Lam pho bo (Lam beef pho)
Location: 48 Hang Vai Street, Hoan Kiem Ward
The shop opens daily from 5:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. and often sells out quickly on weekends. Set inside the owner's home, it has only a handful of tables indoors and a few more on the pavement. Its signature "pho loi", made with the inner core of the beef shank, is a favorite among regulars. The meat's texture - tender and slightly springy - makes it highly sought after.
Lam's is among nine pho restaurants in Hanoi highlighted by the Michelin Guide 2025, either in the Bib Gourmand category (recognizing good food at reasonable prices) or in the recommended list. They include: Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su, Pho Gia Truyen Bat Dan, Pho Au Trieu, Nguyet chicken pho, Pho Khoi Hoi, Cham chicken pho, Chinh Thang pho rolls, and Tien chicken pho.
Photo by Hoang Giang
Pho Khoi Hoi
Location: 50 Hang Vai Street, Hoan Kiem Ward
Also on Hang Vai Street, Pho Khoi Hoi earned a Bib Gourmand mention. According to Michelin, “hoi” refers to the owner Khoi’s bald hairstyle. The shop specializes in beef pho with a wide range of toppings, from flank to brisket.
Photo by Hoang Giang
Pho Au Trieu
Location: 34 Au Trieu Street, Hoan Kiem Ward
Just off St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Pho Au Trieu is a no-signboard eatery that packs about 30 seats, often overflowing with customers who end up waiting outside on plastic stools.
Unlike the clear broth typical of Hanoi pho, its soup is rich, cloudy and fatty. This is a family recipe that has been passed down for more than 80 years and defines the restaurant’s identity.
Photo courtesy of Michelin Vietnam
Pho Gia Truyen Bat Dan
Location: 49 Bat Dan Street, Hoan Kiem Ward
This Bib Gourmand spot serves a range of options, including pho with rare steak and brisket, or well-done slices. Diners often pair their bowls with fried dough sticks, and many also order the boiled chicken, known for its golden skin and rich flavor.
Photo courtesy of Instagram/munchiemood
Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su
Location: 10 Ly Quoc Su Street, Hoan Kiem Ward
Perhaps Hanoi’s most well-known pho chain, Pho 10 has its flagship on Ly Quoc Su Street. Also in the Bib Gourmand category, it serves over ten different beef pho varieties, from rare steak to brisket. Michelin highlights the restaurant’s pho as hearty yet refreshing, with beef slices so tender they melt in the mouth.
Photo courtesy of Tripadvisor
Pho ga Nguyet (Nguyet chicken pho)
Location: 5b Phu Doan Street, Hoan Kiem Ward
Pho ga Nguyet is a late-night favorite, staying open until midnight. The chicken pho is served either in soup or dry style. The tender thigh is the most popular, often paired with wings or breast for variety.
Photo by Quynh Mai
Pho ga Tien (Tien chicken pho)
Location: 103 Nguyen Truong To Street, Ba Dinh Ward
Pho Tien appears on Michelin’s recommended list. Michelin praises its soft noodles, fragrant with scallions and lime leaves, and suggests adding offal or eggs for variety. Fried dough sticks here also receive high marks.
Photo by Thao Nhi
Pho ga Cham (Cham chicken pho)
Location: 64 - 68 Yen Ninh Street, Ba Dinh Ward
A bowl of chicken pho at Cham is priced higher than average. However, the chicken is carefully selected and the broth preserves its sweetness with balanced seasoning. Diners can choose breast, thigh, or a combination, then adjust flavors with chili, garlic, or lime.
The shop is usually crowded from early morning, and latecomers often miss out on the best cuts. It is considered a classic Hanoi breakfast spot, serving until 2 p.m. daily.
Photo by Hiep Tien
Chinh Thang pho rolls
Location: 7 Mac Dinh Chi Street, Ba Dinh Ward
Opened in 2000, Chinh Thang is regarded as the birthplace of pho cuon - rice noodle rolls stuffed with beef, herbs and dipped in fish sauce. Its fried pho topped with beef is also a hit, cementing its spot on Michelin’s recommended list.
Photo courtesy of Tripadvisor
