Pho, with its rich broth and aromatic herbs, is a beloved Vietnamese noodle dish enjoyed from North to South. In Saigon, countless bowls tell their own story — here are 8 of the most famous pho restaurants for you to explore and savor.
1. Pho Le Restaurant
Pho Le is one of the most delicious and crowded Pho restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC). Although it has a very professional service style, you have to wait a long time because the restaurant is very crowded. Despite that, most of the guests still feel very happy.
The most important highlight is the typical taste here. A bowl is always in a state of fullness, featuring both soft and chewy noodles, a tasty broth rich in beef and beef balls, as well as many other vegetables.
Pho Le is the most typical and delicious Pho, following the Southern flavor, which has conquered and satisfied most of the diners in Saigon.
- Address: 413 – 415 Nguyen Trai, Ward 7, District 5, City. HCMC
- Opening hours: 06:00 am – 01:00 am
- Price range: 40,000 – 55,000 VND
2. Pho Dau Restaurant
Pho Dau has the style of Pho Bac (Northern Noodle) that many Saigonese people enjoy. Many noodle shops in the South still adhere to traditional Northern recipes. One of the most famous eateries in Saigon, but with a distinctly Northern standard, is Pho Dau restaurant, located near Nguyen Van Troi Bridge. In the past, people called this shop Pho Nguyen Cao Ky because Mr Nguyen Cao Ky (a famous person in Saigon) often came here to enjoy.
Over many years of operation, this noodle shop has consistently delivered satisfaction to Bac Pho lovers. The bowl has a delicate aftertaste of the broth, complemented by the thin slices of onions. Pho Dau is not served with bean sprouts, herbs, and black soy sauce; instead, it comes with bottles of vinegar and chili sauce, along with lemon and chili, allowing diners to adjust the flavor to their taste freely.
- Address: Department 288, Alley 288 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, District 3, HCMC
- Opening hours: 5:00 am – 11:00 am
- Price range: 65,000 – 75,000VND
3. Pho Thin Ha Noi Restaurant
Pho Thin Ha Noi is one of the famous Pho Restaurants in Hanoi, and it has opened in Saigon with the same flavor of the North-style Pho. The noodles in the shop are not too big to eat and are served with very soft beef. Most people visiting this restaurant want to try the rare beef noodle soup (Phở tái lăn) – a typical and prominent type of Pho Thin.
A bowl of Pho Thin does not contain too many spices, yet it retains its intense flavor. The owner of the restaurant has carefully selected the seasonings for the noodles, making the Pho bowl look more delicious and attractive than those of many other noodle shops. To create the perfect Hanoi Pho, the chef must cook cow bones for 8 to 10 hours to achieve the most decadent and flavorful broth.
- Address: 62 – 64 Tran Luu Street, District 2, HCMC
- Opening hours: 06:30 am – 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm
- Price range: 40,000 – 66,000 VND
4. Pho Phu Vuong Restaurant
Compared to many famous noodle shops in HCMC, Pho Phu Vuong restaurant appears quite late. Since its inception, this restaurant has consistently satisfied many customers in Saigon.
Pho Phu Vuong has long been renowned for its delicious Pho bowls, thanks to the broth’s distinctive flavor and sweet taste, which pairs well with beef balls.
Pho Phu Vuong Restaurant welcomes numerous famous Vietnamese artists and a multitude of foreign guests. This restaurant quickly establishes its brand name and showcases its delicious taste.
However, the restaurant still has some disadvantages, particularly in serving noodles for a long time, which can cause customers to wait in line. But, with its attractive taste, it makes customers feel happy to wait for a great flavor of the noodle soup.
- Address 1: 333 Le Van Sy, Ward 1, Tan Binh District, City. HCMC
- Address 2: 120 Nguyen Thai Binh, District 1, HCMC
- Opening hours: 7:00 am – 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
- Price range: 50,000 – 80,000 VND
5. Pho Hung Restaurant
Pho Hung is one of the few noodle brands that are not only famous in Vietnam but also overseas. Although this shop now has many addresses in Saigon, they are in a crowded state. This proof shows that Saigon diners love Pho of this brand name.
The noodle soup is made from pure beef and then stewed with more than 10 different herbs, so it always has a rich taste and typical flavor. Each bowl at Pho Hung is carefully crafted to ensure the optimal arrangement of broth and noodles. Everything combined is harmonious and beautiful. In particular, the beef balls are big, fragrant, and crunchy. Besides, a bowl at Pho Hung Restaurant is quite big, so please do your best!
Additionally, the restaurant’s space is spacious and airy. The service staff is enthusiastic and attentive. All these things have helped Pho Hung attract more tasters.
- Address 1: 243 Nguyen Trai Street, Nguyen Cu Trinh Ward, District 1, HCMC
- Address 2: 288 Nguyen Tri Phuong Street, Ward 4, District 10, HCMC
- Opening hours: 06:30 am – 03:00 am
- Price range: 50,000 – 70,000 VND
6. Pho Chua Thanh Restaurant
If you’re used to steamy pho soups, Pho Chua Thanh from Lang Son offers a surprising twist. Unlike traditional Pho, this dry, sour-sweet noodle dish may resemble grilled pork vermicelli at first glance — but one bite reveals its unique flavor. With little broth, diners mix everything before eating. Each mouthful is tangy, slightly sweet, and deeply satisfying — a dish to be savored slowly, as if time itself takes a pause.
- Address: 242/101 Nguyen Thien Thuat, Ward 3, District 3, HCMC
- Opening hours: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Price range: 30,000 – 40,000 VND
7. Pho Kho Gia Lai (Gia Lai Dry Pho)
Across Vietnam, Pho takes on different forms — each region adding its own flavor and character. While Lang Son is known for its tangy sour Pho and Hanoi for its hot, fragrant broth, Gia Lai in the Central Highlands offers something entirely different: dry Pho, or phở khô.
Considered the soul of Gia Lai cuisine, this dish is typically served as a set of two bowls — one with silky rice noodles, the other with savory broth filled with ground beef, beef balls, pepper, and herbs. Diners dip and mix as they eat, enjoying the contrast in textures and warmth.
Luckily, you don’t have to travel to Gia Lai to try it. In Saigon, Pho Kho Gia Lai Hoa-Po-Lang brings this unique, slightly dry, yet intensely flavorful dish to life — and it has won over countless locals and visitors alike.
- Address: 207 Tan Son Nhi Street, Tan Phu District, HCMC
- Opening hours: 07:00 am – 01:00 pm and 05:00 pm – 10:00 pm
- Price range: 35,000 – 55,000 VND
8. Pho Bo Phu Gia Restaurant
Pho Bo Phu Gia, located on Ly Chinh Thang Street, is a favorite among pho lovers, often packed with diners, especially on weekends, despite its limited seating. People patiently line up, drawn by the unmistakable flavor of Hanoi-style pho.
The broth is rich yet clear, subtly sweet with very little fat, and always served piping hot with a light shimmer of oil on top — an inviting sight. Unlike most Saigon pho shops, Phu Gia uses long split scallions instead of chopped ones, adding both aroma and texture.
You won’t find black soy sauce or a pile of herbs here — just a few bean sprouts and a focus on simplicity. Diners can adjust the flavor with lemon, pickled garlic, chili sauce, chopped onions, and, of course, those signature scallions.
- Address: 146E Ly Chinh Thang, Ward 4, District 3, HCMC
- Opening hours: 06:00 am – 11:00 am and 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
- Price range: 35,000 – 55,000 VND
Pho (Vietnamese noodle soup) at each region has a different flavor, so it is worth tasting Pho in Saigon at least once. You can come to one of the best Pho restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City which we introduce.
Besides, when you want to taste the other dishes, please check the local food in Saigon here.
FAQ about Pho in Ho Chi Minh City
What is the best time to eat Pho in Ho Chi Minh City?
Pho (Vietnamese noodle soup) is traditionally enjoyed for breakfast, especially in the early morning when the broth is freshly prepared. However, in Ho Chi Minh City, Pho is available all day, from morning to late night, in street stalls to eateries, making it a comforting meal at any hour.
Is Pho in the South different from Pho in the North?
Yes, Southern-style Pho in Ho Chi Minh City typically features a sweeter, more aromatic broth. It is often accompanied by a variety of fresh herbs, bean sprouts, salad, and chili sauce on the side. In contrast, Northern Pho, typically from Hanoi, is more subtle in flavor and usually comes with fewer condiments and no vegetables.
How much does a bowl of Pho cost?
In Ho Chi Minh City, a bowl of Pho typically costs between 30,000 and 70,000 VND (around $1.20–$3), depending on the location and ingredients. Street-side stalls offer budget-friendly options, while more upscale restaurants or hotels may charge a bit more.
Should I eat Pho at tourist restaurants?
While tourist restaurants can be convenient, the best pho experiences often come from local, family-run eateries that specialize in just one thing: Pho. These places, like the ones mentioned above, have perfected their recipes over the course of decades. You’ll often find more decadent broth, more authentic flavors, and a dining atmosphere that truly reflects everyday life in Saigon.