If there’s one pho restaurant in Hanoi that people constantly recommend visiting, it’s undoubtedly Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su. Loved by both tourists and locals for many years, this legendary pho shop is considered one of the city’s must-visit dining spots. Even though I currently live in Da Nang, I still find myself returning here whenever I travel to Hanoi for business. The appeal lies in its classic, straightforward flavor—no gimmicks, just an exceptionally well-made bowl of pho.
Location
Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su is conveniently located in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, within walking distance of Hoan Kiem Lake. The surrounding streets are lively, lined with souvenir shops, cafés, and local eateries, making it an easy stop during sightseeing. Since the restaurant opens early in the morning, it’s also a perfect breakfast option before exploring the city. The area is always busy, and it’s common to see long lines forming outside the restaurant.
Exterior
The large orange sign with the bold black “PHO 10” lettering makes the restaurant easy to spot. Even from a distance, you can immediately recognize the shop, especially with the constant crowd gathered outside. While the exterior isn’t flashy, it has the strong and authentic atmosphere of a classic local eatery. Watching both tourists and local residents coming and going gives you an instant sense of how popular this place truly is.
Interior
Inside, the restaurant has a simple and practical design. Stainless steel tables and basic chairs fill the dining area, creating the classic atmosphere of a traditional Vietnamese noodle shop. The space itself isn’t particularly large, but the turnover is incredibly fast, and the staff move efficiently through the busy restaurant.
The atmosphere is energetic and lively, with orders arriving surprisingly quickly after being placed. Menus are displayed on the walls, and the restaurant’s focus on doing one thing exceptionally well—pho—is part of its charm.
Food
Tai（Rare beef)
This time, I ordered the classic Tai, featuring thin slices of rare beef.
The clear broth may look light at first glance, but it’s packed with deep beef-bone flavor. There’s no excessive sweetness or overpowering seasoning—just a remarkably clean and balanced taste. The thinly sliced rare beef gently cooks in the steaming hot broth, becoming perfectly tender by the time you take your first bite.
The rice noodles are smooth and silky, pairing beautifully with the broth. Adding fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime changes the flavor profile slightly, allowing you to enjoy different layers of taste until the very last spoonful.
There’s nothing flashy about this bowl, but that’s exactly what makes it special. It feels like the definition of authentic Hanoi pho.
Final thoughts
Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su is absolutely worth visiting if you want to experience a truly classic bowl of pho in Hanoi. Even though it has become a famous tourist destination, the quality of the food remains consistently high. Whether it’s your first time visiting Hanoi or you’re already a repeat traveler, this is a place that rarely disappoints. If you’re in Hanoi, don’t miss the chance to experience one of the city’s iconic bowls of pho.
