The pleasure of pho in Hanoi is not only in the recipe. It is in the early morning streets, the conversations around a shared table and the small choices that turn breakfast into a travel memory. Whether you choose a traditional beef bowl in the Old Quarter or chicken pho on a quiet side street, leave yourself time to enjoy it.
If you are planning a longer journey, explore our private Vietnam tours or tell us what kinds of places, foods and experiences matter to you through our tailor-made Vietnam trip planning. We can help shape a route around your interests, without turning every meal into a scheduled stop.
Editorial note: Restaurant selections and location details were researched using the Michelin Guide's March 2026 Hanoi pho guide, Hanoi travel sources and Viet Vision Travel's existing article. This is an independently written visitor guide, not a claim that our team personally visited every restaurant. Opening hours, prices, menus and locations should be reconfirmed before travel.
