Among Vietnamese pho's variations, chicken pho stands out for its lighter, aromatic. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the top 5 chicken pho in Hanoi—each offering a unique experience, from Michelin-recognized establishments to beloved local favorites. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned gourmand, these best chicken pho spots are guaranteed to satisfy your craving for the most authentic and delicious chicken pho Hanoi has to offer.
Chicken pho, or "Phở Gà," is a variation of Vietnam's iconic noodle soup traditionally made with beef. Instead of beef, tender chicken pieces simmered in a fragrant broth form the foundation of this comforting dish.
This version typically features shredded poached chicken, rice noodles, fresh herbs, and broth infused with spices like ginger, onion, cinnamon, and star anise. While it shares the same fundamental components as beef pho, chicken pho offers a lighter, clearer broth, making it a popular choice among health-conscious diners or those seeking a milder flavor profile.
Beyond its nutritional appeal, chicken pho embodies Hanoi’s culinary philosophy—simplicity combined with depth of flavor. Its preparation demands patience and skill, especially in creating a clear yet richly flavored broth that highlights the quality of the chicken.
In Hanoi, chicken pho can be found in both traditional street stalls and refined restaurants, each adding their own twist while honoring the dish’s roots. As we journey through the top 5 chicken pho in Hanoi, you'll learn about where to find the most authentic, flavorful, and memorable bowls, along with insights into what makes each spot special.
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The top 5 chicken pho in Hanoi highlighted here stand out for their exceptional quality, storied histories, and the devotion they pour into every bowl. Before diving into their individual stories, it is essential to understand that choosing the best chicken pho in Hanoi is not only about flavor but also about authenticity, ambiance, and the overall dining experience. Now, let’s explore these remarkable establishments in detail.
Adress: 68 Yen Ninh street - Opening hours: 6:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Cham Chicken Pho is a celebrated name that consistently earns praise and recognition, including a place on the Michelin guide. Its reputation is built on a commitment to authentic flavors, meticulous preparation, and a deep respect for tradition.
Origins and History of Cham Chicken Pho
Founded decades ago by a family rooted in Hanoi’s long-standing street food heritage, Cham Chicken Pho has evolved into a symbol of culinary excellence. The restaurant’s emphasis on maintaining traditional recipes, combined with modern culinary insights, allows them to produce a remarkably balanced broth that captures the essence of Hanoi’s chicken pho.
Unique Features of Cham Chicken Pho
What sets Cham apart is their use of locally sourced organic chicken, which contributes significantly to the broth’s clarity and richness. Their careful seasoning balances the natural sweetness of the chicken with aromatic spices, resulting in a well-rounded flavor profile.
The presentation is simple, emphasizing freshness and quality—sliced tender chicken atop al dente rice noodles, garnished with herbs like coriander, mint, and Thai basil. The broth is served piping hot in ceramic bowls, designed to retain heat and enhance the sensory experience.
Dining Experience and Atmosphere
Dining at Cham Chicken Pho is more than just a meal; it is a cultural immersion. The setting is clean, modest, yet welcoming, often bustling with locals and tourists alike. Service is attentive without being intrusive, and the staff take pride in explaining their process and ingredients.
For those seeking the best chicken pho in Hanoi with Michelin recognition, Cham offers a compelling choice. It reflects the harmony of tradition and innovation, resulting in a bowl that’s both nostalgic and exciting.
Personal Insights and Recommendations
If you visit Cham Chicken Pho, try to go during off-peak hours to enjoy a more leisurely experience. Don’t miss their homemade dipping sauces and side dishes, which elevate the dish further. Pair it with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime for an extra burst of flavor.
Moreover, the most famous dish and a favorite of most locals at this restaurant is the mixed chicken pho. Tourists should definitely try this dish!
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Adress: 20 Bao Khanh street - Opening hours: 6:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Huyen Huong Chicken Pho is a household name amongst locals, renowned for its consistent quality, friendly atmosphere, and distinct flavor. Often referred to as the most expensive chicken pho restaurant in Hanoi, some bowls can cost up to 150,000 VND — but most agree, the taste justifies every dong.
Origins and Cultural Significance
Established over 30 years ago, Huyen Huong is a family-run establishment that prides itself on preserving traditional Hanoi recipes passed down through generations. Over the decades, Huyen Huong has become a favorite breakfast spot for locals, often packed with early risers eager to start their day with a nourishing bowl of chicken pho.
Signature Dishes and Flavor Profile
What makes Huyen Huong stand out is their proprietary broth—slow-simmered for hours using fresh chicken bones and a blend of secret spices. The broth boasts a delicate balance, not overly greasy, with hints of ginger and lemongrass that provide a subtle zing.
Their chicken is typically poached until tender, then shredded and served generously. The rice noodles are handmade daily, resulting in a chewy, satisfying texture. The accompanying herbs are fresh and plentiful, allowing diners to customize each bite.
The menu is impressively diverse. Beyond the classic chicken pho, this restaurant offers pho with soft-boiled chicken eggs (trứng non), chicken meatballs (mọc gà),... and more recently, beef pho — giving diners a wide range of flavor and texture combinations.
Ambience and Customer Experience
Huyen Huong offers a cozy, no-frills environment that emphasizes comfort and authenticity. It’s a place where locals gather, sharing stories over steaming bowls of pho. The staff are attentive, often engaging guests with stories about their recipes and cooking techniques.
Tips for Visitors
To truly appreciate Huyen Huong, arrive early to beat the crowds and enjoy the quieter atmosphere. Adding a dash of chili and a sprig of basil enhances the flavor, highlighting the dish’s aromatic qualities. Pair your bowl with Hanoi-style iced tea for a refreshing contrast.
Adress: 103 Nguyen Truong To street - Opening hours: 6:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Pho Tien is an esteemed restaurant that has earned its place on the Michelin guide, renowned for elevating Hanoi’s chicken pho to new culinary heights. Its innovative approach combines traditional techniques with contemporary presentation, appealing to both purists and adventurous palates.
Historical Background and Culinary Philosophy
Pho Ga Tien was founded by Mr. Khanh’s parents, who came from a chicken-trading family and began selling chicken pho over 40 years ago. The shop is named after his father. The restaurant’s philosophy revolves around using fresh ingredients, precise technique, and thoughtful presentation.
Premium Ingredients and Signature Preparation
Pho Tien uses only free-range hens raised in Phu Tho, Hoa Binh, and Son Tay, weighing between 1.8–2.5kg — prized for their firm, flavorful meat and low fat content. With decades of family experience in chicken trading, the owners are experts at selecting top-quality birds, ensuring every bowl starts with the best ingredients.
The broth is simmered for hours using primarily chicken bones and a small amount of pork bones, carefully skimmed to maintain clarity. Instead of using star anise, cinnamon, or MSG, the recipe relies on grilled ginger, shallots, shiitake mushrooms, and premium fish sauce for a clean, naturally sweet flavor.
Customers can choose from a wide selection of cuts — thigh, wing, breast, or back — along with offal options like heart, liver, gizzard, soft-boiled chicken egg, and feet. Prices range from 50,000 to 100,000 VND per bowl, depending on toppings.
Fine Dining Atmosphere and Service
Unlike typical street-side stalls, Pho Tien boasts a refined, elegant interior with subtle lighting and minimalist decor that encourages relaxation. The service is attentive and knowledgeable, with staff explaining the nuances of each dish.
Dining here provides a gourmet perspective on Hanoi’s chicken pho, making it a standout among the top 5 chicken pho in Hanoi.
Personal Reflections
For connoisseurs seeking a sophisticated experience, try their a bowl of chicken thigh pho with soft-boiled egg. Pair your meal with a glass of Vietnamese wine or herbal tea for a complete gastronomic adventure.
Adress: 65B Lan Ong street - Opening hours: 5:30 PM - 11:00 PM
Pho Hanh is a long-standing favorite known for its hearty bowls, rich broth, and welcoming atmosphere. A treasure among the best chicken pho in Hanoi, it epitomizes comfort food served with love and tradition.
Legacy and Community Roots
Established more than 25 years ago, Pho Hanh has been a cornerstone of Hanoi’s street food scene. Its reputation rests on consistently serving wholesome, flavorful chicken pho to generations of locals and visitors alike.
Flavor Profile and Ingredients
Pho Hanh’s rich, savory broth is simmered from generous amounts of chicken bones, garlic, and onions, with just a hint of MSG to enhance depth. The chicken is tender and skillfully shredded, while the thick, chewy rice noodles are locally sourced, creating a hearty, satisfying bowl. Each serving is topped with fresh herbs, scallions, and lime for balance and brightness.
Beyond pho, the restaurant’s diverse menu also features popular local dishes like chicken sticky rice (xôi gà), chicken salad, and mixed shredded chicken pho (phở gà trộn) — all well-loved by regulars for their bold flavors and freshness.
Atmosphere and Local Charm
Pho Hanh captures the essence of Hanoi street dining with its low plastic stools and sidewalk seating, creating an authentic, down-to-earth experience. It is the kind of place where locals gather for a quick meal, surrounded by the hum of the street and the aroma of steaming broth.
The casual setup and lively pace make it feel less like a restaurant and more like a true local hangout, offering visitors a genuine taste of everyday Hanoi life.
Adress: 5B Phu Doan street - Opening hours: 6:30 AM - 1:30 PM, 4:00 PM - 0:30 AM
Nguyet Chicken Pho is a jewel awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand, recognizing its exceptional quality and affordability. It is a favorite among locals for its consistent excellence and homely vibe.
Foundation and Heritage
Owned by Mrs. Nguyet, this family-run eatery has been serving Hanoi since the early 1990s. Her commitment to classic recipes, combined with her personal touch, makes each bowl a labor of love.
Signature Flavors and Hanoi’s Favorite Mixed Chicken Pho
Nguyet’s broth is known for its light, clear taste, crafted by slow-simmering fresh chicken carcasses with ginger and herbs to extract pure, clean flavor. The shredded chicken is moist and tender, paired with slightly chewy rice noodles, and topped with fresh coriander, basil, and sliced chilies for added depth and aroma.
Beyond the classic soup, Nguyet is especially famous among Hanoians for its “pho ga tron” (mixed chicken pho) — a dry version tossed with fragrant chicken fat, scallion oil, and their special soy sauce. Savory, rich, and perfectly balanced, this dish has become a local favorite that many associate first when thinking of pho ga Nguyet.
Dining Environment and Value
The ambiance is straightforward yet cozy, with a focus on quality rather than flashiness. Pricing is very reasonable, making it accessible to a wide audience seeking best chicken pho in Hanoi without breaking the bank.
It is a quintessential Hanoi experience—simple, delicious, and heartfelt.
Final Thoughts
If you want to savor authentic Hanoi chicken pho without the fuss, Nguyet is the perfect choice. Pair your bowl with a iced tea and enjoy a true taste of Hanoi’s culinary generosity.
Exploring the top 5 chicken pho in Hanoi is the perfect way to experience the city’s culinary heritage — from refined, Michelin-approved bowls to street-side local legends. Each spot brings its own twist on the best chicken pho in Hanoi, combining rich flavor with authentic charm. Start your food adventure now and discover why Hanoi is the ultimate destination for chicken pho lovers!
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