15+ Best Pho in Ho Chi Minh City (2025 Update)

If you're asking yourself what the best pho in Ho Chi Minh City is, you've come to the right place. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about this iconic dish, from its history to the secrets that make a perfect bowl. Get ready to discover why pho is more than just a dish, it's a piece of Vietnam's soul.

The National Soul and Essence of Pho

More than just a dish, pho has become a cultural icon. You can find it everywhere, from steamy street-side stalls to luxurious restaurants. Each bowl of pho is not just a combination of noodles and beef, but the culmination of a chef’s skill and meticulous attention to detail. The broth is simmered from beef bones and special spices for many hours, creating a rich, unforgettable flavor. Pho is a dish that Vietnamese people can eat at any time of day, from breakfast to a late-night snack. It's a "soul-healing" dish that provides a sense of warmth and familiarity.

The national soul and essence of Pho

The Journey of Pho: From North to South

Pho originated in North Vietnam, particularly Hanoi, in the early 20th century. But it was the historic migration in 1954 that brought this dish across the 17th parallel, following millions of Northerners to the South, especially Saigon.

In the bustling and open-minded city of Saigon, pho no longer retained its light, delicate Northern flavor. Instead, it was "transformed" to suit the local palate. Instead of just green onions and herbs, Saigon pho was enhanced with a full range of fresh herbs, bean sprouts, saw-leaf herb, and rich sauces like hoisin and chili sauce. This dish quickly became an indispensable part of Saigon's culinary culture, showcasing a fascinating cultural fusion.

The journey of pho: from North to South

Decoding the Secrets of Saigon Pho

Is Vietnamese Pho Healthy?

Every traveler who comes to Saigon has the same question: Is this fragrant, delicious pho really good for you? You've probably heard a million good things about its flavor, but can it actually be part of a healthy diet?

Let's break down a bowl of Saigon's finest pho to get a real answer. This isn't from a science textbook, it's from the perspective of a local who's been eating this amazing dish for years.

The key thing to remember is that pho is made with real, fresh ingredients. The broth is simmered from bones, the meat is unprocessed, and you get a generous amount of fresh herbs and veggies. So in that sense, it's miles better than a lot of fast food options.

However, if you're super focused on calories or sodium, you might want to be mindful. A typical bowl can range from 500 to 900 calories, and the broth can be salty. But don't let that stop you! You can easily make it a healthy meal by choosing leaner cuts of beef, not drinking all the broth, and going easy on the hoisin and Sriracha sauce. It’s all about balance, and pho is a delicious and satisfying way to do it.

How to Say Pho

When people travel to Vietnam, they often ask the same question: "How do you say phở?" It's a simple word with a complex sound, but with a little practice, you'll be ordering like a local in no time.

The key to pronouncing "phở" lies in its two parts: the consonant cluster "ph" and the vowel "ở" with its unique tone.

A breakdown of the pronunciation:

"Ph": This is the easy part. The "ph" is pronounced exactly like the "f" in English words like "fan" or "for."
"ở": This vowel sound is similar to the "ur" in "fur" or the "er" in "sir." You can also think of it as the "a" sound in a word like "cinema" or "banana."
The Tone (question mark ?): This small hook above the "ở" is crucial. It's called the "hỏi" tone, and it signifies a rising, questioning intonation. To get it right, start your voice low and then let it rise at the end of the word, just as you would when asking a question in English.

Putting it all together:

1. Start by making the "f" sound.
2. Add the "ur" vowel sound.
3. Finish by raising your voice, as if you're asking, "What is that?"

The sound isn't "fo" or "foe"; it's a smooth, single syllable: [fəʊ].

Practice saying it a few times, and soon you'll be ordering your bowl of delicious pho with confidence!

Top 20 Must-Try Pho Restaurants in Saigon

Traditional Pho: A Bowl of Hot, Flavorful Broth

These are the legends of Saigon's pho scene, the places that anyone who loves pho must know. The broth is rich, the beef is tender, and the noodles are chewy - just thinking about it is enough to make your mouth water.

Traditional Pho in Ho Chi Minh city

Phở Hòa Pasteur

Phở Hòa Pasteur is one of the oldest and most famous pho shops in Saigon, and its reputation is well-earned. The broth is a culinary masterpiece - clear yet incredibly rich, with a deep, fragrant aroma from slow-simmered beef bones and spices. What's special here is that the broth isn't overly sweet, a common trait in some Southern pho, allowing the natural beef flavor to shine. The fresh, tender beef, especially the rare and flank cuts, is sliced just right. The spacious and clean air-conditioned space is a major plus, making it a comfortable and pleasant spot for visitors. While the price is on the higher side (around 90,000-100,000 VND per bowl), the quality and long-standing brand make it a worthwhile experience for anyone craving an authentic Saigon-style pho.

Address: 260C Pasteur, Ward 8, District 3, HCMC
Price: 90,000 - 150,000 VND (~$3.8 - $6.3 USD)
Opening hours: 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Phở Lệ

Phở Lệ is a highly-rated, famous address in Saigon, known for its rich broth that is naturally sweet from the bones. The bowl is always packed with a generous amount of fresh beef, with many options from tender rare steak, crispy fat flank, and crunchy tendon. The noodles are soft yet firm. The restaurant's own chili sauce and satay are also delicious. Though the price is a bit high and the atmosphere can be noisy due to the constant crowd, the quality and distinctive Southern flavor make it a must-try for any pho lover.

Address: 415 Nguyễn Trãi, Ward 7, District 5 and 303–305 Võ Văn Tần, Ward 5, District 3, HCMC
Price: 90,000 - 150,000 VND (~$3.8 - $6.3 USD)
Opening hours: 6:00 AM - 12:00 AM

Phở Dậu

This spot is famous for its authentic Northern pho flavor right in the heart of District 3. The broth is clear and has a light, beefy flavor that isn't overly sweet. A unique feature of this place is that the pho is served with a bowl of crunchy pickled onions instead of fresh herbs and bean sprouts. The beef is fresh and delicious, with many options from tender rare steak to flavorful fatty flank. The restaurant is always crowded, but the service is professional and quick. This is the perfect choice for anyone who wants to try a refined, authentic taste of Northern pho.

Address: 288 Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa, Ward 8, District 3, HCMC
Price: 90,000 - 150,000 VND (~$3.8 - $6.3 USD)
Opening hours: 5:00 AM - 1:00 PM

delicious Pho in Ho Chi Minh city

Phở Hùng

Phở Hùng is famous for its many branches in District 1 and is a "high-quality" destination for pho lovers. The broth is simmered from beef bones and sand worms, giving it a natural, irresistibly sweet flavor. The bowls here are packed with meat, with a full range of options from rare, well-done, tendon, and flank. Even though the price is a bit high, the food quality and the polite, professional service make the experience completely worthwhile. This is a great choice if you want to enjoy a top-tier bowl of pho in the city center.

Address: 243 Nguyễn Trãi, Ward Nguyễn Cư Trinh, District 1, HCMC
Price: 70,000 - 120,000 VND (~$2.9 - $5.0 USD)
Opening hours: 6:00 AM - 3:00 AM the next day

Phở Phú Vương

Phở Phú Vương stands out with its signature Southern pho flavor. The broth is sweet and rich, combined with unique chewy, square-shaped rice noodles. The restaurant has a diverse menu, like beef hotpot, allowing you to choose from various fresh and delicious beef cuts. The self-made hoisin sauce is a highlight. The two-story space is spacious and clean with air-conditioning, making it a very comfortable place to enjoy a bowl of pho. Despite the crowd, the staff is cheerful and enthusiastic. This is an ideal spot to enjoy delicious pho in a pleasant setting.

Address: 339 Lê Văn Sỹ, Ward 13, Tan Binh District, HCMC
Price: 65,000 - 105,000 VND (~$2.7 - $4.4 USD)
Opening hours: 5:30 AM - 12:00 AM

Phở Cao Vân

This is another long-standing pho shop in the center of District 1, famous for its unique flavor. The broth is simmered over a wood fire, giving it a distinct, light sweetness from the beef bones and a complete lack of a strong star anise or cinnamon aroma. The beef is sliced thick and tender, and the portions are generous. The flavor is a bit mild for those who prefer a sweeter Southern-style broth, but it's a great option for those who want a simple, authentic beefy flavor. At just 60,000 VND for a normal bowl, it's a great value.

Address: 25 Mạc Đĩnh Chi, Ward Đa Kao, District 1, HCMC
Price: 60,000 - 90,000 VND (~$2.5 - $3.8 USD)
Opening hours: 5:30 AM - 10:00 PM

ymmy Pho in Ho Chi Minh city

Phở Minh

Phở Minh is famous for its authentic Northern pho flavor, with a rich and fatty broth that is a notable departure from the light, familiar taste of the South. The broth, simmered from beef bones for hours, has a deep and velvety texture that's incredibly satisfying. Its distinct richness is what sets it apart, offering a unique culinary experience. The noodles are small and thin, making for a unique and enjoyable texture that perfectly soaks up the savory broth. Beyond the pho, don't miss the delicious yogurt and flaky pate chaud, which are also worth trying.

The restaurant is open all day, serving customers from morning to night, which is incredibly convenient. Although the price is a bit higher than other places, the quality and the truly different flavor make it a worthwhile indulgence. It's a must-visit for anyone looking to discover a unique taste of pho.

Address: 63/6 Pasteur, Ward Bến Nghé, District 1, HCMC
Price: 70,000 - 100,000 VND (~$2.9 - $4.2 USD)
Opening hours: 5:30 AM - 10:00 PM

Phở Tàu Bay (Áo Đỏ)

Phở Tàu Bay (Áo Đỏ) is an authentic, long-standing pho shop tucked away in a small alley in District 10. The shop is famous for its "top-notch" pho, which has a clear, fragrant broth with a light sweetness that isn't overly rich. The noodles are thin and soft, and the beef is high-quality. While the price is a bit high (around 70,000-90,000 VND) and there is a parking fee, the "timeless" flavor and attentive service make the experience worthwhile.

Address: 433-435 Lý Thái Tổ, Ward 9, District 10, HCMC
Price: 70,000 - 90,000 VND (~$2.9 - $3.8 USD)
Opening hours: 3:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Phở Anh

Phở Anh is a beloved long-standing pho shop, famous for preserving the "authentic" Southern pho flavor for over a decade. The restaurant has a spacious, clean environment with easy parking in a convenient location. Besides beef pho, the restaurant also serves chicken pho and chicken glass noodles, giving you more options. The price is reasonable (around 60,000-80,000 VND per bowl), and the enthusiastic, friendly staff is a huge plus. This is an ideal choice for a delicious and comfortable meal.

Address: 8 Kỳ Đồng, Ward 9, District 3, HCMC
Price: 60,000 - 100,000 VND (~$2.5 - $4.2 USD)
Opening hours: 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM

flavorful Pho in Ho Chi Minh city

Phở Phú Gia

Phở Phú Gia is a well-known authentic Northern pho shop in the heart of Saigon. The broth is clear, with a natural sweetness from the bones and contains no MSG. The bowl is considered "top-notch" with more meat than noodles, and the beef is tender and of high quality. The restaurant has a clean space and fast service. Although the price is a bit high for a bowl, the quality of the dish is worth it. This is a perfect choice for those who want to try authentic Northern pho flavor.

Address: 146E Lý Chính Thắng, Ward 8, District 3, HCMC
Price: 80,000 - 105,000 VND (~$3.3 - $4.4 USD)
Opening hours: 6:00 AM - 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Unique Pho: A Creative Twist on a Classic

If traditional pho is too familiar, you can try these "unique" versions to "refresh" your palate.

unique versions in Ho Chi Minh city

Phở Khô Gia Lai

Pho is a must-try for any visitor to Vietnam, and a truly unique variant is the "two-bowl" pho. One bowl contains a dry mix of pho noodles with beef and a savory sauce, while the other holds a separate, hot bowl of broth. You can choose to pour the broth over the noodles or enjoy it on the side, taking a spoonful with each bite. This dry version of pho offers a chewy texture and a flavor that's rich and satisfying.

Address: 58 Hoa Sứ, Ward 7, Phu Nhuan District, HCMC
Price: 35,000 - 60,000 VND (~$1.5 - $2.5 USD)
Opening hours: 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Pho kho Gia Lai

Stir-fried Pho (Phở Xào)

The stir-fried pho at Phở SOL is a unique culinary experience that's a world away from traditional pho noodle soup. The key to this dish is the technique of stir-frying the noodles over high heat, which gives them a delightful chewy texture and a slightly charred, crispy edge. The rich and savory sauce, fragrant with garlic and spices, perfectly coats each noodle and tender beef slice. The beef itself is cooked just right, retaining its natural sweetness and tenderness. While the dish is dry, it's incredibly flavorful and satisfying, making it a must-try for anyone looking to explore a different side of Vietnamese cuisine.

Address: 45 Đ. Nguyễn Trường Tộ, Ward 12, District 4, HCMC
Price: 110,000 - 150,000 VND (~$4.6 - $6.3 USD)
Opening hours: 6:00 AM - 9:30 PM

Stir-fried Rare Beef Pho (Phở Tái Lăn)

Phở Thìn is famous for its stir-fried rare beef pho, a specialty that has become one of the restaurant's signature dishes. The key to this dish is the beef, which is quickly stir-fried with crushed garlic over a high flame. This process gives the beef a delicious, savory flavor and a signature "smoky" aroma. The stir-fried beef is placed directly on top of soft noodles, and a rich, clear broth is poured over it, creating a perfect harmony of flavors. This unique take on pho is a must-try for anyone looking to try a different side of this Vietnamese classic.

Address: H0.01 Happy Valley Condominium, Phú Mỹ Hưng Urban Area, District 7, HCMC
Price: 80,000 - 150,000 VND (~$3.3 - $6.3 USD)
Opening hours: 6:00 AM - 9:30 PM

Crispy Puffed Pho (Phở Chiên Phồng)

Crispy Puffed Pho at Gánh Hàng Ngan - Món Ngon Hà Nội is a "top-notch" dish. Square pieces of pho are deep-fried until they puff up and become wonderfully crispy, creating a satisfying texture. The rich sauce, fragrant with the smell of beef and stir-fried vegetables, clings to every piece of pho and tender beef, creating an unforgettable flavor. While this dish is a delicious indulgence, it can be a bit heavy if you eat a lot. However, this unique twist on pho is an experience you won't want to miss.

Address: Dakao Ward, 26 Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai, Đa Kao, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh
Price: 95,000 - 105,000 VND (~$3.6 - $4 USD)
Opening hours: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Crispy puffed Pho

Gia Lai Dry Pho (Phở khô Gia Lai)

Get ready for a fun, interactive pho experience! "Dry Pho" is also called "two-bowl pho," and you'll see why. In one bowl, you get chewy, round noodles (different from the usual flat ones) mixed with tender chicken or beef and a savory, special sauce, topped with crispy fried onions. The second bowl holds a clear, light, and wonderfully sweet broth. The best part? You're in control! Take a bite of the flavorful noodles, then sip the hot broth separately to cleanse your palate. It’s a delightful game of flavors and textures you won't forget.

Address: 207 Tan Son Nhi, Tan Son Nhi Ward, Tan Phu District, HCMC
Price: 50,000 - 90,000 VND ($2.0 - $3.5 USD)
Opening hours: 6:30 AM - 12:30 PM & 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Lang Son Sour Pho (Phở chua Lạng Sơn)

This isn't the hot pho soup you might know. Think of it as a cool, refreshing noodle salad—perfect for Saigon's warm weather! The star of this dish is its amazing sweet and sour dressing that coats every strand of soft pho noodle. It's then loaded with a party of delicious toppings: savory BBQ pork (char siu), crispy fried taro strips, roasted peanuts, and fresh herbs. Before you eat, mix everything together well. Every single bite is an exciting explosion of sweet, sour, savory, and crunchy.

Address: 242/101 Nguyen Thien Thuat St., Ward 3, District 3, HCMC
Price: 60,000 - 90,000 VND ($2.27 - $3.5 USD)
Opening hours: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Pho Rolls (Phở cuốn)

Imagine all the best flavors of pho, but in a fresh, easy-to-eat roll. Instead of rice paper, these rolls are made with soft, uncut pho noodle sheets. Inside, you'll find warm, delicious stir-fried beef wrapped up with cool, crisp herbs like mint and lettuce. The real magic happens when you dip them into the classic Vietnamese sweet and tangy fish sauce. It's a light, clean, and incredibly flavorful dish that's perfect as a snack, an appetizer, or a light meal. They are so good, you might not be able to stop!

Address: 45 Nguyen Truong To St., Ward 12, District 4, HCMC
Price: 110,000 - 150,000 VND ($4.2 - $6.0 USD)
Opening hours: 6:00 AM - 9:30 PM

Pho rolls

Final Thoughts: Pho and Your Culinary Journey

Pho is not just a dish, but an indispensable part of Vietnamese life and culture. You can enjoy this signature dish anywhere in Saigon, from small alleys to luxury restaurants. Every bowl of pho is a story, a unique flavor that you should experience.

If you've been "immersed" in the flavor of pho and want to explore Saigon's vibrant nightlife and food scene, don't miss our unique tours. Join our Eat Saigon tour to enjoy delicious food while admiring Saigon's sparkling nightlife from a rooftop bar. Or, if you want to eat like a true local, explore Dining Delights - where we'll take you to the local eateries where Saigonese people gather with friends on weekends to relax after a long week of work.

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