Pho 10 @ Old Quarter, Hanoi

If you are looking for a cleaner establishment to savor the national dish, hop right into Pho 10. Here you will find proper tables and chairs instead of tiny stools and wooden tables. The laminated menu was easy to read with English translation for all the 10 different varieties of beef Pho.

Pho 10 is located at 10 Ly Quoc Su Street, opposite Nguyen Sinh.

The kitchen windows were fogged up by the steam from the vats and bubbling stock. I can't imagine how hot is it to work inside the enclosed kitchen area.

Limes are often used in Vietnamese dishes to accent the food flavors. Never forget to squeeze an entire wedge of lime into your Pho. 

These serrano chili have a "delayed fuse" as it takes a moment to fully kick in when it hits the palate. Add a few slices of serrano chili if you enjoy spicy Pho. 

Tai Nam (35,000 VND ~ RM5.11) - To avoid over cooking the beef, always order half done beef and submerge any beef that are still pink. This bowl of half done flank beef was flawless. The broth was sweeter than Pho Gia Truyen, but I much preferred the noodles there, as it is silkier than Pho 10. Don't forget to hop over to Nguyen Sinh when you are done with your meal! 


Verdict: TOTALLY SMITTEN


Pho 10 Restauarant
Address: 10 Ly Quoc Su, Hanoi
Tel: 43- 828 4455

Pho Gia Truyen @ 49 Bat Dan (Old Quarter), Hanoi

Hanoi Old Quarter is the beating heart of the city, with more than 2000 years of history and development. This is where you will find the most authentic Vietnamese food and family owned restaurant. At Pho Gia Truyen, you will only have 2 opportunities a day to get hooked: at breakfast or at brunch. By noon, everything will be sold out!

The fixtures of the restaurant was rather old and tired, with tiny wooden stools and communal tables filling up the empty space. This may not be the most hygienic stall in Hanoi, but it sure does live up to its culinary standard.

The kitchen area 

Diners are required to order, pay and collect their Pho at the counter - It is 100% self service.

There are 3 different varieties of Pho to choose from:

Tai Nam (45,000 VND)  - Rare steak and flank

Tai (40,000 VND) - Rare steak

Chin (35,000 VND) - Well done steak

Tai Nam (45,000 VND ~ RM6.50) - The broth was clean and simple with a subtle undertones of complex flavors. The rice noodles was silky soft, unlike any other noodles I have tried before. The thinly sliced beef was accompanied by a generous amount of green onions and coriander leaves. The broth was fragrant and sweet, derived from the richness of the beef bones. Be sure to add some vinegar, red chili and hot sauce for extra flavoring!

This national dish was truly delicious and heart warming. I heart pho!

Verdict: TOTALLY SMITTEN

Pho Gia Truyen  (Pho 49 Bat Dan)

Address: 49 Bat Dan St. , Hanoi, Vietnam

Operating Hours: 7am to 11am