Anna KH

After falling in love with my very first bowl of pho in Saigon at Pho Mồng, I was curious to see what else the city had to offer. So, on my second day in Ho Chi Minh City, I found myself at another local favorite – Phở Mười (Pho Mui) – a simple-looking restaurant tucked away in District 1, but with a huge reputation for serving one of the most delicious bowls of traditional Vietnamese beef noodle soup. And let me tell you – it did not disappoint! 😋🍲

🥢 What Makes Phở Mười Special?

As soon as I arrived, the first thing I noticed was the inviting aroma drifting from the kitchen. There were locals sitting on tiny red stools, slurping noodles in a peaceful rhythm, and a few tourists (like me!) taking photos of their steaming bowls. The staff greeted me with warm smiles and quickly brought over a menu – though I barely needed it. I knew I wanted the classic phở bò tái (rare beef pho) with all the herbs and lime on the side. 🍋🌿

🍜 What’s in the Bowl?

Phở Mười is a perfect example of how simplicity is key when it comes to pho. Their broth is light but deeply flavorful, simmered for hours with beef bones, onions, and spices like star anise and cinnamon. The noodles are soft but not mushy, and the beef is tender, pink, and sliced thinly.

Here’s what came with my bowl:

✅ Thin rice noodles
✅ Rare beef slices (medium rare once added to broth)
✅ Scallions and white onions
✅ Fresh basil, mint, and coriander

📝 Top Reasons Why I Loved Phở Mười

1. Balanced Broth Flavor 🍲
   Not too salty, not too sweet – just clean, savory goodness.
2. Fresh Ingredients 🌿
   Every herb felt like it had just been picked from a backyard garden.
3. Local Vibe 🏠
   It felt like a neighborhood secret – no loud music, no over-the-top decor, just good food.
4. Friendly Staff 👨‍🍳
   Even with my limited Vietnamese, they understood exactly what I wanted.
5. Fast Service ⚡
   From ordering to the first sip of broth took less than 5 minutes!

🌟 Insider Tips for Visiting Phở Mười

• ✅ Go early morning or late afternoon to avoid the lunchtime rush.
• ✅ Ask for “phở tái” if you like your beef slightly pink and tender.
• ✅ Try the chili sauce, but add it in small amounts – it’s quite spicy!
• ✅ Look around – you might see locals adding eggs or ordering side dishes.
• ✅ Bring cash – they may not accept cards, and the price is affordable!

🧡 How This Pho Made Me Feel

Sitting in that small eatery, surrounded by strangers quietly enjoying their bowls, I felt something very special. Phở Mười reminded me that comfort food doesn’t have to be fancy – it just has to be made with care. Each spoonful warmed me from the inside, and the mixture of lime juice, fish sauce, and chili created an explosion of flavor that kept me going back for more. 🍜✨

🗺️ How to Get There

Phở Mười is located just a short 10-minute walk from Notre-Dame Cathedral and Saigon Central Post Office. You can combine it with a morning tour of the area or stop by in the evening after exploring nearby shopping spots.

🚶‍♂️ Walking from the cathedral is easy and scenic.
🛵 Grab or motorbike taxi is cheap and convenient.
📱 Tip: Just type “Pho Mui” into Google Maps, and you’re good to go!

🧭 Google Map

📌 Address: 10 Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, TP. HCM
⏰ Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
💵 Average Price: 50,000 – 70,000 VND (~$2–$3)

📍 Location :

🌈 Final Thoughts

My journey through Saigon’s pho culture was just getting started, but Phở Mười gave me a new level of appreciation for how different each bowl can be. While my first pho was exciting and new, this second one felt more soulful, more balanced, and somehow more personal. It felt like the kind of place I’d return to again and again – not just for the food, but for the peaceful vibe in the middle of the city’s chaos.

If you’re in Saigon and want to taste what locals truly enjoy – simple, soulful, and satisfying – then don’t miss Phở Mười. Trust me, one bowl won’t be enough. 😉

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