A Food Fun Travel Guest Post – By Hoa Nguyen
Pho is probably the most famous Vietnam food and it is absolutely one of the specialties here. So if you have a chance to visit Hanoi, don’t miss it. With the unique and flavorful taste, it is not only a favorite of the locals but also many foreigners.
What makes Pho in Hanoi special?
The flavor of Pho in Hanoi is special thanks to the broth. What makes the broth so good? The ingredients. Hanoians often boil only the beef bones for a couple of hours to release the sweet taste, great smell and creates a clear broth. If you tried Pho in the South, you can easily recognize that Pho in Hanoi is saltier as Hanoians tend to add more seasonings in the broth. The noodles used in Hanoi’s Pho are also a unique kind of Vietnamese rice noodle which is larger in width and thinner in depth to other noodles.
There are no bean sprouts or basil served with Pho in Hanoi as it is hard to find in this destination. But the vegetables added is the same as any Pho you’ll find in Vietnam. A unique addition in Hano is the accompaniment of Chinese churros that can be eaten together with Hanoi’s Pho. These churros make Pho in this destination unique to other regions in Vietnam. And, if you prefer some extra spicy in your bowl of Pho, you’ll find some chili sauce on the side to give it some kick.
Top Pho Restaurants in Hanoi Not To Be Missed:
Pho Thin
The broth of Pho Thin is a bit fattier than the other restaurants but it still retains balance in this version of the dish. The most famous dish here is Pho with stir-fried medium rare steak. What makes it special and unique is that the beef is quickly stirred with ginger, onion, and garlic before being added to the bowl.
The address: 13 Lo Duc street, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi.
Opening hours: 6:00 am to 8:30 pm.
Pho Suong
Pho Suong has been in Hanoi for many years and it’s well-known for their light but sweet broth. They make it by stewing beef bones and meat for hours. The tender and meaty beef used is also the highlight of Pho Suong.
The address: 24 Trung Yen lane, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi.
Opening hours: 5:30 am to 11:00 am, and 4:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Pho Ly Quoc Su
Talking about the best Pho in Hanoi, Pho Ly Quoc Su should be mentioned as it’s often considered as the most famous restaurant in Hanoi and is quite popular with local Hanoians. The broth, rice noodles, and beef are prepared and cooked perfectly. There are six different kinds of pho here, all with beef, and prepared in different ways.
The address: 11 Ly Quoc Su street, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi.
Opening hours: 6:00 am to 2:00 pm and 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm.
Pho Bat Dan
Pho Bat Dan has been in Hanoi since the 1960s and still retains its original taste though many years have passed. Coming to Pho Bat Dan, you have to self-serve at the counter instead of waiting for the waiters to serve you. When making the broth, they often stew beef bone for hours to get the goodness of the marrow to make sure the broth is really tasty not fatty.
The address: 49 Bat Dan street in Hanoi Old Quarter.
Opening hours: 6:30 am to 8:30 am.
Vietnam visa for US citizens
A Vietnam visa for US citizens is required no matter what your purpose of travel to Vietnam is. To obtain a Vietnam visa for your trip, there are 3 ways for US passport holders to consider:
1. Obtain Vietnam visa at Vietnam Embassy or Vietnam Consulate
If you choose to obtain a Vietnam visa at Vietnam Embassy or Vietnam Consulate, applicants will have to go to a Vietnam Embassy/Vietnam Consulate in the United States or the nearest Vietnam Embassy to where you currently are and apply for it directly there. Also, you need to contact to Vietnam Embassy in advance to know what you must submit together with your visa application form and the fees.
2. Obtain a Visa on arrival
Vietnam visa on arrival is a fast and easy way to get a Vietnam visa if traveling by air, as the process to apply for the visa is done online prior to arrival. This option is convenient for those who live far from a Vietnam Embassy or Consulate. For further information, check out Vietnam visa for US citizens.
3. Obtain Vietnam e-visa
US citizens who need only a single entry visa while on vacation can get a Vietnam e-visa. If you have any questions or want to apply for this kind of visa, please check out website https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/web/guest/trang-chu-ttdt.
(The information supplied here is not to be used instead of consulting your consulate. Always check with your local consulate for possible changes to regulations)
Pho is not only a specialty in Hanoi but also a special food culture in Vietnam. It is true to say that your trip to Hanoi will not perfect without tasting a bowl of Pho. We hope you have a wonderful time in Hanoi – the beautiful capital of Vietnam and don’t forget to try Pho – because rememeber – You Haven’t Really Had Pho Until You’ve Tried it In Hanoi.
