If you ask foreigners about a Vietnamese dish they know, the most common answer is probably Pho. It’s more than just a meal — it’s a symbol of Vietnamese culinary culture, found everywhere from humble street vendors to high-end restaurants across the world.
From a humble street vendor stall in the early 20th century, Pho has journeyed through the ups and downs of Vietnamese history over a turbulent century to become a true “culinary ambassador” on its global voyage. Today, Pho can be found in 50 countries and has earned its place among CNN’s “50 Best Dishes in the World.” It also tops Business Insider’s list of “40 Meals You Have to Try Before You Die,” alongside world-famous dishes like Italian pizza and Japanese sushi, as well as countless other rankings big and small.
In this article, let's explore the origin, unique features of Pho, how to enjoy it like a local, and discover some famous Pho restaurants overseas where you can taste a piece of Vietnam no matter where you are.
🏡 1. The Origin and Meaning of Vietnamese Pho
Pho originated in Northern Vietnam in the early 20th century. Initially, it was mainly beef pho, later evolving to include chicken pho. From the small streets of Hanoi, pho spread throughout the country and then beyond Vietnam’s borders to become a beloved dish worldwide.
For many Vietnamese people, pho represents family, homeland, and memories. A steaming bowl of pho with clear, flavorful broth, tender beef, silky rice noodles, fresh herbs, lime, and chili is enough to capture anyone’s heart.
🍲 2. What Makes an Authentic Vietnamese Pho
A traditional bowl of pho typically includes:
- 🥩 Beef or chicken: Carefully selected cuts like brisket, flank, rare slices, or free-range chicken.
- 🍜 Rice noodles: Soft, white, slightly chewy noodles made from rice flour.
- 🧂 The broth: The soul of pho. Slowly simmered from beef or chicken bones for hours, flavored with traditional spices such as ginger, roasted onions, cinnamon, star anise… creating a naturally sweet, aromatic taste.
- 🌿 Herbs and condiments: Thai basil, sawtooth herb, bean sprouts, chili, lime, hoisin sauce, and chili sauce — adding layers of flavor and freshness.
👉 The highlight of Vietnamese pho is the clear, naturally sweet broth without heavy use of artificial seasonings. Diners often adjust the seasoning themselves, making each bowl a personal experience.
🌍 3. How Pho Has Spread Around the World
Thanks to Vietnamese communities abroad, pho has become widely available in countries such as the USA, France, Australia, Japan, and South Korea. In many major cities, you can easily find bustling pho restaurants, sometimes with long queues during peak hours.
Pho has become a culinary ambassador of Vietnam, featured in international TV shows, praised by top chefs, and highlighted in famous food magazines around the world.
🏆 4. Famous Vietnamese Pho Restaurants Overseas
🇺🇸 In the United States
- Pho 75 (Washington D.C.): Renowned for its rich, flavorful broth and authentic Hanoi style.
- Pho Bac (Seattle): Considered one of the first pho restaurants in the U.S., always packed on weekends.
- The Slanted Door (San Francisco): A high-end restaurant offering a refined, modern take on traditional pho.
🇫🇷 In France
- Pho 14 (Paris): One of the oldest and most famous pho restaurants in Paris, often with long lunch lines.
- Dong Huong (Paris): Known for quick service and authentic Northern-style pho.
🇦🇺 In Australia
- Pho An (Sydney): Nicknamed “pho heaven,” known for its clear, naturally sweet broth and generous portions.
- Pho Hung (Melbourne): Famous among Vietnamese communities and international visitors for its delicious rare beef pho.
✈️ 5. Top Pho Restaurants in Da Lat You Shouldn’t Miss
| Restaurant Name | Address | Signature Dishes | Opening Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chu Gia Stone Bowl Pho | 29 Thong Thien Hoc, Ward 2 | Beef pho served in hot stone bowl | 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM | Located near the city center, famous for serving pho in a hot stone bowl that keeps the broth warm for a long time. |
| Hieu Pho (Stone Bowl) | 103 Nguyen Van Troi, Ward 2 | Rare beef pho, stone bowl pho | 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM | Long-established brand, clean space, very close to Da Lat Market. |
| Bang Pho | 18 Nguyen Van Troi, Ward 2 | Traditional beef pho | 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM | A well-known local favorite, located right in the city center — great for breakfast. |
| Uyen Pho | 167 Xo Viet Nghe Tinh | Traditional beef pho | 6:00 AM – 17:00 PM | Close to the city center, popular with locals in the morning and midday. |
| Thung Pho | Branch 1: 2 Nguyen Van Cu, Ward 1 | Traditional Northern-style beef pho | 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM | Near Da Lat Market, a long-standing family-run pho restaurant with flavorful Northern-style broth. |
| Vy Pho | Tran Quy Cap Street | Beef pho & chicken pho | 6:00 AM – 15:00 PM | A popular spot among locals, conveniently located near the center, known for its flavorful broth. |
🍜 6. Tips for Foreigners to Enjoy Pho Like a Local
- 👅 Taste the broth before adding sauces — this is the best way to appreciate the original flavor.
- 🌿 Don’t be shy about adding herbs, bean sprouts, and chili — it’s how locals enhance the flavor.
- 🔥 Enjoy it while it’s hot to get the best experience.
📌 Conclusion
Pho is not just food — it’s a part of the soul of Vietnamese cuisine. Whether you're in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or walking down a street in Paris, Sydney, or Washington, the aroma of pho can bring warmth and nostalgia to any Vietnamese heart abroad.
👉 If you’re a traveler, make sure to add Vietnamese Pho to your “must-try” list when visiting Vietnam!
