1. About Pho

1.1 Pho Overview

Pho is a traditional Vietnamese noodle soup made with a rich, aromatic broth, rice noodles, and meat—commonly beef or chicken—topped with fresh herbs. Its distinctive flavor comes from hours of simmering bones with spices, making it a beloved dish in Vietnam and globally recognized for its depth and comfort.

1.2 How to Pronounce "Pho"

Pho (pronounced "fuh") is simple to say but loaded with meaning. The pronunciation varies slightly based on regional accents, but Hanoi locals pronounce it with a short, sharp tone for clarity. Mastering the pronunciation can enhance tourists' experience and show respect for Vietnamese culture.

>>> Read more: What exactly is Pho?

Chicken Pho - A Delicious Vietnamese Classic

2. A Variety of Pho Dishes in Hanoi

Pho in Hanoi has expanded beyond tradition, resulting in numerous types — each with unique ingredients, cooking methods, and flavors. Here are seven notable pho variations you should sample during your visit.

2.1. Phở Nước – Traditional Vietnamese Pho

The most well-known type of pho in Hanoi is Phở Nước, often called "water" or broth pho. The soul of pho is its broth, slow-cooked for hours with beef bones, spices, and herbs to produce a clear, flavor-rich soup.

Beef and chicken pho are most popular in Hanoi. The Hanoi style has a light, clean-tasting broth, while its southern counterpart is sweeter and herb-rich. Phở nước is often served with herbs, lime, and chili, so diners can personalize the flavor.

Top Traditional Pho in Hanoi:

• Pho Thin - 13 Lo Duc: Known for its stir-fried beef pho.
• Pho Khoi Hoi - 50 Hang Vai: Premier beef heel muscle pho in Hanoi.
• Pho Ga Huyen Huong - 20 Bao Khanh: Top-rated chicken pho spot in Hanoi.
• Pho Tien - 103 Nguyen Truong To: A "Michelin selected" chicken pho restaurant.

>>> You may also like: Top 5 Pho in Hanoi - A Journey Through the Best Pho Restaurants in Hanoi Old Quarter

Best Chicken Pho: Enjoy Top 5 Chick Pho In Hanoi!

2.2 Phở Trộn – Dry Pho Mix

Phở trộn, or dry mixed pho, is a broth-free version blending noodles, meat (often chicken or beef), and herbs in a zesty sauce, great in hot weather. With fried shallots and pickles, it provides a refreshing twist on pho.

Hanoi local's recommended:

• Pho Ga Nguyet - 5B Phu Doan: The best mixed chicken pho in Hanoi (Michelin Selected).
• Pho Hanh - 65B Lan Ong: A well-known mixed chicken pho spot in Hanoi's Old Quarter.

2.3 Phở Cuốn – Pho Spring Rolls

Phở Cuốn (pho rolls) is a clever Hanoi twist using uncut sheets of pho noodles to wrap beef and herbs. This is like a spring roll version of pho. They are light, easy to share, and come with dipping sauces. This enjoyable, easy-to-carry dish offers the essence of pho in a refreshing, street-ready format.

Top Pho Rolls Restaurants in Hanoi (as recommended by locals):

• Pho Cuon Chinh Thang - 7 Mac Dinh Chi: a "Michelin Selected" restaurant.
• Pho Cuon Hung Ben - 118 Tran Vu: Delicious pho rolls in Hanoi.

2.4 Phở Xào – Stir-Fried Pho Dish

Phở Xào (stir-fried pho) replaces broth with smoky, savory flavors. Rice noodles are swiftly stir-fried with beef, garlic, and vegetables (usually bok choy or morning glory), delivering a richly aromatic dish offering exterior crispness with tender insides. Its bold flavor and quick preparation make it a favorite comfort food.

Local favorites for Stir-Fried Pho in Hanoi:

• Pho Xao Bat Dan - 32 Bat Dan
• Pho Xao 11 Hang Buom

2.5 Phở Chua – Sour Pho

Phở Chua (sour pho) from northern Vietnam like Lang Sơn or Ha Giang, delivers a bold twist. It blends rice noodles, pork, pickled vegetables, and fried garlic, all covered in a tangy sauce of vinegar, sugar, and chili. Enhanced with sour flavor elements like tamarind or fermented vegetables, phở chua blends savory, sweet, and acidic flavors, great for hot days or daring eaters wanting a refreshing alternative to classic pho.

2.6 Phở Tíu – BBQ Pork Pho

Instead of broth, Phở Tíu includes fresh pho noodles topped with char siu slices (roast pork), bean sprouts, herbs, peanuts, and crispy shallots, tossed in a light, sweet, tangy sauce or rich, umami pork gravy. The balance of tender meat, fresh herbs, and rich flavors gives a filling broth-free option for those seeking a light yet deeply flavorful pho experience.

Local Barbecued Pork Pho recommendation: Pho Tiu Ba Phuong - Location 1: Dong Xuan Market Alley/Location 2: 22 Hang Chieu

2.7 Phở Chiên – Crispy Fried Pho Delight

Phở Chiên is a fried twist on pho, offering deep-fried rice noodles, with toppings of beef, eggs, and vegetables. Popular options include egg-fried pho (phở chiên trứng) and puffed-fried pho (phở chiên phồng), providing a satisfying contrast of crispy noodles and savory fillings. Often paired with dipping sauces, it suits individuals who favor bold textures and a break from the norm.

Where to find fried pho (local recommendations):

• Pho Cuon Chinh Thang - 7 Mac Dinh Chi: Apart from pho rolls, the fried pho here is also a delight.
• Pho Cuon Hung Ben - 118 Tran Vu

3. Conclusion

Top 7 types of pho discussed show different facets of Hanoi’s amazing street food scene: from timeless Phở Nước to inventive Phở Trộn, Phở Cuốn, and more. Next visit to Hanoi, sample these leading pho variations — each bowl presenting a worthwhile story.

Besides tasting different types of pho in Hanoi, staying at a good hotel like GM Premium Hotel is just as important. Conveniently located near Hoan Kiem Lake, the hotel offers a rooftop sky bar, Vietnamese restaurant, swimming pool, massage spa, and gym—perfect for relaxing after your street food adventure.

Book Your Stay and Delight in Hanoi!