Phở Hà Nội epitomizes the essence of Vietnamese cuisine. Let’s delve into the 16 authentic locations in Hanoi where you can savor this iconic dish at its finest.
You simply must try the fragrant and enticing Pho Hanoi. This iconic dish leaves a lasting impression on Vietnam’s culinary map and has been praised by numerous international food magazines and websites like TasteAtlas, CNN, and Business Insider as one of the world’s finest delicacies.
Introducing Phở Hà Nội
Origin of Phở Hà Nội
In the past, beef consumption was rare among the populace. Many believed that Pho originated from buffalo stew, where the broth was poured over rice noodles, topped with stir-fried buffalo meat.
Around the 20th century, Hanoi had only a few beef stalls, which were often deserted, especially those selling beef bones. Some buffalo stew stalls began substituting buffalo meat with beef, using beef bones to make the broth. They soon discovered that beef was tender, while beef bones provided a sweeter flavor, leading to the creation of beef stew. Gradually, they replaced rice noodles with rolled rice cakes (pho noodles) and continuously improved the dish, eventually renaming it Pho.
Phở Hà Nội emerged in the 1930s, becoming widespread between 1937-1938. Its golden era spanned from 1939 to 1942.
From the mid-1960s to the 1990s, “meatless pho” appeared in Hanoi and many northern provinces. Since the 1990s, Pho has become more diverse, often served with crispy fried dough sticks.
What’s the difference between Phở Hà Nội in the past and today?
The way of making Phở Hà Nội in the past and nowadays has undergone several changes, reflecting both tradition and adaptation to modern tastes.
In the past, Pho was typically sold by street vendors, with a broth rich in the aroma of cinnamon, star anise, simmered beef bones, and various spices. The broth was simmered for about 10 hours, resulting in a sweet taste, while the cinnamon and star anise were roasted before cooking to enhance their distinct flavors.
The noodles in traditional Hanoi Pho were large and not too thick to maintain their softness. The cooked meat was tender, and the dish was garnished with aromatic herbs like scallions, cilantro, and onions. The steaming hot broth was poured into the bowl of Pho, often served with crispy fried dough sticks on the side.
Street vendors typically carried a bamboo pole with one side holding the Pho ingredients – noodles, bowls, chopsticks, and spoons, while the other side carried a pot of fragrant, steaming hot broth. The image of Hanoi’s old Pho vendors, with their aromatic broth wafting in the air, remains a nostalgic memory for many.
Today, Pho is available in various eateries and restaurants, catering to different demographics, from budget-conscious diners to those seeking a luxurious dining experience. In addition to traditional flavors, modern Pho broth may be enhanced with seasoning powders, broth cubes, or pre-made Pho spice blends.
Cinnamon, star anise, and other spices are often reduced to better suit the general palate. The variety of meats in Pho has also expanded, with options such as stir-fried beef, rare beef, and well-done beef. In addition to fried dough sticks, Pho can now be enjoyed with poached eggs.
This special dish has made a lasting impression on Vietnamese cuisine and captivated foreign visitors. When visiting the capital city of Hanoi, you can easily find a long-standing Pho restaurant in the Old Quarter to savor a steaming hot bowl of irresistibly delicious Pho.
Today, Phở Hà Nội has gained global recognition, with numerous establishments opened in countries like Japan, the United States, Australia, and more, showcasing Vietnam’s enticing culinary culture.
The taste of Phở Hà Nội and the way Hanoi people eat pho
Phở Hà Nội is an unforgettable culinary emblem, preserving the essence of the nation’s cuisine. Pho represents the delicate harmony between rich broth, fragrant herbs, savory beef/chicken, and various other ingredients.
This dish is best enjoyed piping hot and flavorful. Many people often like to add lime, garlic vinegar, or Phở Hà Nội chili sauce according to their taste preferences.
Where is the best place to eat pho in Hanoi? List of famous delicious pho addresses in Hanoi
Hung Vuong stone bowl pho – Hanoi stone bowl pho is delicious and authentic
37A Hung Vuong, Ba Dinh District
This is a familiar address recommended by many Phở Hà Nội reviews. It is the first stone bowl pho restaurant in the capital, offering a unique traditional flavor.
Pho Bat Dan – TOP The best pho restaurants in Hanoi
49 Bat Dan, Hoan Kiem District Pho Bat Dan Hanoi is a traditional pho restZaurant with a history of over 100 years. The restaurant is always crowded as it still preserves the distinctive flavor of Phở Hà Nội with fragrant, sweet, and clear broth, and carefully selected ingredients.
Pho Ganh Hang Chieu – Phở Hà Nội shop with a strong traditional flavor
Intersection of Hang Duong – Hang Chieu, Hoan Kiem District The pho here is piping hot and hearty. The restaurant is famous for its rich and fragrant beef stew pho. However, it’s always crowded, and you may need to wait quite a while to enjoy the delicious bowl of pho.
Hanoi Street Pho
Address: 3 Tran Phu, Hoan Kiem District Pho Duong Tau is a familiar late-night pho spot in Hanoi. The restaurant has been open since 1970 and is beloved by many for its warm bowls of pho, soft pho noodles, tender and sweet beef, and distinctive traditional flavor.
Ha Hang Hom Chicken Pho – The place to eat pho at night in Hanoi that you should try once
Address: 15 Hang Hom, Hoan Kiem District
If you are looking for a delicious Hanoi chicken pho restaurant, then stop by Pho Ha Hang Hom restaurant. Our chicken is deliciously chewy, extremely soft and has a cool mixed pho. In particular, the broth here is super sweet, the herbs are abundant and the price is extremely reasonable.
Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su Hanoi
Address: 10 Ly Quoc Su, Hoan Kiem District
Pho Ly Quoc Su Hanoi leaves a lasting impression with its fragrant and sweet broth, simmered from various types of beef bones. The bowl of pho features a harmonious blend of flavors, with delicious fresh beef, soft pho noodles, and generously filled bowls that satisfy every diner.
Pho Hanoi stands as a culinary emblem of the ancient Trang An people. This dish encapsulates the essence of Hanoi’s culinary culture, renowned for its sophistication and intricacy. The alluring flavor of Pho Hanoi leaves an indelible mark on memory, bridging the past with the present and leaving a lasting impression on diners.
This concludes
San Grand Hotel’s sharing of the most famous Hanoi pho restaurants. We hope you have a wonderful trip exploring Hanoi!
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