When it comes to the best pho in District 3 Ho Chi Minh City, Pho Dau stands as a legend. Hidden in a quiet alley off Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, this humble shop has been serving steaming bowls of Hanoi-style pho for more than 60 years. Alongside Pho Hoa, Pho Le, and Pho Pasteur, Pho Dau is part of Saigon’s pho royalty – a place locals speak of with pride.
Pho Dau was founded in the late 1950s by Madam Dau, a woman from Nam Dinh, the northern province often called the cradle of pho. It is unclear whether she had direct ties to the famous pho-making villages of Giao Cu or Van Cu, but her mastery of traditional northern-style pho was undeniable.
From the very beginning, Pho Dau was committed to authenticity. Madam Dau refused to adapt her recipe to southern tastes, and even after she passed away, the shop continued to protect its northern identity. A bowl at Pho Dau today tastes almost identical to one served six decades ago – simple, elegant, and unmistakably northern.
Interestingly, Pho Dau was once nicknamed “Pho Nguyen Cao Ky”, because the former Vice President of South Vietnam was a frequent customer. Even in his later years, when he returned to Vietnam, he made sure to come back to this little shop for a taste of its iconic broth.
True Hanoi-style pho
Pho Dau is pho Bac (Hanoi pho or Nam Dinh pho). That means no bean sprouts, no basil, no culantro, and no lime. The only garnish is scallions and coriander, with a small side of thinly sliced onions. On the table, you will find fish sauce and chili, but not hoisin sauce or black bean paste.
This minimalism is exactly what defines Hanoi pho. To first-time visitors who expect a southern-style pho loaded with herbs and condiments, Pho Dau may feel “too plain.” But for purists, this is the true taste of tradition.
Nam Dinh roots with a Saigon touch
Pho Dau reflects the Nam Dinh style of pho, known for its clean broth and balance. The only adjustment is in the noodles – thinner strands compared to the wide noodles typically used up north. The change makes them softer and easier to eat, while still holding a pleasant chew.
A broth with depth and clarity
The broth is simmered from beef marrow bones and flavored with a classic mix of spices: roasted ginger, star anise, cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon. The result is a clear amber soup, fragrant but not overpowering. Each bowl is a balance of savory depth and subtle sweetness that comes only from bones, not sugar.
Perfectly prepared beef
The beef is sliced thin and blanched just long enough to retain tenderness. The pink meat with its ivory layer of fat looks as good as it tastes. Customers can also order a side of nuoc tiet, a concentrated extract of beef bones that is rich, sweet, and unique to Pho Dau.
Pho Dau is not just about food, it is about familiarity and culture. Many regulars sit at the same table every time, and the staff know exactly how they like their pho. Orders are rarely shouted; instead, bowls are served quietly, almost like an unspoken understanding between friends.
The shop is calm compared to many bustling Saigon eateries. This quietness, along with the heritage and consistency, is part of what keeps customers loyal. Eating at Pho Dau feels like stepping back in time to the Saigon of the 1960s, when northern migrants first brought their culinary traditions south.
Even though its northern style is very different from the sweeter, heavier pho of southern Vietnam, Pho Dau has never lacked customers. Generations of northerners in Saigon continue to return for the taste of home. At the same time, many Saigonese and curious visitors have learned to appreciate the clean, balanced flavors.
By mid-morning, the shop is usually full, and bowls often sell out before lunch. The lively yet quiet atmosphere, the simple bowls, and the history behind them keep Pho Dau on the list of must-visit pho shops in Ho Chi Minh City.
Pho Dau is more than just one of the best pho restaurants in District 3, Ho Chi Minh City. It is a cultural landmark, a taste of Hanoi preserved in Saigon for over six decades. Its bowls are not about customization or variety but about purity, history, and identity.
For anyone who loves food with a story, Pho Dau is a must-visit. A bowl here is not just breakfast, it is a piece of Vietnam’s culinary heritage, served quietly in a little alley that has become one of Saigon’s proudest pho addresses.
What makes Pho Dau the best pho in District 3, Ho Chi Minh City?
Pho Dau serves authentic Hanoi-style pho with a clear broth, beef, noodles, and scallions. It has kept the same recipe for more than 60 years, earning recognition as one of the top pho restaurants in the city.
Why doesn’t Pho Dau serve bean sprouts or herbs?
Because Pho Dau is northern-style pho, which traditionally does not include bean sprouts, basil, or lime. The focus is on the broth and beef, keeping the bowl simple and balanced.
Is Pho Dau expensive?
Pho Dau costs a little more than the average street pho, but it is worth it for the quality and history. Customers are paying for authenticity and consistency.
What time should I visit Pho Dau?
The best time is early morning. The broth is fresh, and the shop is less crowded. By late morning, it is usually full, and by noon, pho may be sold out.
Where is Pho Dau located?
Pho Dau is located on Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street in District 3, Ho Chi Minh City. It is easy to reach from District 1 and other central areas.
