Where can I find the best pho in Saigon?

Pho in Saigon is not the same dish as pho in Hanoi. The broth is sweeter, the portions larger, and the condiment tray has hoisin and sriracha. Both are valid. This guide covers Saigon’s version.

The top tier

Pho Hoa Pasteur — The most famous for a reason. Broth simmered for 12 hours, noodles made fresh daily, and consistent quality since 1968.

Address: 260C Pasteur, District 3 (corner of Vo Van Tan). Hours: 6am–10pm. Price: 90,000–120,000 VND. Order: Tai nam (rare and well-done beef). Add quay (crispy dough) if you’re hungry.

Pho Le — The late-night option. Broth is richer and darker than Pho Hoa, with more star anise. Locals come here after bars close.

Address: 413–415 Nguyen Trai, District 5. Hours: 6am–2am. Price: 80,000–100,000 VND. Order: Dac biet (special combination) with tendon and tripe.

Pho Quynh — The tourist-friendly choice. Not the best, but reliable and open late. Located on Pham Ngu Lao, the backpacker street.

Address: 323 Pham Ngu Lao, District 1. Hours: 6am–12am. Price: 60,000–80,000 VND. Order: Tai chin (rare and well-done) with extra herbs.

Local favorites

Pho Bat Dan — No sign, just a crowd. This is where District 3 locals eat before work.

Address: 59B Bat Dan, District 3. Hours: 6am–10am (sells out early). Price: 55,000–70,000 VND.

Pho Thanh Xuan — Old-school Saigon, unchanged since the 1970s. Plastic stools, ceiling fans, and broth that tastes like history.

Address: 245 Nguyen Trai, District 1. Hours: 5am–11am. Price: 50,000–65,000 VND.

What to know before you order

The spice rack — Every pho table has: hoisin (dark, sweet), sriracha (chili garlic sauce), lime, and fresh chilies. In Saigon, adding hoisin is normal. In Hanoi, it’s sacrilege. Add to taste, but try the broth plain first.

The herbs — Bean sprouts, Thai basil, sawtooth coriander, and lime come on a separate plate. Submerge them in the broth for 10 seconds before eating — they wilt and release flavor.

The noodles — Pho uses flat rice noodles (banh pho). Width varies by shop. Some cut fresh, some use dried. Fresh is better, but dried has its place in late-night bowls.

What not to order

Avoid pho at:

• Airport food court (overpriced, pre-made broth)
• Hotel breakfast buffet (same reason)
• Places with photos of celebrities on the wall (tourist trap indicator)
• Anywhere in Ben Thanh Market interior (paying for rent, not quality)

The verdict

If you only eat one bowl: Pho Hoa Pasteur at 7am on a weekday. Watch the ladies ladle broth while locals read newspapers. That’s the Saigon pho experience.

If you’re on a budget: Pho Bat Dan, but arrive before 8am or they’ll be sold out.

If it’s midnight: Pho Le. The 2am crowd is a mix of taxi drivers, bar workers, and travelers who lost track of time. All of them know where the good food is.