Chika’s Culinary Adventure in Ho Chi Minh City

Chika, a popular Japanese YouTuber with a following of over 1.6 million, enjoys sharing her travel journeys, including those to the United States, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Recently, she visited Ho Chi Minh City with a strong desire to delve into the local cuisine, focusing particularly on pho.

During her stay, she expressed, “I try pho often, but this is my first experience with it in Vietnam.” To savor authentic pho, Chika and her friend sought out a historic establishment located in a narrow alley off Pasteur Street in District 1, which was awarded the Bib Gourmand distinction by Michelin in 2024 for its exceptional and affordable dishes.

At the restaurant, she ordered a medium bowl of pho tai (pho with rare beef), priced at 65,000 VND. The vast selection of fresh herbs, lime, and chili provided for customization delighted her.

When her bowl arrived, the enticing aroma captivated her senses. She noted that the dish’s simple presentation did not detract from her anticipation to taste it. “The broth is incredibly delicious! I added some sawtooth coriander, enhancing the flavor even more,” she said joyfully.

Chika happily devoured her meal, complimenting the portion size. “It’s just right! I finished everything! The flavor is fantastic, leaving me so satisfied,” she added. By the meal’s conclusion, she was full but thrilled to have finally tasted authentic pho in its homeland.

This restaurant has a rich history, operating for over 80 years, established by Tran Minh and his sister Nam. After their passing, the second generation took charge, led by Minh’s daughter, Sau, and Nam’s son, Lam. Currently, Minh’s granddaughter, Dung, continues the family legacy as the third-generation owner.

In an interview with VietNamNet, a restaurant representative emphasized their commitment to northern Vietnamese pho traditions, highlighting a clear and naturally sweet broth made from simmered bones—without the typical northern spices like star anise or cinnamon. Instead, the broth is fragrant with ginger and lemongrass.

“Through the years, we have adjusted our recipe slightly to cater to Southern tastes,” the representative shared. “Now, we include toppings like bean sprouts, fresh herbs, lime, chili sauce, and hoisin sauce.”

The restaurant provides various beef pho options—from rare beef to brisket, flank, tendon, and beef shank—with prices ranging between 65,000 and 85,000 VND per bowl. They also offer homemade pate chaud, yogurt, and a variety of house-made beverages.