Everyone’s got their own Pho favorite…but if you’re new to Hanoi, you probably won’t have the time to check out all those best of Hanoi lists you’ve come across. So to save you some time while you go hunting down some of Hanoi’s best attractions, here’s an option for the best Pho in Hanoi that you’re going to love – Phở 10 Lý Quốc Sư.
Located near the magical Hoan Kiem lake, the first thing you’re going to notice about this place is the number of people waiting outside. Perhaps the ultimate indicator that this is a decent Pho restaurant is the number of locals eating here – a busy place frequented by Vietnamese is ALWAYS a good sign! Freshness is almost guaranteed, and let’s be honest, the Vietnamese are no suckers, they know where to get their hands on good food at a good price!
We visited here a couple of times on a recent trip to Hanoi, and loved it, even managing to beat the lunchtime rush on both occasions. You’ll still feel the pace though, as this is a fill your boots and go kind of place – no lounging around afterwards, soaking up the vibes of this small Hanoi restaurant, you’ll feel almost obliged to pay up and go fairly sharpish!
There are a number of options on the menu worth trying, but this place isn’t where you come for spring rolls, you’re here for the Pho, be it Beef Pho, Rare Beef Pho, or Chicken Pho…and yes, you’ll find cheaper options in Hanoi, but you know you’ll get a decent bowl of Pho in Phở 10 Lý Quốc Sư, even if it’s a little more expensive (and we’re only talking an extra dollar or two)!
Here’s a taste of the atmosphere inside…always love those restaurants that give you a peek into the kitchen…and note that you’ll likely be sharing your table with complete strangers – always an experience!
Michelin loves Phở 10 Lý Quốc Sư!
Even the boys at the Michelin guide are raving about this place:
One of three branches in Hanoi, this small phở eatery enjoys a fine reputation, but beware of imitations in the city. The menu offers 10 impressive phở options, including tái and chin (brisket), nạm (flank beef) and bắp trần (beef fillet). A competent team operates the compact corner kitchen, which is visible through a glazed partition. The phở itself is hearty and supremely refreshing with tender pieces of beef that melt in the mouth.
Here’s how to get to Phở 10 Lý Quốc Sư: