What is Bo Kho? a bold and comforting Vietnamese beef stew that’s beloved for its rich, aromatic broth and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. Slow cooked with fragrant lemongrass, star anise, cinnamon, and a hint of chili, this dish delivers a deep, warming flavor that’s both savory and slightly sweet, with layers of spice that unfold with every bite.
Often served with rice noodles, crusty Banh mi, or even steamed rice, Bo Kho is as versatile as it is flavorful. Chunks of braised beef are paired with soft carrots and topped with fresh herbs like Thai basil and cilantro, sometimes finished with a squeeze of lime for brightness. The broth is distinctively reddish orange thanks to annatto oil or tomato paste, giving it a beautiful color to match its depth of taste.
Bo Kho reflects the fusion of French colonial technique and Vietnamese soul, a stew that comforts on cold mornings and satisfies at any time of day. It’s a dish that speaks of home kitchens, street food stalls, and family gatherings, a true staple that captures the warm heart of Vietnamese cuisine.
Here is a list of 10 Bo Kho places in Ho Chi Minh City that SaigonVibes recommends you try. We’ve also included a Google Maps link for each restaurant to make it easy for you to find them, along with a selection of well-rated tours in Ho Chi Minh City from GetYourGuide. We hope you enjoy and find the best tours that suit your travel plans
Her beef stew doesn’t rely on any secret recipe or rare ingredients. What makes it shine is the care and consistency she’s maintained for over 35 years. She still marinates the beef with lemongrass, garlic, and five-spice, then sears it in annatto oil to bring out that beautiful red hue. The stew is simmered slowly with carrots, star anise, and cinnamon until the broth becomes thick, rich, and full of character. Every pot is watched closely, every step done by hand. Somehow, she turns this humble dish into something that feels like a memory. The aroma drifts down the street long before you even walk in. One whiff and your stomach are already grumbling. When we sat down to eat, someone nearby smiled and said, “This stew always reminds me of home”. And honestly, we felt the same. It’s just beef stew, right? But somehow, it warms you from the inside out.
Service: Like your favorite aunt’s kitchen, a bit chaotic at times, but somehow your food always shows up hot and fast. No frills, just love and muscle memory.
Bo Kho Co Mai
Address: 17C Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours: 6:30AM – 9:30PM
Tucked down a quiet alley off Nguyen Cong Tru, this place doesn’t rely on flashy signs, just a few low tables, clattering bowls, and the smell of beef stew that pulls people in like a magnet. Their version has a street-smart boldness. The broth is lighter, more peppery, and full of herbal layers. You’ll notice notes of star anime, ginger, and what seems like satay oil sneaking in a slow, gentle heat. The beef is chopped into smaller, tender chunks, perfect for scooping up with a crusty Banh Mi. Some regulars even ask for tendon or tripe, just say the word.
Service: Quick and to the point. No fancy uniforms, blink too slowly, and your bowl’s already there its hot and ready to steal your heart.
Bo Kho Hem 158 Nguyen Cong Tru
Address: 158 Nguyen Cong Tru, Nguyen Thai Binh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours: 3PM – 10PM
At a cozy little shop run by an Indian Vietnamese family for over 30 years, Auntie Ut serves a unique Indian style bò kho right from her home kitchen. The front of the house is the cooking area, while the living space sits just behind it, making the experience feel homey and personal. What sets this bo kho apart is its bold use of spices inspired by Indian cuisine. The broth is thicker, more orange red in color, and infused with curry leaves, giving it a deeper, more aromatic kick compared to the usual Vietnamese version. The stew includes tender beef, soft carrots, spring onions, and onions, all slowly simmer until melt-in-your-mouth soft. Customers can choose to pair it with rice noodles, egg noodles, instant noodles, or a warm baguette. It’s a flavorful fusion that feels both familiar and surprising, a perfect bowl for a rainy day in Saigon.
Service: Warm and homey, just like the food. Auntie Ut might not say much, but her ladle does all the talking.
Bo Kho Di Ut An Do
Address: 194/5 Vo Van Tan, Ward 5, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours: 12PM – 8PM
Unlike the humble street corners where most Bo Kho stories begin, Bo Kho Ganh brings the dish into a more polished, carefully crafted space and it shows in every detail. The shop has earned a spot in the Michelin Guide, and while the setting is a bit more refined, the heart of the dish stays true to its roots. Here, Bo kho is served in a clay pot, not a regular bowl, a small twist that keeps the stew hot longer and somehow makes it feel more comforting. The broth is clear but still rich, with a clean finish that suggests hours of slow simmering. The beef is cut into perfect cubes, stewed until fork-tender, and paired with your choice of bánh mì, hủ tiếu, or egg noodles. There’s even a subtle herbal note, maybe from star anise or cardamom, that lingers just enough to keep each spoonful interesting.
Service: The staff moves with quiet confidence, no rush, no fuss. Smooth like their spot in the Michelin Guide, everything comes out just right with zero drama.
Bo Kho Ganh
Address: 029 Lô H Ngo Gia Tu Apartment Su Van Hanh street, Ward 2, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours: 7AM – 10PM
Tucked away on Lam Van Ben Street, Bo Kho Nam Xua brings you back to old-school Saigon with its retro decor and slow-cooked flavors. Their beef stew is prepared the long, traditional way: brisket is carefully trimmed to include just the right balance of lean meat, soft tendon, and a bit of fat for richness. Instead of tossing in store-bought spice powders, the cook makes a fresh spice paste by pounding lemongrass, garlic, chili, and galangal by hand. This paste is then sautéed in beef tallow, a step that deepens the flavor, before the meat is added and stewed for hours. What sets them apart is the final touch, the owner starts her day before sunrise, prepping ingredients and slow-cooking beef stew for nearly 10 hours until the meat is melted-in-your-mouth tender.
Service: Warm-hearted and personal. She makes you feel like you’re dining at a friend’s house.
Bo Kho Nam Xua
Address: 265 Nguyen Thi Thap, Tan Phu Ward, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City
This humble spot has been quietly winning hearts with its deeply flavorful beef stew; it’s known locally as Bo Kho. Unlike many versions that overdo the seasoning, Bo Kho 163 uses a traditional cooking method that relies on time rather than shortcuts. The beef is marinated overnight in a blend of lemongrass, five-spice powder, garlic, and annatto oil. Then, it’s braised slowly for hours, letting the flavors fully develop. No artificial flavors, just patience, heat, and Vietnamese soul. One of the best ways to enjoy this dish is with a crispy, warm Banh Mi, it’s perfect for dipping into the savory broth. You can also go for noodles (Hu Tieu or Mi Goi) if you prefer something heartier.
Service: The shop is small and simple, but that’s part of its charm. Locals sit elbow to elbow on metal stools, dipping bread and chatting over iced tea.
Bun Mam Co Bong
Address: 163 To Hien Thanh, Ward 13, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours: 9AM – 8PM
There’s something special about food made by someone who cooks like they’re feeding family. That’s exactly how Bo Kho Chi Tuoi feels. This little food stall doesn’t shout for attention, but the moment you take your first spoonful, it speaks volumes. The stew is gentle, not overly spiced, but full of depth. The kind of flavor that lingers, not because it’s bold, but because it’s honest. The beef is cut just right, not too chunky, not too soft, and the carrots carry a subtle sweetness that melts into the broth. What sets this place apart isn’t the presentation or fancy ingredients. It’s her homemade dipping sauce, not just the usual mix of soy or fish sauce, she adds crushed lemongrass, a dash of chili, garlic, and something citrusy (maybe calamansi?) that makes the whole thing pop. Dunk a piece of beef in it, and suddenly the flavor brightens up, it’s like giving the stew a second life.
Service: Diners love the noodle options here, silky Pho noodles or chewy Hu Tieu, both perfect with the tender beef and flavorful broth.
Bo Kho Chi Tuoi
Address: 19 Tran Dinh Xu, Cau Kho Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening Hours: 4PM – 9PM
Some meals stay in your memory not just because they taste good, but because you know the story behind them. At Bo Kho Chi Van, every bowl is backed by hard work, early mornings, and an unshakable love for cooking. The owner wakes up at 2 a.m. every day to start her routine: going to the market, prepping ingredients, and slowly cooking a pot that serves flavor and comfort in equal parts. Each morning, she prepares around 30 kilograms of Hu Tieu noodles, 10 kilograms of beef, and 100 crusty loaves of Banh Mi, all gone before noon. The broth at Bo Kho Chi Van is deep and aromatic, with layers of spice that unfold gently. The beef is tender without falling apart, and the noodles, whether you choose Hu Tieu or go classic with Banh Mi, soak up the flavor beautifully.
Service: Don’t expect fancy uniforms or scripted greetings. No frills, no fuss, just real food from real people.
On the bustling stretch of Pham Ngu Lao, there’s a little food cart that locals know by heart: Ba Ba local vendor. No storefront, no signboard glow, just a pushcart, a few stools, and the smell of something delicious simmering in the air. Each day, the menu changes, but when it’s Bo Kho Day, that’s when the real crowd shows up. For just 25,000 VND a bowl, you get something truly comforting: Braised beef in coconut water, simmered again with water for six hours until it’s melt-in-your-mouth tender. Before that, she even stir-fries the beef to build layers of flavor, a small step that makes a big difference. Auntie Ba hardly gets a break, even with help from her daughter and granddaughter. The pots keep boiling, the bowls keep filling, and the smiles keep coming.
Service: This is kind of a place where no one’s taking your order with a notepad. They’re too busy ladling out bowls and shouting over the sound of boiling broth.
She sells different dishes on different days. Beef stew is available on Thursdays.
Bo Kho Quan Ba Ba
Address: 275D/5 Pham Ngu Lao, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening Hours: 7AM – 10PM (The crowd starts to show up around 5 PM)
Some places don’t chase the spotlight; they simply let time and taste speak for them. Bo Kho Ut Nhung, tucked inside a narrow alley of Nguyen Thien Thuat, has quietly earned its place in locals’ hearts for over 20 years. The secret? It starts before dawn. At 3:00 AM Ut Nhung (The owner of local vendor) begins her day, trimming beef by hand, no shortcuts, no pre-cut packs. The meat is freshly sourced from her own family supplier, ensuring both quality and trust. She stir-fries the beef with garlic, shallots, and lemongrass until the aroma fills the small kitchen. Then comes the slow simmer: beef bones, coconut water, star anise, and a blend of spices all go into the pot. For the next several hours, it is low heat, long patience, and constant care. A broth that clings gently to the noodles, chunks of beef that break apart with a spoon, and a flavor that feels like home.
Service: There’s no scripted smile or over-the-top welcome here. Just warm bowls, steady hands, and a sense that you’re in good, familiar care.
As a local tour guide, I can confidently and vividly say this is one of the best spots for Beef Stew in Saigon. Whenever I have guests on my tour, I make sure to bring them here and it never disappoints.
Bo Kho Ut Nhung
Address: 109/7 Nguyen Thien Thuat, Ward 3, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours: 2PM – 8PM
