Phở in Saigon is the southern style of Vietnam’s famous noodle soup: a clear beef or chicken broth over flat rice noodles, served with a plate of fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lime and chilli that you add yourself. Locals eat it mostly in the morning, when the broth has simmered all night. For a first bowl, order phở bò tái (rare beef that cooks in the hot broth), taste it plain, then season a little at a time.
What should I order at a phở shop?
Most shops sell one thing, so the menu is a list of toppings. These words cover nearly every board:
| On the menu | What you get | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Phở bò tái | Thin slices of rare beef that cook in the broth | A first bowl |
| Phở bò chín | Well-done brisket | If you prefer meat fully cooked |
| Phở bò viên | Beef meatballs | Children and picky eaters |
| Phở đặc biệt | The house special with several cuts | Hungry travellers |
| Phở gà | Chicken in a lighter chicken broth | A gentle breakfast |
| Phở chay | Vegetable and mushroom broth with tofu | Vegetarians and vegans |
Bowls usually come in small and large. Say nhỏ for small or lớn for large; most travellers find a small bowl enough before a day of eating. For the other dishes worth a morning, see our Saigon food guide.
How do I season phở like a local?
- Taste the broth first. The cook has already balanced it, and a good shop is judged by its broth.
- Tear in the herbs. Thai basil, sawtooth coriander and bean sprouts go in by the handful; push them under to soften.
- Squeeze some lime and add a few slices of fresh chilli if you like heat.
- Keep the sauces on the side. Many locals put hoisin and chilli sauce in the small dish for dipping meat, instead of stirring them into the broth.
- Use both hands. Chopsticks in one hand for noodles, the spoon in the other for broth. More in our guide to Vietnamese table manners.
When do locals eat phở in Saigon?
Breakfast is phở time, roughly 6 to 9 am. Many of the best family shops sell out or close by late morning, and some only open again in the evening. Phở works at any hour, but if you want one perfect bowl, get up early. For the rest of the day, see what to eat in Saigon by time of day.
How much does a bowl of phở cost in Saigon?
At a neighbourhood shop a bowl usually costs about 50,000 to 90,000 VND, a little more for the special or at a famous address. Prices are on the wall; you pay at the end, often to the person at the front of the shop.
How is southern phở different from Hanoi phở?
Phở began in the north. Hanoi bowls are simpler and more savoury, with fewer garnishes. The southern version that Saigon made its own is a little sweeter and comes with the big plate of herbs and sprouts, plus sauces on the table. Neither is more correct; they are two styles of the same dish, and trying both is part of the fun.
Where can I eat phở with a local guide?
Saigon’s best-known noodle shops have earned Michelin recognition. On Saigon Michelin Street Food your guide rides you between Michelin-recognised or recommended local stops and a favourite coffee shop. If you want a broad first taste of the city instead, start with Saigon Must-Eats, or browse all Saigon food tours. Vegetarian? Read our guide to vegan and vegetarian food in Saigon.
Want a local to choose the bowl? Check dates for the Saigon Michelin food tour.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to eat phở in Saigon?
Early morning, about 6 to 9 am, when the broth is freshest. Many family shops sell out or close by late morning.
What does phở bò tái mean?
Phở with thin slices of rare beef that cook in the hot broth at the table. It is the most popular order.
Should I put hoisin sauce in my phở?
Taste the broth first. Many locals put hoisin and chilli sauce in a small dish for dipping the meat rather than stirring them into the soup.
How much is phở in Saigon?
Usually about 50,000 to 90,000 VND a bowl at a local shop, a little more for the special or at a famous address.
Is there vegetarian phở in Saigon?
Yes. Look for phở chay, made with a vegetable and mushroom broth and tofu.