When exploring the culinary landscape of Ho Chi Minh City, one establishment consistently rises to the top of every traveler's list: Phở Việt Nam. This restaurant has garnered significant attention, including Michelin recognition, and for good reason. It offers a distinct experience from the typical street-side bowl, most notably through its signature stone pot presentation.

The defining feature here is the heat. The soup arrives bubbling in a stone pot, allowing diners to add the raw meat themselves. This method ensures the beef remains incredibly tender and soft, cooked exactly to your liking right at the table. Travelers have described the beef here as exceptionally tender—so much so that the soup is often finished completely. One visitor noted that the hand-cut noodles are fresh, offering a texture that is soft and sticky, arguably the best mouthfeel among many competitors.

• Menu Recommendations: If you visit, look for the #8 (slightly raw beef), #10 (beef rolls), or the #13 (a mixed option with beef and oxtail). The #20 is also highly recommended.
• Flavor Profile: The broth is described as fresh and sweet, though some find it less salty than others. A pro tip from a frequent diner is to add garlic juice to the soup to elevate the flavor layers.
• Location & Vibe: Located near the Ben Thanh market area, it attracts a large crowd of locals, which is always a good sign. It is even air-conditioned, a welcome relief in the Saigon heat.

For those who love a hearty meal, pairing the stone pot pho with fresh fruit juice or even a side of oil sticks (youtiao) creates a texture-rich meal that many travelers claim makes them want to return immediately. Whether you are coming from Toronto or just around the corner, the quality here stands out.

Check out more about Vietnamese cuisine here.

If you are looking for a place that feels steeped in history and local patronage, Phở Hòa Pasteur is an essential stop. Often cited as a Michelin-recommended establishment, this shop is almost exclusively frequented by locals, which speaks volumes about its authenticity.

The soup here is renowned for being clear and sweet, with beef that is incredibly tender. A standout feature of this establishment is the variety of toppings available—specifically, the beef balls, which are a rarity in many other shops. The menu is user-friendly, featuring clear pictures, making ordering easy even for non-Vietnamese speakers.

• Dining Etiquette: When you eat here, you will be served a plate of bean sprouts and fresh greens. A crucial tip for the uninitiated: pick the leaves off the herbs to eat; do not chew on the tough stems! The herbs are fragrant and significantly elevate the flavor of the broth.
• Why Go: It is considered by some to be the best Michelin-rated pho in the city, with generous portions that justify the visit.

Find Phở Hòa Pasteur on the map.

While beef pho often steals the spotlight, Ho Chi Minh City offers incredible chicken-based alternatives. Phở Miến Gà Kỳ Đồng is a Michelin-recognized spot that has won unanimous praise from travelers.

The star here is the rich, flavorful chicken broth. Unlike the standard beef shops, this location offers more variety in carbohydrates—you can choose between traditional rice noodles, instant noodles, or crystal glass noodles. For the adventurous eater, the chicken giblet base is a rare and delicious find. The atmosphere is bustling, described by some as resembling a lively market with signage piled high at the entrance. It is the perfect spot for chicken lovers looking for a "ten-tonic" nourishing meal.

Another option for a roadside chicken pho experience is Bún riêu - Hủ tiếu - Nui - Bánh canh - Mì on Le Thanh Ton street, proving that sometimes the best chicken soup is found in unassuming street-side shops during a city walk.

Beyond the big names, Ho Chi Minh City is dotted with unique spots that cater to specific tastes and times of day.

• Phở Hương Bình: A Michelin-recommended spot perfect for early risers, operating from 6:30 AM to 10:00 AM. The beef bone soup here is incredibly concentrated, clean yet layered with flavor. The beef is fresh and tender, and the noodles have a delightful Q-texture (bounciness).
• Phở 2000: Famous for its celebrity photos and awards, this shop offers a newer way to eat pho—accompanied by dough sticks (youtiao). It is located near Ben Thanh market.
• Pho Sol: For a taste of the North in the South, this shop specializes in Northern Vietnamese style pho. It features a rich beef bone broth and large chunks of meat.
• Pho Quynh: If you want the authentic roadside experience, this is the place. Known for its beef ball pho, the meatballs are juicy and bouncy. Sitting on a small stool, feeling the wind and the city's hustle while slurping soup, gives you the true taste of Saigon.
• Pho Bo Vien: Recommended for those who enjoy a strong pepper flavor in their soup.

Explore more hidden gems.

If you need a break from beef, the city's crab noodle soups (Bánh Canh Cua) are a revelation. These soups are often thick, almost like a bisque, and packed with seafood.

Bánh Canh Cua 87 is a local "fly restaurant" (a term for small, hole-in-the-wall spots) that is highly recommended. The soup base is slightly sour and spicy with a heavy crab flavor. It is loaded with toppings: large shrimp, crab meatballs, crab meat, quail eggs, and blood curd. The noodles here are thick, resembling udon or silver needle noodles. At a very low price point, it is a favorite among locals.

Another notable spot is Bánh Canh Cua Hiền, where the soup is so thick it resembles a seafood chowder that has been stewed overnight, filled to the brim with crab meat. For a Michelin Bib Gourmand experience, check out the crab soup spots in District 1, where you can get a bowl full of crab meat, spring rolls, and vermicelli for a refreshing yet filling meal.

For a truly authentic morning experience, try Bún Mọc Thanh Mai near Ben Thanh market, offering a clear, fresh soup base with various pork sausages—a perfect breakfast combination.