A Culinary Adventure in Hanoi: Danny and Diggy’s Pho Experience

Travel enthusiasts Danny from England and Diggy from Poland recently explored Hanoi, captivated by its vibrant culture and delicious food. Their week-long journey was especially focused on indulging in the city’s culinary treasures.

One dish that stood out for them was pho bo, a traditional beef noodle soup. They made it a point to rise early for a chance to try this popular meal.

The pair chose a well-known pho spot located on Bat Dan Street in the Hoan Kiem District, recognized in the Michelin Guide for its outstanding yet affordable food in the Bid Gourmand category for both 2023 and 2024.

This eatery serves pho during two sessions: from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM and then again from 6:00 PM to 10:30 PM, offering three types of beef pho: rare beef (tai), rare and brisket beef (tai nam), and well-done beef (chin), with prices ranging from 50,000 to 60,000 VND ($2-$2.50) per bowl.

Upon arriving at 7:00 AM, Diggy was surprised to see a long queue of patrons extending from the restaurant onto the sidewalk.

Despite the wait, she enjoyed the lively ambiance, which spoke volumes about the dish’s popularity and quality.

They decided to order two bowls of pho tai nam, which cost 60,000 VND each.

Danny took the first taste of the broth unadulterated to appreciate its authentic flavor. He found it to be rich and aromatic, deeply infused with the essence of slow-cooked beef bones.

“Even though the dining area was a bit cramped and filled with customers, seated in a corner, it didn’t detract from the overall deliciousness of the pho,” he said.

To add warmth to his meal on Hanoi’s cool morning, Danny introduced a bit of chili sauce to his dish. His excitement caught Diggy’s attention, leading her to try it as well.

“Oh my goodness, I didn’t expect the broth to be so subtly sweet and flavorful!” she exclaimed after her first taste.

Diggy commented that the noodles were perfectly soft and silky, while the brisket was tender and thinly sliced, creating a delightful melt-in-the-mouth experience.

“This was the perfect breakfast – light but bursting with flavor,” she shared.

Though Danny felt the price was slightly above average, he believed the generous servings and outstanding taste justified the cost.

Diggy declared, “This is the best pho I’ve ever had.”

Even after enjoying their meal, the duo noticed there were still many eager customers waiting to sample the restaurant’s famed pho.