Looking for the Best Pho in Ho Chi Minh? From Michelin-recognized eateries to family-run gems, Saigon’s pho scene offers everything from oxtail broth simmered for 20 hours to creative Hanoi-style pho tai lan. This guide highlights the top 10 pho restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City, complete with addresses, prices, and traveler insights. As a trusted Vietnam tour operator, Vietpower Travel brings you authentic dining experiences alongside curated city tours.
Just off the Nhieu Loc–Thi Nghe canal, Pho Phuong draws steady queues for its signature pho duoi bo (oxtail pho). The beef stock is simmered for close to 20 hours, giving it a deep, naturally sweet profile without feeling heavy. The star topping is oxtail: soft, fall-apart meat with a pleasantly bouncy skin that adds texture to each bite.
A nice touch here: bowls arrive in pre-heated stoneware, which keeps the soup steaming throughout the meal so the last spoonful tastes as warm as the first. Seating is clean and orderly, service is brisk, and turnover is fast during breakfast and lunch.
What to order: Oxtail pho; add brisket or tendon if you like richer cuts. Many regulars dip beef into a small dish of chili/hoisin instead of mixing sauces into the broth—worth trying to keep the stock’s character intact.
When to go: Breakfast or early lunch for shorter waits.
Good to know: Cash is most common; simple, no-frills dining room. Landmarks like Saigon Zoo & Botanical Garden are a quick ride away if you’re planning a morning of sightseeing.
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A long-running name among Saigon pho lovers, Pho Le is celebrated for generous dac biet bowls, a heaping basket of fresh herbs and bean sprouts, and lively, family-friendly rooms (fans downstairs, air-conditioned seating upstairs). The stock leans proudly Southern—round, savory-sweet, and aromatic.
The kitchen boosts fragrance with small-batch spice roasting each day. Toasted star anise, cinnamon, coriander seed, and other spices release oils that bring the broth to life without overwhelming it. Portions are substantial, beef balls have a springy bite, and sliced brisket and flank are cut thick enough to feel hearty.
What to order: Pho dac biet (rare beef, brisket, tendon, beef balls). Ask for extra herbs if you love piling on basil and sawtooth coriander.
When to go: Mid-morning or late evening to avoid the lunch crush; District 5 pairs well with a Chinatown walk.
Good to know: Both branches are easy for groups; service is quick even at peak times.
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A few minutes’ walk from Bui Vien Walking Street, Pho Hung is a lifesaver after a night out or a red-eye arrival. The broth is clear and aromatic, the noodles are cooked to a light chew, and the house meatballs are a crowd-pleaser. Bowls are big, service is fast, and prices are friendly—an easy addition to your shortlist for Cheap Eats in Ho Chi Minh City.
What to order: Pho dac biet with beef balls; add lime and sliced chili to taste.
When to go: Late evening through the wee hours for a quiet seat, or breakfast if you want to eat alongside locals before sightseeing.
Good to know: The District 1 shop is walkable from many central hotels; expect a steady flow of travelers and night-shift workers.
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Serving Saigon since 1968, Pho Hoa Pasteur has become a landmark for both locals and international visitors. It has been featured in global outlets such as The New York Times and The Washington Post. Diners flock here for a consistent taste of Southern-style pho: a beef broth simmered for hours, packed with rare beef, brisket, tendon, tripe, and house-made beef rolls.
One of the highlights is pairing pho with quay (crispy fried dough sticks), which add crunch and soak up the hot broth beautifully. A few branches are known for preparing handmade rice noodles daily, giving bowls a fresher texture that’s difficult to find elsewhere.
What to order: The special beef pho (pho dac biet) with a side of fried dough sticks.
When to go: Best enjoyed mid-morning when the crowds are lighter.
Good to know: Seating is spacious, making it suitable for families or larger groups.
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For over 40 years, Pho Hien has kept its loyal following by focusing on the basics: a clear, slightly sweet broth and toppings that highlight Southern flavors. The restaurant is especially popular for its handmade beef balls, prepared daily without preservatives to ensure a springy bite and rich taste.
Square-cut noodles give their bowls a distinctive appearance while holding broth better than traditional strands. The dining area is clean and straightforward, making it an excellent stop for those who want quality without the fuss.
What to order: Beef ball pho or the house special with brisket and rare beef.
When to go: Evenings are lively, but mornings provide a calmer experience.
Good to know: Prices are affordable, so it’s a reliable addition to your list of Cheap Eats In Ho Chi Minh City.
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If beef pho feels too heavy, Pho Mien Ga Ky Dong is the place to try a lighter alternative. This shop has been serving chicken pho and glass noodles for over 50 years and was listed in the Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2023. The chicken broth is slow-cooked until rich and aromatic, topped with shredded chicken, skin, gizzards, liver, and young eggs.
Locals also love the chicken salad (goi ga) served as a side dish — fragrant, tangy, and balanced, it makes an ideal pairing with a steaming bowl of noodles.
What to order: Chicken pho with glass noodles (mien ga xe) plus the signature chicken salad.
When to go: All day, but evenings often see a steady stream of loyal customers.
Good to know: The setting is simple but always bustling, reflecting its long-standing reputation.
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Pho SOL, also known as Pho Thin by SOL, offers an elegant Northern-style pho experience right in Saigon. The signature dish is pho tai lan — beef quickly stir-fried before being added to the broth, giving it a smoky aroma. For those wanting a premium touch, the restaurant serves Wagyu rib pho, with the beef prepared using sous vide techniques to ensure tenderness and a melt-in-the-mouth texture.
What to order: Pho tai lan, Wagyu rib pho, or beef stew pho (pho sot vang).
When to go: Evenings are best for enjoying the refined atmosphere.
Good to know: Interiors are modern, with warm lighting and spacious layouts, making it suitable for families, business diners, or travelers looking for a higher-end meal.
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Hidden inside Ban Co Market, Pho Chua Thanh introduces Saigon diners to Lang Son’s specialty pho chua (sour pho). Instead of the usual clear broth, the noodles are dressed with a tamarind-based sauce, fried wontons, pork cracklings, and a mix of fresh herbs. A small bowl of duck-based broth is served on the side to sip between bites.
What to order: Pho chua with crispy shrimp crackers and dried chili.
When to go: Lunch or early dinner.
Good to know: The shop also serves tasty banh gio (steamed rice cake with pork filling) — a great snack if you want variety.
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Gia Lai’s famous “two-bowl pho” (pho hai to) is served here. One bowl contains chewy noodles mixed with minced beef and sauce, while the second bowl is a rich, hot broth filled with brisket, rare beef, tendon, and meatballs. Diners can adjust the flavor with soy sauce, chili paste, or lime.
What to order: Pho kho (dry pho) with rare beef and brisket.
When to go: Early lunch is ideal, as ingredients run out quickly.
Good to know: This is a rare regional style in Saigon, worth trying if you’re interested in something different from the usual beef noodle soup.
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Pho Phu Gia delivers Hanoi-style pho in its purest form. Unlike most Southern shops, you won’t find hoisin sauce or a mountain of herbs on the side. Instead, the focus is a clear, fragrant broth created through a process similar to the French consommé clarification method, which produces exceptional clarity and refined taste.
The broth is topped with wide noodles, sliced onions, and scallions. The house favorite is pho tai lan — beef stir-fried quickly in garlic and fat before being added to the soup, giving the bowl a light smokiness.
What to order: Pho tai lan or rare beef pho.
When to go: Morning hours are best, as seats fill up quickly.
Good to know: The setting is modest, with stainless steel tables and plastic chairs, but the flavors make it a must for pho lovers.
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Locals enjoy pho early in the morning as a hearty breakfast, but many shops in District 1 stay open late into the night. If you want a calm atmosphere, go before 9:00 AM. For a lively street scene, try late-night spots that serve some of the best pho in Ho Chi Minh District 1 until 2–3 AM.
For Muslim travelers, you can find best halal pho in Ho Chi Minh around Ben Thanh Market and near the central mosque on Dong Du Street. These venues serve beef pho prepared according to halal standards.
A typical bowl costs 45,000–80,000 VND (about $2–3.50). Upscale restaurants may charge 100,000–150,000 VND, especially for wagyu or specialty cuts. If you’re traveling on a budget, check out our guide to Cheap Eats in Ho Chi Minh City for more affordable food choices.
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1. Is pho in Saigon different from Hanoi pho?
Yes. Hanoi pho is lighter with fewer garnishes, while Saigon pho has a sweeter broth and comes with herbs, bean sprouts, and sauces for diners to adjust flavors.
2. Where to find pho near Ben Thanh Market?
Popular spots nearby include Pho 2000 (famous for Bill Clinton’s visit) and Pho Le’s Vo Van Tan branch, both within walking distance.
3. How much does pho cost?
Most bowls cost 45,000–80,000 VND. Premium shops charge 90,000–150,000 VND. Street vendors usually offer the cheapest bowls.
4. Is pho safe for travelers?
Yes, pho is generally safe. Choose busy shops with high customer turnover, avoid overloading with chili if you’re not used to spice, and pair your meal with bottled or filtered water.
Exploring pho is one of the most memorable parts of any Saigon trip. Whether you’re craving classic southern broth, halal-friendly options, or unique regional twists, these top 10 places capture the essence of the Best Pho in Ho Chi Minh. With years of expertise, Vietpower Travel ensures every traveler can taste authentic Vietnamese culture while enjoying safe, well-planned journeys across Vietnam. Read more about Vietnam’s incredible cuisine, then bring your taste journey to life. Book a Vietnam food tour with Vietpower Travel and enjoy every bite of this unforgettable culinary adventure.
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