A bowl of Vietnamese pho on a wooden table, topped with fresh herbs and served with chopsticks and a side of chili sauce. A purple text overlay reads 'Where to Eat the Best Pho in Hanoi (From a Local Expat),' positioned in the center of the image.

Where to Get the Best Pho in Hanoi (Top Picks from a Local Expat)

ByKatie McGrain

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Finding a good bowl of pho in Hanoi is like finding a good slice of pizza in NYC. It’s everywhere. And everyone has their own opinions on what makes it good.

If you ask a local, the answer to what is the best pho in Hanoi is likely the one down the street from their house. The one they go to all of the time, the one where they know the owners. Same thing with pizza in NYC. 

I guarantee you that if you walk around the streets of Hanoi (particularly in the mornings) and see a crowded pho restaurant…it will be some of the best pho you have had. 

In fact, my number one recommendation to anyone traveling in Hanoi (and all of Vietnam) is to just walk and look. If you see a place with tons of locals, workers running around serving bowls…it’s likely good! So sit down and point to what someone else is having and enjoy! 

If you’re researching and planning your trip to Vietnam, you’ve probably read lists about the ‘best pho in Hanoi’. Many of those lists were likely written by travelers just passing through the city. They hit up some of the most popular and famous pho joints, the Michelin recognized pho joints, and the places they saw on Instagram and Tik Tok. 

All good, those pho places they’re recommending are popular for a reason! 

But I’ve lived in Hanoi for nearly 8 years. I have eaten at all the popular pho places and many, many, many, many, tiny, unknown pho places. No matter how many bowls of pho I have across the city, these four pho places always top my list. I bring all visitors to these spots, I go back to these places on the regular. And now I am sharing them with you! 

These are my four FAVORITE bowls of pho in this city. My suggestions for where to try the best pho in Hanoi are…

  1. Pho Tu Trang A Tra
  2. Pho Ho Loi
  3. Phở Bò Ấu Triệu
  4. Pho Bo Sot Vang

Pho Tu Trang A Tra

"Street view of a Vietnamese restaurant named 'Phở Gà Ta – ATRA' at 289 Kim Mã, featuring a clean, modern exterior with glass doors and a lit dining area inside. Several motorbikes are parked in front of the entrance, some covered with rain tarps. The sign promotes 'Phở Sạch Tự Tráng' with contact information on display.

Pho Tu Trang A Tra is a standout spot for chicken pho in Hanoi, located outside the usual tourist track in the Ba Dinh neighborhood near Lotte Tower. This family-run restaurant serves a northern-style pho that has quickly topped my list of favorites. The chicken is so tender, I don’t even spit any chewed me out (which is a big deal for me…I hate chewy meat!). 

What sets this place apart is the broth and the noodles. Since it is a pho from the northern part of Vietnam, the broth is lemongrass-y that’s different from your typical pho. The noodles are thicker too, hand-cut and made right in front of you. When you’re constantly eating rice noodles that are just slippery, with no bite, these thicker cut noodles make such a difference!

"A bowl of Vietnamese chicken pho (phở gà) with clear broth, fresh herbs, green onions, and tender chicken pieces, served on a dark wooden table. A side bowl filled with lime wedges sits next to the pho, ready for seasoning.

The inside of the restaurant is clean and simple, with actual tables and chairs, offering a comfortable dining experience. 

 A Tra, the name of the owner from Ha Giang, brings a touch of the Hmong heritage to the table, allowing diners to select specific parts of the chicken for their meal. 

It’s honestly my favorite bowl of pho anywhere in Vietnam, not just Hanoi. I love love love it here. It is a place you will have to seek out if you are interested in trying it out, and you should! 

"Interior of a Vietnamese pho restaurant with green walls and marble paneling. The dining area features wooden tables and benches, with condiments and utensils neatly arranged. A menu board is displayed on the wall, listing various pho options and drinks, while customers are seated and the kitchen is visible in the background.

Address: 289 P. Kim Mã, Giảng Võ, Ba Đình, Hà Nội, Vietnam

Google Maps Location

Pho Ho Loi

"Interior of a Vietnamese pho restaurant with green walls and marble paneling. The dining area features wooden tables and benches, with condiments and utensils neatly arranged. A menu board is displayed on the wall, listing various pho options and drinks, while customers are seated and the kitchen is visible in the background.

Pho Ho Loi is not just any pho spot in Hanoi; it’s my neighborhood pho joint that I’ve been going to for years (maybe that’s one of the reasons I love it so much). It’s a family-owned spot tucked away near Sunshine Riverside in the Tây Hồ district. So another pho place that isn’t on the classic tourist trail in the Old Quarter. They serve up generous portions that keep the locals and in-the-know expats coming back for more.

What really makes Pho Ho Loi stand out are their three distinct types of broth. There’s a traditional Pho Bo, which is buttery and delicious. There’s Pho xao lan, a unique twist that includes sautéed beef with roasted garlic mixed into the broth. And if you’re up for something a bit different, try the Pho sot vang, which features beef that’s been slow-stewed until it’s tender. The sot vang comes with huge chunks of meat, and tons of it!

"A bowl of Vietnamese beef noodle soup (bún bò Huế) with rich broth, tender beef slices, fresh herbs, and green onions, served in a decorative white and blue bowl. Next to the bowl is a plate of crispy fried dough sticks (quẩy) on an orange tray and a glass of yellow beverage.

They also make their own quay—perfectly balanced, not too greasy or too firm, just right to complement your pho. Be warned, though: this place gets crowded! I’ve found the best time to visit is early in the morning, around 6:45 to 7 AM, when it’s busy yet manageable. Any later, especially on weekends, and you might find yourself at the back of a long line, proof of its local fame and popularity.

"Interior of a casual Vietnamese noodle shop with staff preparing food in the open kitchen on the left. Customers are seated at wooden tables with red plastic stools, enjoying their meals. One man is focused on eating his bowl of pho, while another customer stands near the counter.

This spot is more than just my neighborhood go-to for pho; it’s a well-known destination among Hanoians seeking authentic, mouth-watering pho.

Address: 28 Ng. 209 An D. Vương, Phú Thượng, Tây Hồ, Hà Nội

Google Maps Location

Phở Bò Ấu Triệu

Exterior view of a busy Vietnamese street food restaurant with an open entrance. Customers line up outside while staff in red uniforms prepare food at large metal pots near the doorway. The building features a balcony with potted flowers, blending a residential and commercial vibe

Phở Bò Ấu Triệu has earned its spot on multiple of my lists, including my favorites, unique pho offerings, and even the Michelin-recognized pho spots in Hanoi. Yes, it’s that good and the Michelin Guide agrees.

This place is always busy, a testament to its quality. The constant flow of diners means the pho is fresh, an important factor in any good pho spot. It’s not just popular among tourists; locals queue up here too, which is always a sign you know it is good. Plus, the lively atmosphere adds to the dining experience, making it more than just a meal.

A busy street-side eatery in Vietnam where customers sit on small blue plastic stools, eating bowls of noodles. The setting is along an old concrete wall with a casual, outdoor dining atmosphere. Diners of various ages are engaged in their meals, some chatting while others enjoy their food quietly.

Located right next to St. Joseph’s Cathedral, the setting couldn’t be more “quintessentially Old Quarter.” You can enjoy the historic views and the sounds of the cathedral bells while slurping down your pho. Here, they serve only beef pho, and it’s presented with raw ground meat on top that you stir into the hot broth, cooking it right at your table.

Address: 34 P. Ấu Triệu, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam

Google Maps Address

A steaming bowl of Vietnamese beef pho served in a white bowl, topped with thinly sliced onions, fresh herbs, chopped green onions, and minced beef. Crispy fried dough sticks (quẩy) sit on a plate in the background, with a red tissue box nearby on the wooden table.

Pho Bo Sot Vang

Outdoor Vietnamese street food stall with a metal roof and simple setup, featuring customers sitting at red plastic tables enjoying bowls of pho. A sign reads 'Phở Bò Sốt Vang,' indicating beef stew pho. Motorbikes are parked nearby, and the dining area is shaded by a large tree.

Located in the Tay Ho neighborhood, this pho spot has been a staple for me for many years. With the upcoming construction on Dang Thai Mai in May 2025, it’s uncertain what changes might come. This place is popular with locals – from construction workers to families starting their day, meaning the place is always hopping. They serve from around 6 AM and wrap up by 11 AM.

You’ll find yourself sitting with lots of other people on stools at small tables. The Tai Chin (half cooked, half rare) pho here is straightforward but exceptional, with tender beef and a rich, traditional broth that never disappoints. The food’s quality, evidenced by the daily crowds and the rapid turnover, guarantees freshness and top-notch flavor in every bowl.

A close-up of two bowls of Vietnamese beef pho on a red table. One person in a gray jacket is using chopsticks to pick up noodles, with crispy fried dough sticks (quẩy) and cups of tea nearby. In the background, kitchen staff are busy preparing food.

Address: 3R7F+7WP, Ng. 12 Đ. Đặng Thai Mai, Quảng An, Tây Hồ, Hà Nội, Vietnam

Google Maps Location

The Best Pho in Hanoi, According to Moi

There you have it—my personal roundup of the best pho in Hanoi. Each offers a unique take on this iconic Vietnamese dish. Hanoi is a city known for its food, and pho is at the heart of this reputation.

Whether you’re here for a short visit or a longer stay, trying out these spots will give you a true taste of what Hanoi has to offer. And remember, this is just the beginning! For more pho recommendations and to plan out all the bowls you want to eat, check out my complete series on where to eat pho in Hanoi. You’re sure to discover your new favorite!

Katie McGrain is a Vietnam Trip Planning Expert. She has lived in Hanoi, Vietnam since 2017, and has explored just about every corner of this country. She provides female travelers to Vietnam with resources, ideas, and guides on where to go and what to do. Her on the ground research, planning and advising helps women have a safe, memorable and authentic trip to Vietnam.