Where to Find the Best Pho Saigon: Top Restaurants Reviewed

Pho Saigon is distinct from northern or Hanoi-style pho mainly due to its lighter, sweeter broth and the use of fresh herbs and bean sprouts served alongside the soup. The broth is simmered for hours using beef bones, star anise, cloves, and cinnamon but tends to be less salty and oily than pho from the north.

The noodles in pho saigon are usually flat rice noodles, soft but firm enough to hold up in the broth. Toppings often include rare beef slices (pho tai), brisket (pho chin), tendon (pho gan), and meatballs (pho bo vien). Fresh herbs like Thai basil, cilantro, and sawtooth coriander are added to taste. Lime wedges and chili slices are common condiments.

For more on Vietnamese cuisine variations, visit our Vietnamese Cuisine 101.

Here are some widely recommended spots for pho saigon, complete with addresses and pricing.

1. Pho Hoa
Address: 260C Pasteur, District 3
Price: 50,000 - 70,000 VND (~$2.10 - $3.00 USD)
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Known as one of the oldest and most famous pho restaurants, Pho Hoa serves a well-balanced broth with generous cuts of beef. It’s popular among locals and tourists alike.

2. Pho Le
Address: 413-415 Nguyễn Trãi, District 5
Price: 60,000 - 80,000 VND (~$2.50 - $3.50 USD)
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM - 9:30 PM
Pho Le is known for its smooth broth and fresh herbs. The atmosphere is casual, and the staff are friendly.

3. Pho 2000
Address: 1-3 Phan Chu Trinh, District 1
Price: 55,000 - 75,000 VND (~$2.30 - $3.20 USD)
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Made famous when former US President Bill Clinton ate here, Pho 2000 offers a rich broth with tender meat and a clean dining environment.

4. Pho Hung
Address: 260C Pasteur, District 3
Price: 50,000 - 70,000 VND (~$2.10 - $3.00 USD)
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
A local favorite for decades, Pho Hung uses high-quality beef and a broth simmered for over 8 hours for depth and clarity.

Remember to arrive early during peak hours, especially around breakfast (7-9 AM) or dinner (6-8 PM), to avoid long waits.

Ordering pho saigon at a local restaurant is simple if you know the common menu terms:

Pho Tai: Thinly sliced rare beef

Pho Chin: Well-done brisket

Pho Gan: Beef tendon

Pho Bo Vien: Beef meatballs

When you sit down, you will usually receive a plate of fresh herbs including Thai basil, bean sprouts, and lime wedges. Add these to your taste.

Tip: If you prefer more spice, ask for ‘extra chili’ (them ot) or add chili slices from the side. For a richer broth, some locals add hoisin sauce or chili sauce.

Be sure to slurp your noodles and sip the broth to fully enjoy the flavors.

Check out our Pho Eating Etiquette for more tips.

Pho saigon is traditionally eaten for breakfast or late at night. Most pho shops open early, around 5:30-6:00 AM, and close by 10:00 PM.

The busiest times are:
- Morning: 7:00 - 9:00 AM
- Evening: 6:00 - 8:30 PM

If you want a quieter take part in, try visiting between 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM or mid-afternoon around 2:00 - 4:00 PM. However, some restaurants may close during the afternoon lull.

Also, avoid weekends if possible, as popular pho places get crowded with locals and tourists.

Use public transport or ride-hailing apps like Grab for easy access, as parking can be limited around popular pho restaurants.

While traditional pho saigon centers on beef, some restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City do offer vegetarian or vegan pho alternatives using vegetable broth and tofu.

Places like Pho Chay (vegetarian pho) can be found in District 1 and District 3, where the broth is slow-cooked with mushrooms and spices instead of beef bones.

Prices for vegetarian pho typically range from 40,000 to 60,000 VND (~$1.70 - $2.60 USD).

When ordering, specify "pho chay" to get the vegetarian version.

For more vegetarian dining options, visit Vegetarian Food in Saigon.