Phở Hòa Pasteur — Restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City

Phở Hòa Pasteur, nestled in the vibrant streets of Saigon, is a culinary gem that embodies the spirit of Vietnamese street food. As a Michelin Bib Gourmand selection, it promises authentic and affordable pho, and it delivers on every front.

Ambiance: The restaurant has a distinctly down-to-earth and grassroots vibe. The interior is straightforward and functional, with communal tables that invite you to sit shoulder-to-shoulder with locals and travelers. The energy of the place is infectious, with the clatter of bowls and lively conversations creating an authentic and welcoming atmosphere.

The Dish: The pho at Phở Hòa Pasteur is a celebration of flavors and tradition. The broth is the soul of the dish, a rich and aromatic concoction that has been lovingly simmered to achieve depth and complexity. It's a symphony of spices, with star anise and cinnamon harmonizing beautifully.The noodles are fresh and perfectly cooked, providing a satisfying chew that complements the tender slices of beef. Each bowl is accompanied by a generous array of fresh herbs, lime wedges, and bean sprouts, allowing you to tailor the flavors to your liking.

Value: One of the standout aspects of Phở Hòa Pasteur is its exceptional value. Despite its Michelin recognition, the prices remain accessible, making it a fantastic choice for those seeking quality without breaking the bank. This affordability, combined with the generous portions, ensures a satisfying meal that leaves both the palate and wallet content.

Highlights: Broth: Deeply flavorful and aromatic, showcasing the art of traditional Vietnamese cooking. Beef: Tender and flavorful, adding richness to every bite. Noodles: Fresh, chewy, and perfectly balanced with the broth. Accompaniments: Fresh herbs and lime offer a personalized touch to the dining experience.

Conclusion: Phở Hòa Pasteur is more than just a place to eat; it's a journey into the heart of Vietnamese culinary tradition. With its grassroots charm and remarkable value, it’s a must-visit for anyone looking to savor an authentic bowl of pho in Saigon. This dining experience reminds us that sometimes the simplest settings can offer the most...

On our third and final day in Ho Chi Minh City, we set out to try Pho Hoa Pasteur, a place recommended by both our hotel bellboy and my son, who visited last year. Located about a 10-minute walk from our hotel, Mai House, the restaurant sits on a relatively quiet side street, its entrance marked by a row of parked motorbikes. Despite the calm surroundings, we noticed a steady stream of tour buses and vans dropping off customers—a sign of its popularity among both locals and tourists.

Upon entering, we were quickly directed to a table already set with fresh vegetables, fried Chinese dough sticks (youtiao), lime wedges, and a plate of leaf-wrapped sticky rice. As someone from a Chinese background, I usually associate youtiao with congee or soy milk—pairing it with pho was a new experience. Unfortunately, the ones at our table weren’t very fresh, so we asked the server to take them away. She was prompt and efficient, ready to take our order as soon as we sat down. Scanning the vibrant menu on the wall, we decided on a pho dac biet (special beef noodle soup), a pho with beef balls and tendon, and a Coke.

The food arrived quickly. Both bowls were generously topped with green onions and basil, and from the first sip of broth, I understood why this place is so popular. The soup was clear, rich, and deeply flavorful, with only a hint of MSG, if any. You could taste the time and care that went into the broth—truly the soul of a great bowl of pho.

As a self-proclaimed pho enthusiast who's tried countless bowls across Vietnam, Hong Kong, California, and Vancouver, I can confidently say this was the best I’ve ever had. The meats were tender, and the brisket, tripe, tendon, and beef balls were all spot on. Simple, honest, and absolutely delicious.

The entire meal cost just 200,000 VND—about $8 USD—an unbeatable value considering we’d easily pay four times that back home.

Just be prepared for the warm, humid dining space. If you're visiting in summer, you might wish you had your own portable AC! 😄

Don't miss this spot if...

Took my overseas friend here as she really wanted to try this pho. The noodles were fresh, thin and soft , beef was really tender and the tendons were melt in the mouth and the soup was better than average. The pho here is always good and consistent. Really enjoyed my nice hot bowl of beef and tendon pho here but there are better ones out there. I have no issues with the pho, drinks, hygiene or the service and I am only giving 1 star because of the 30s guy at the counter who tries to short change tourist. I was there on Wednesday 8/8/24 around 5.30pm sat in the air con room upstairs and when I paid my bill of 264Ð with a 500kÐ ,was short changed 100k Ð. I told the waitress straight away and when I told her I was short changed, it seemed she was not surprised and went downstairs to refund me the 100kÐ with no hesitation or questions.I was also charged for the tissues that I did not use and charged for a large bowl when they were a medium. This happens a lot in Vietnam but this was the second time it happened here and when I confronted the guy at the counter, he said sorry and then I told him that I was charged for the wet tissues and overcharged for the bowl of pho he did not respond and I ripped out 30kÐ from the stack of cash in his hands. There are many reports where people complain that the pho here is so expensive, it’s not because the pho is expensive but that you have been short changed or overcharged, Please check your bill and check your change carefully not just here but other...