Duke & NC | Vietnamese Pho Comparison & Recommendations 🍜

Looking for authentic Vietnamese Pho around Duke and North Carolina? We’ve compiled hands-on reviews of 4 popular Pho spots, comparing everything from broth and ingredients to atmosphere, with star ratings included. Whether you prefer sweet, light, or rich flavors, you’ll find the perfect match here! 1. Saigon Cuisine Restaurant 🌕🌕🌕🌕 (4 Stars! Double Delight with Pho & Hot Pot) This spot’s Pho comes with a "sweet-fresh bonus"! 🍲 The broth is slightly sweet but not cloying, with a rich, simmered beef bone flavor that’s perfectly balanced. The beef slices are generous, thin yet tender, melting in your mouth once cooked. Best of all, it’s loaded with onions and green onions—add them to the broth for extra aroma and a refreshing kick. Every slurp of noodles with a sip of broth is pure satisfaction～ Don’t miss their Vietnamese Hot Pot either! The Tom Yum-flavored broth is spicy and tangy, piled high with fresh seafood (shrimp, mussels, squid) and veggies. It’s easily enough for 3-4 people to share—cooking and eating together makes for a lively, fun meal, perfect for gatherings～ 2. Pho Hien Vuong 🌕🌕🌕🌗 (3.5 Stars! Top Pick for Light Flavors & Brunch) If you prefer light, clean flavors, this is the one for you! 🥬 The beef broth is sweet and non-greasy, easy to sip without feeling heavy. It’s also packed with cilantro—cilantro lovers can fully indulge in "cilantro freedom" here～ Beyond Pho, their Vietnamese Iced Coffee and Thai Milk Tea are must-tries! The coffee is rich and aromatic, while the Thai milk tea is sweet but not sugary. Pair them with the authentic Vietnamese brunch set (baguette + eggs + side dishes) for a energizing start to your day—brunch here is pure joy～ 3. Van Loi II 🌕🌕🌕 (3 Stars! Standout Snacks, Average Pho) The Pho here is decent but not exceptional—compared to other spots, the broth is oilier, and the noodles lack a standout texture. As an older establishment, the dining environment is also simpler, which might disappoint those looking for a nicer setting 😅. However! Their roast duck and crispy pork are absolute must-tries! The duck has crispy skin and tender meat, perfectly complemented by sweet chili sauce. The crispy pork has a golden, crunchy exterior and firm, non-dry meat. These two snacks alone make the visit worthwhile—prioritize this spot if you’re craving Vietnamese-style snacks～ 4. Pho 919 Viet Thai & Tea 🌕🌕🌕🌕 (4 Stars! RTP Area Gem, Rich Flavor Favorite) No need to travel far if you’re in the RTP area! This spot has unbeatable location—within walking distance or a short drive～ 🍜 The broth is the richest among the 4, with bold, aromatic spice notes. If you love intense flavors, you’ll instantly fall for it. The noodles are perfectly chewy, soaking up the broth beautifully. Personally, I’d rank this as the "Top Pho Around RTP"～ #Duke #DukeUniversity #NorthCarolina #NCLife #NCFood #RTPNC #RaleighFood #GreensboroNC #VietnamesePho