The first stop of our 300-day world tour is Hanoi, Vietnam.
After a brief rest in Hanoi, we were preparing to take a long overnight bus ride to Sapa the next evening. At such a critical moment before a long journey, where the bus might lack high-end restrooms, ensuring the ‘safety’ of our stomachs is the top priority. The last thing we want is to gamble on street food.
So, on the evening before our trip, Little Ding and I headed back to a familiar spot in the old quarter — the Michelin-recommended Phở 10 Lý Quốc Sư. We had a good impression from our last visit to Hanoi, and this time we simply wanted a ‘reliable and safe’ dinner choice, making it the perfect option.
This is our second visit review of Hanoi PHO 10: whether there’s a queue, if the broth is rich enough, what kind of travelers it’s suitable for, and why it has become the ultimate safe choice for tourists.
- 2026 Dining Environment: Crowded but orderly
- Hanoi PHO 10 Menu Recommendation: Is the raw beef pho a must-try?
- PHO 10 Broth Review: Fragrant, but on the lighter side
- Is PHO 10 crowded with tourists? Actual dining atmosphere: A gathering of international tourists
- Conclusion: It may not be the most stunning, but it’s definitely a safe choice
- If you’re in Hanoi and want to save time: plan your itinerary in advance
2026 Dining Environment: Crowded but orderly
Walking into the entrance of PHO 10, the first sight of the dense crowd might make you think you’ll be waiting forever.
After all, with the halo of a Michelin recommendation, it’s quite reasonable to attract tourists from all over the world.
But in reality, the queue moves very smoothly:
Amazing turnover speed:
The menu is extremely simple, basically various cuts of beef pho. The flow of customers sitting down, ordering, being served, eating, and leaving is very fast. Both times we came during peak hours, we only waited about 10 minutes to be seated.
Cleanliness of the restaurant:
I give this high marks.
Despite the bustling crowd, the floor lacks the sticky, greasy feeling typical of traditional Asian eateries.
As soon as a table is vacated, the staff immediately wipes it down thoroughly, which is very reassuring for tourists who are extremely conscious of food hygiene (especially for us preparing for a long bus ride).
Additionally, the kitchen is separated by a transparent partition, allowing you to see the pho preparation process.
Hanoi PHO 10 Menu Recommendation: Is the raw beef pho a must-try?
This time, we once again chose the classic Beef Pho (Phở Tái).
The texture of the raw beef
When first served, the beef laid on the pho still had a slightly dreamy pink hue.
Strongly recommended: Eat it while it’s hot!
The doneness of the beef will continue to rise with the hot broth, and if you delay too long taking photos, the meat will gradually become tough.
Take the first bite quickly, and the meat is really tender and easy to eat.
PHO 10 Broth Review: Fragrant, but on the lighter side
The first impression of PHO 10’s broth is “aromatic and smooth,” but it does not belong to the rich and intense flavor category.
Later, in Sapa, we had a broth that was thicker, richer, and had a stronger beef bone presence.
Therefore, if you’re expecting a broth that will hit your brain with intense beef bone flavor, PHO 10 might seem a bit mild.
But because it leans towards being refreshing and sweet, it actually caters to the taste of most foreign tourists.
Is PHO 10 crowded with tourists? Actual dining atmosphere: A gathering of international tourists
If you’re looking for an experience of “immersing in the local Vietnamese lifestyle” here, you might be disappointed.
PHO 10 can now almost be said to be a restaurant that exists entirely for tourists.
Looking around, you can hardly see any locals dining inside.
For example, at our table, there was a group of Japanese on the left, and a Korean couple sharing the table across from us, making the whole place feel like a small global village.
But because everyone is a tourist, the dining atmosphere is relatively relaxed, and the staff is very accommodating with English communication or pointing at the menu.
Conclusion: It may not be the most stunning, but it’s definitely a safe choice
Is PHO 10 delicious?
I think it scores high on “all-around balance.”
It may not be the richest or most impressive pho broth you’ve ever had, but it achieves a high standard of standardization in queue efficiency, serving speed, hygiene, and taste consistency.
That’s why we visited a second time.
On an evening before boarding a long-distance night bus, when your stomach can’t afford any mishaps, having a hot, clean, and above-standard beef pho to warm your stomach is the greatest luxury in travel.
If you’re in Hanoi and want to save time: plan your itinerary in advance
The peak travel season in Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Sapa) is highly dependent on weather and seasons.
If, like us, you’re on a tight schedule and don’t want to leave transportation or itinerary to chance upon arrival, we strongly recommend booking day tours or experiences online before departure. The time saved can be better spent enjoying an extra cup of Vietnamese egg coffee!
- Hanoi Day Tour Itinerary (Klook): If it’s your first time in Hanoi, you can refer to these itineraries.
- Hanoi Vietnamese Cuisine Experience (KKday): Want to plan a food itinerary without researching restaurants yourself?
There are many people at the entrance, but because there are many staff and quick table turnover, you can usually get in after waiting 10-15 minutes.
Not suitable. Its broth tends to be light and sweet. If you’re looking for a rich beef bone broth, it’s recommended to explore other hidden gems in the old street.
Be sure to eat immediately upon serving! Use the heat of the broth to cook the raw beef; the doneness and tenderness at that moment are perfect.
Suitable. It’s a safe choice: consistent flavor, clean environment, and many tourists (which also means a low chance of disappointment).
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