Top 15 Best Pho in Ho Chi Minh City Authentic Vietnamese Noodle Soup

The best pho in Ho Chi Minh City isn’t hard to find, but discovering a truly memorable bowl can easily become one of the highlights of your trip. This GTrip guide is your definitive resource, meticulously crafted to help you navigate the city's bustling streets and discover the most authentic Vietnamese noodle soup. We've gone beyond the surface to bring you a list that covers everything you need to know. Legendary institutions such as Pho Le and Pho Hoa Pasteur, along with many lesser-known local favorites, each bring their own character to the city’s pho scene. We'll explore signature dishes, price points, and what makes each bowl a contender for the city's top pho, ensuring you never have to search Google again.

1. Pho Le

• Address:
  • 303 - 305 Vo Van Tan Street, Ban Co Ward (former District 3), Ho Chi Minh City
  • 413 - 415 Nguyen Trai Street, An Dong Ward (former District 5), Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
• Price range: About 100,000 VND (~$3.83)

Pho Le is famous for its distinct Southern-style pho. The experience here is defined by its rich, slightly sweet beef broth, which is a crowd-pleaser for both locals and tourists. When you order, your bowl arrives steaming hot, loaded with your choice of beef cuts, from tender rare steak to fatty brisket and flavorful meatballs. A key part of the Pho Le experience is the enormous plate of fresh garnishes that accompanies every bowl. This includes heaps of fragrant herbs like Thai basil and sawtooth coriander, along with bean sprouts and lime wedges, allowing you to customize the flavor to your exact preference. The atmosphere is consistently lively and bustling, reflecting its immense popularity. It’s a must-visit for anyone wanting to taste a classic Saigon-style pho.

Pho Le serves classic Southern-style pho with rich, slightly sweet broth, a variety of beef cuts, and a generous plate of fresh herbs for customization

2. Pho Hung

• Address:
  • 241 Nguyen Trai Street, Cau Ong Lanh Ward (former District 1), Ho Chi Minh City
  • 288 Nguyen Tri Phuong Street, Vuon Lai Ward (former District 10), Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 6:00 AM - 3:00 AM
• Price range: About 85,000 VND (~$3.26)

Pho Hung has earned its reputation as a reliable destination for a satisfying bowl of pho at almost any hour, especially with its former District 1 branch running until 3:00 AM. This spot is a favorite for those seeking a comforting meal after a night out or an early start to the day. The broth here strikes a well-calibrated balance, not as sweet as Pho Le but still packed with a deep, savory beef flavor that locals appreciate. Pho Hung is particularly known for its generous portions of high-quality beef, ensuring every spoonful is a hearty one. The menu offers a wide variety of beef combinations, including sought-after cuts like flank, tendon, and tripe. The restaurant maintains a clean, no-frills environment focused on efficiently serving delicious, consistent pho, making it a dependable choice for seasoned pho lovers and newcomers alike.

3. Pho Hoa Pasteur

• Address: 260C Pasteur Street, Xuan Hoa Ward (former District 3), Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 5:30 AM - 10:30 PM
• Price range: About 90,000 VND (~$3.45)

With a history spanning over 50 years, Pho Hoa Pasteur is a legendary name that is synonymous with authentic Saigon pho. Located on the famous Pasteur Street, this family-run establishment has preserved its traditional recipe through generations, offering a taste of culinary history. The highlight here is the clear, deeply fragrant broth, simmered for hours with beef bones and a secret blend of spices to achieve a clean yet complex flavor profile. It leans more towards a Northern style, with less sweetness than its Southern counterparts. A unique feature of Pho Hoa Pasteur is the complimentary side of fried dough sticks, perfect for dipping into the savory soup. The restaurant's multi-story building is often packed, filled with the hum of satisfied diners. It stands as a testament to timeless quality and is essential for any pho pilgrimage.

Pho Hoa Pasteur, a Saigon legend for over 50 years, serves authentic Northern-style pho with clear, fragrant broth and a side of fried dough sticks

4. Pho Dau

• Address: 288 M1 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, Xuan Hoa Ward (former District 3), Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 5:00 AM - 1:00 PM
• Price range: About 100,000 VND (~$3.83)

For purists seeking a taste of authentic Northern-style pho, Pho Dau is an unmissable destination. This long-standing establishment is famous for its minimalist approach, focusing entirely on the quality of its core components. The key feature of Pho Dau is its remarkably clear and savory broth, which is light yet packed with an intense, umami-rich beef essence. Unlike many Southern pho spots, Pho Dau does not serve its pho with a side of herbs or bean sprouts, staying true to Hanoi tradition. Instead, the focus is purely on the broth, the silky noodles, and the perfectly cooked beef. It’s also known for not providing hoisin sauce or sriracha, encouraging diners to appreciate the soup in its pure, intended form. This spot is a breakfast and lunch favorite, closing early in the afternoon, so be sure to plan your visit accordingly.

5. Pho Cao Van

• Address: 25 Mac Dinh Chi Street, Tan Dinh Ward (former District 1), Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 5:30 AM - 10:00 PM
• Price range: About 60,000 VND (~$2.30)

Stepping into Pho Cao Van is like taking a step back in time. This vintage shop, run by an elderly couple for over 60 years, exudes an old-world charm that is as comforting as its pho. The space is small and unassuming, but the flavors are immense. Pho Cao Van specializes in Northern-style pho, celebrated for its delicate, well-balanced, and clear broth. The owners take immense pride in their traditional recipe, which has remained unchanged for decades. The beef is tender, sliced thin, and cooks perfectly in the hot soup. Visiting Pho Cao Van is about experiencing a piece of Saigon's living history. It offers one of the most affordable bowls on this list, providing incredible value for such a high-quality, traditional meal.

Pho Cao Van, a vintage Northern-style pho shop run for over 60 years, is known for its delicate, clear broth and tender, thinly sliced beef

6. Pho Phu Vuong

• Address:
  • 120 Nguyen Thai Binh Street, Cau Ong Lanh Ward (former District 1), Ho Chi Minh City
  • 339 Le Van Sy Street, Tan Son Hoa Ward (former Ward 1, Tan Binh District), Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
• Price range: About 60,000 VND (~$2.30)

Pho Phu Vuong is a local heavyweight, commanding a loyal following for its intensely flavorful and robust pho. If you prefer a broth that is bold and unapologetically beefy, this is your spot. The soup is darker and richer than many others, with a prominent aroma of star anise and cinnamon. The main draw is the incredibly tender and flavorful beef, which practically melts in your mouth. The restaurant offers various beef options, but a mix of rare steak, flank, and fatty brisket is a popular combination that showcases the quality of their meat. The space is often crowded and chaotic, a testament to its popularity among Saigonese residents. It’s a high-energy dining experience that delivers a powerful and memorable bowl of Southern-style pho, making it a top contender for the best pho in Ho Chi Minh City.

7. Pho Tau Bay (Ao Do)

• Address: 435 Ly Thai To Street, Vuon Lai Ward (former District 10), Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 3:30 AM - 12:00 PM
• Price range: 70,000 VND ($2.68) (Motorbike parking fee: 5,000 VND/~$0.19)

Pho Tau Bay, affectionately nicknamed "Ao Do" (Red Shirt) after the owner's signature attire, is another historic gem serving Northern-style pho since 1954. This spot is a favorite among early risers, opening its doors at 3:30 AM to serve a devoted clientele. The experience here is rustic and authentic, with a focus on simple, high-quality ingredients. The broth is the star of the show, it's clear, light, and has a clean beef flavor that isn't overpowered by spices or sweetness. It’s the kind of subtle, comforting soup that purists adore. The menu is straightforward, primarily offering pho with tender rare beef slices. The setting is very local, with diners often sitting on small plastic stools. Be aware that this is a no-frills establishment aimed at serving a perfect, traditional bowl of pho to those who know and love the classic Hanoi taste.

Pho Tau Bay, a historic Northern-style pho spot since 1954, is loved for its clear, light broth and tender rare beef in a rustic, no-frills setting

8. Pho Minh-Saigon

• Address: 63/6 Pasteur Street, Saigon Ward (former District 1), Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 6:30 AM - 10:00 AM
• Price range: 60,000 - 90,000 VND (~$2.30 - 3.45)

Tucked away in a quiet alley off Pasteur Street, this long-standing pho shop is a true hidden gem. It has been serving exceptional bowls for over 70 years and is even recommended in the Michelin Guide. Located inside a family home, it offers an intimate, authentic dining experience. The pho follows a cherished Northern family recipe, defined by its clean, aromatic broth scented with star anise and cardamom yet light and non-greasy. Beef is sliced to order for maximum freshness, and the shop operates only a few hours each morning, attracting a loyal crowd of local regulars. For those willing to seek it out, it’s a peaceful, flavorful escape from the city's hustle.

9. Pho Chua Thanh

• Address: 242/101 Nguyen Thien Thuat Street, Ban Co Ward (former District 3), Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
• Price range: 60,000 VND ($2.30)

For a truly unique twist on the classic noodle soup, Pho Chua Thanh is the go-to destination. This restaurant specializes in pho chua, or "sour pho", a distinct style originating from Lang Son Province in Northern Vietnam. Unlike traditional pho, this dish is served with minimal broth and is instead defined by its tangy, sweet, and savory tamarind-based sauce. The bowl is a vibrant mix of flat rice noodles, slices of tender char siu, crispy fried shallots, roasted peanuts, and various fresh herbs. Some variations also include fried sweet potato. The combination of textures and flavors makes for an exciting and unforgettable culinary experience. It’s a refreshing alternative to the hot beef broth of traditional pho, especially on a warm Saigon day, and a must-try for adventurous foodies.

Pho Chua Thanh offers a unique Northern-style with tangy tamarind sauce, tender char siu, crispy shallots, and fresh herbs for a vibrant twist on the classic dish

10. Pho Viet Nam

• Address:
  • 66 Tran Quoc Toan Street, Xuan Hoa Ward (former District 3), Ho Chi Minh City
  • 14 Pham Hong Thai Street, Sai Gon Ward (former District 1), Ho Chi Minh City
  • 125 Le Duc Tho Street, Hanh Thong Ward (former Go Vap District), Ho Chi Minh City
  • 84 Ho Tung Mau Street, Sai Gon Ward (former District 1), Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
• Price range: Stone bowl: 100,000 VND (~$3.83)

Pho Viet Nam offers a modern and theatrical twist on the traditional pho experience with its signature dish. The standout attraction here is the "stone bowl pho", where the broth is served boiling in a superheated stone bowl. The raw beef slices and noodles are provided separately, allowing you to cook them yourself right at the table. This interactive method not only ensures your meal stays piping hot from the first to the last bite but also guarantees the beef is perfectly tender and fresh. The broth itself is rich and flavorful, creating a satisfying soup as the ingredients meld together. With multiple locations across the city, including a late-night branch in former District 1, Pho Viet Nam makes this novel dining experience accessible. It's a fun and delicious option for those looking for something different.

11. Pho Anh

• Address: 8 Ky Dong Street, Ban Co Ward (former District 3), Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
• Price range: 63,000 VND ($2.41)

Pho Anh is celebrated for its rich and hearty Southern-style pho that hits all the right notes. This local eatery is consistently praised for the depth and complexity of its broth, which is simmered for many hours to extract maximum flavor from the beef bones. The soup has a noticeable sweetness balanced by savory notes, creating an addictive taste. The signature offering that sets Pho Anh apart is its delicious and tender oxtail pho. The oxtail is cooked until it is fall-off-the-bone tender, adding an extra layer of richness to the already flavorful broth. The restaurant provides a generous platter of fresh herbs, lime, and chili, allowing for full customization. It’s a popular spot that offers a very clean and comfortable dining environment, making it a great choice for both families and solo diners.

Pho Anh serves rich Southern-style pho, famous for its tender oxtail and deeply flavorful, slightly sweet broth, accompanied by fresh herbs for customization

12. Pho Thin (Pho Thin 13 Lo Duc)

• Address: 138 Yersin Street, Saigon Ward (former District 1), Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
• Price range: 100,000 - 200,000 VND ($3.83 - 7.66)

Bringing the legendary taste of Hanoi's Pho Thin 13 Lo Duc to Saigon, this restaurant offers a unique and powerful pho experience. Unlike traditional pho, where beef is boiled, Pho Thin is famous for its signature stir-fried beef pho. Thin slices of beef are quickly stir-fried with garlic and ginger before being added to the bowl, infusing the entire dish with a smoky, aromatic fragrance that is truly distinctive. This stir-frying process creates a richer, more umami-laden broth. The bowl is then topped with a generous amount of green onions, adding a fresh, sharp contrast to the savory beef. It's a bolder, more intense take on pho that has won over fans worldwide. While the price is higher than average, the unique flavor and high-quality ingredients justify the cost for this one-of-a-kind culinary experience.

13. Pho Ha

• Address: 17 - 19 Hai Trieu Street, Ben Nghe Ward (former District 1), Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: All day
• Price range: 65,000 - 80,000 VND (~$2.49 - 3.06)

Pho Ha is a bustling, 24/7 institution located near the Bitexco Financial Tower, making it a beacon for pho lovers at any time of day or night. This convenience, combined with its solid quality, makes it a popular stop for office workers, tourists, and late-night revelers. The pho here is a dependable Southern-style rendition, featuring a well-seasoned broth that is both savory and slightly sweet. Pho Ha stands out for its consistent quality and extensive menu, which goes beyond pho to include other Vietnamese comfort foods like com tam. The beef is consistently fresh, and the portions are satisfying. While it may not have the niche specialization of some other spots, its round-the-clock availability and reliable taste make it an invaluable part of Saigon's food scene. It’s the perfect place to satisfy a sudden pho craving, no matter the hour.

Pho Ha, a 24/7 Saigon favorite near Bitexco, serves reliable Southern-style pho with savory, slightly sweet broth and fresh beef any time of day

14. Pho Phuong

• Address: 25 Hoang Sa Street, Tan Dinh Ward (former District 1), Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: Monday: 5:00 AM - 2:00 PM | Tuesday - Sunday: 5:00 AM - 8:30 PM
• Price range: 70,000 - 90,000 VND (~$2.68 - 3.45)

Having gained international fame after being visited by the late, great chef Anthony Bourdain, Pho Phuong is a must-visit for many food-loving travelers. Situated along the Nhieu Loc Canal, this humble shop serves a delightful bowl of pho that lives up to its reputation. The broth at Pho Phuong is exceptionally well-balanced, striking a perfect harmony between savory depth and aromatic spice without being overly sweet. The standout quality here is the remarkable tenderness of its beef, which is consistently praised by diners.. The accompanying plate of fresh herbs is always plentiful, allowing you to brighten the rich soup with basil, bean sprouts, and a squeeze of lime. The picturesque location and Bourdain's stamp of approval make it a memorable stop on any Saigon food tour.

15. Pho Phu Gia

• Address: 146E Ly Chinh Thang Street, Xuan Hoa Ward (former District 3), Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 6:00 AM - 11:00 AM, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
• Price range: 70,000 VND ($2.68)

Pho Phu Gia is another top-tier destination for those who crave the authentic, unadulterated taste of Northern-style pho. This family-run eatery in former District 3 has perfected its craft, focusing on a simple menu executed with precision. The main attraction is its robust, stir-fried beef pho, similar to Pho Thin but with its own unique character. The beef is sauteed with garlic before being placed in a bowl with noodles and a clear, savory broth, creating a wonderfully fragrant and flavorful experience. Unlike Southern-style pho, it is served simply with just some green onions and chili vinegar on the side, allowing the quality of the broth and beef to shine. The shop operates during specific morning and evening hours and often sells out, so it's wise to arrive early to secure a bowl of this highly sought-after pho.

Pho Phu Gia, a family-run spot in former District 3, serves authentic Northern-style pho with fragrant stir-fried beef and a clear, savory broth

Your search for the best pho in Ho Chi Minh City takes you through a flavorful mix of sweet Southern bowls and pure, savory Northern broths. This GTrip - Vietnam Travel Agency guide has armed you with the 15 essential stops, each offering a unique window into Vietnam's most beloved dish. While the "best" bowl is ultimately a matter of personal taste, this list represents the pinnacle of quality, tradition, and local adoration. If you're slurping noodles at a 70-year-old institution like Pho Minh or trying the interactive stone bowl pho at Pho Viet Nam, you're participating in a rich culinary tradition. So grab your chopsticks, embrace the bustling atmosphere, and get ready to discover your personal favorite pho in the vibrant streets of Saigon.