1. Unveiling Pho: A Culinary Icon

1.1. Pho: An Overview

Vietnam's famous noodle soup, pho, likely started its journey in the early 20th century in northern Vietnam, especially around Hanoi. While its precise origins remain debated, many believe it emerged during the French colonial period, influenced by both French and Chinese culinary practices.

Fundamentally, pho consists of these key components:

• Broth: Aromatic and flavorful, the broth gets its depth from simmering beef/chicken bones with spices like star anise, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom for several hours.
• Meat: Typically, thinly sliced beef or chicken are used; meatballs or other proteins may also be included.
• Noodles: These are flat, rice-based noodles known as bánh phở.
• Herbs & Vegetables: Fresh cilantro, Thai basil, scallions, bean sprouts, lime wedges, and chili peppers enhance the freshness and taste.
• Condiments: Vietnamese chili sauce, chili, lime, pickled garlic, and fish sauce are often available for customization.

1.2. On Pronouncing "Pho"

One of the most common missteps relates to pho's pronunciation. Many say "foe," but it is closer to the English pronunciation of "far"—somewhere between "fuh" and "fah." While accurate pronunciation is usually encouraged, an exception can be made with pho. For some reason, a westerner's attempt at saying "phở" correctly can sound off. Vietnamese speakers readily understand "foe," so that should be a perfectly fine alternative.

2. Top 7 Types of Pho You Should Try

In Hanoi, pho has grown far beyond its initial recipe and format. Here we will look at 7 of the major types of pho you will not want to miss during your time in the city.

2.1. Phở Nước: The Traditional Broth-Based Delight

Phở Nước, known as "water" or broth-based pho, is the most well-known type of pho in Hanoi. The key to this type of pho really boils down to the broth—slow-simmered for many hours using beef bones, spices, and herbs to get its recognizable rich, clear, and comforting flavors.

The beef and chicken versions are the most common in Hanoi, with the Hanoi version featuring a broth that tastes lighter and fresher. In contrast to the Southern style, the Hanoi style broth also contains less herbs and is less sweet. Phở nước is frequently served with fresh herbs, lime, and chili so that diners may personally adjust the taste to their satisfaction.

2.2. Phở Trộn: A Delectable Dry Mix

Phở trộn, or dry mixed pho, is a broth-free version featuring a mix of noodles, meat (chicken or beef usually), mixed with fresh herbs in a tangy sauce to create a flavorful dish that is especially enjoyable in hot weather. Garnished with fried shallots and pickled vegetables, this is both light and satisfying.

2.3. Phở Cuốn: Fresh and Flavorful Rolls

Phở Cuốn, or pho rolls, is a creative Hanoian take, made of uncut sheets of pho noodles wrapped around beef and herbs, like a fresh spring roll version of pho. Easy to share and lighter in texture, pho cuon is one of the more popular street food options. Enjoyed best with dipping sauces, you'll find the essence of pho captured here in a refreshing format.

2.4. Phở Xào: Stir-Fried Sensation

Phở Xào features rice noodles stir-fried rapidly with beef, garlic, and vegetables, usually bok choy or morning glory, to create a dish with a light smoky flavor. This aromatic treat remains moist and tender on the inside while giving off a crisp outside. This is sure to satisfy those looking for a quick meal prepared by chefs with top-notch skill.

2.5. Phở Chua: A Tangy Twist

Phở Chua, that is, sour pho, originally began as a Northern Vietnam treat in the mountainous region of Lang Son or Ha Giang. This variation uses rice noodles, pork, vegetables, and fried garlic, topped with a tangy, sweet, and spicy sauce that uses vinegar, sugar, and chili as a base. Ingredients like tamarind or fermented vegetables result in a diverse flavor mix. This is certain to satisfy those looking for a refreshing treat.

2.6. Phở Tíu: Savory Pork Delight

Phở Tíu is a dry kind of pho that originated in China. Leaving out the broth, this recipe uses fresh pho noodles topped with slices of char siu (roast pork), bean sprouts, herbs, peanuts, and crispy shallots. Everything is then tossed in a sweet, sour, umami pork gravy. Its light texture and savory meat will leave any customer happy.

2.7. Phở Chiên: Crispy Indulgence

Phở Chiên offers a crispy alternative to pho classics, utilizing rice noodles deep-fried to perfection and served alongside toppings such as beef, vegetables, or seafood. Two recognizable versions include egg-fried pho (phở chiên trứng) and puffed-fried pho (phở chiên phồng); these all give a great balance of crunchy noodles and tasty fillings. Dipping sauces often go along side this unique and satisfying dish.

3. Where to Taste the Best Pho in Hanoi

• Pho Thin Lo Duc (13 Lo Duc, Hai Ba Trung District): well known here for serving pho xao.
• Pho Thin Bo Ho (61 Dinh Tien Hoang, Hoan Kiem District): An authentic, old taste from Hanoi.
• Pho Khoi Hoi (50 Hang Vai, Hoan Kiem District): For those wanting beef heel pho, this is it.
• Pho Ga Cham (68 Yen Ninh, Ba Dinh District): Arguably Hanoi's best chicken pho.
• Pho Tien (103 Nguyen Truong To , Ba Dinh District): A Michelin-selected restaurant that specializes in chicken pho.
• Pho Ga Nguyet (5B Phu Doan, Hoan Kiem District): The top place for chicken mixed pho in Hanoi.
• Pho Hanh (65B Lan Ong, Hoan Kiem District): Another famous mixed chicken pho spot in Hanoi's Old Quarter
• Pho Cuon Chinh Thang (7 Mac Dinh Chi, Ba Dinh District): Known for pho rolls and fried pho.
• Pho Cuon Hung Ben (118 Tran Vu, Ba Dinh District): Another popular spot for pho rolls and fried pho.
• Pho Xao Bat Dan (32 Bat Dan, Hoan Kiem District): Famous for smoky stir-fried pho with tender beef and rich wok aroma.
• Pho Xao Phu My (45 Bat Dan, Hoan Kiem District): Local favorite serving flavorful beef stir-fried pho with fresh greens.
• Pho Thanh Beo (11 Hang Buom, Hoan Kiem District): Crispy-edge noodles and generous toppings make this a street food gem.
• Pho Tiu Ba Phuong (Address 1: Dong Xuan Market Alley, Hoan Kiem District/Adress 2: 22 Hang Chieu, Hoan Kiem District): The spot with the tastiest Pho Tiu in all of Hanoi.

4. Final Thought

The 7 types of pho detailed in this information piece show the many facets of Hanoi’s lively street food culture. From the classic Phở Nước to the fresh Phở Trộn, Phở Cuốn, and others, you will be sure to find an interesting taste to explore. Sample each kind of pho next time you're walking around Hanoi—each bite has a story to tell!

To enhance your trip, consider staying at JM Marvel Hotel, conveniently positioned in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter nearby Hoan Kiem Lake. Following a full day of experiencing street food destinations, you can settle in at its scenic rooftop bar, enjoy food in their Vietnamese restaurant, or rest in spa.

Lock in your stay to fully enjoy your adventure in Hanoi!