Chika, a Japanese content creator with over 1.6 million YouTube subscribers, frequently shares her travel experiences in countries such as the United States, Indonesia, and Vietnam.

On a recent visit to Ho Chi Minh City, Chika made it a priority to explore the local food scene, and one dish stood out above the rest - pho.

“I eat pho often, but this is my first time trying it in Vietnam,” she said.

To experience authentic flavors, Chika and her friend visited a historic pho restaurant tucked away in a small alley on Pasteur Street in District 1. This establishment was awarded the Bib Gourmand distinction by Michelin in 2024 for its high-quality yet affordable cuisine.

An unforgettable bowl of pho

At the restaurant, Chika ordered a medium-sized bowl of pho tai (rare beef pho) for 65,000 VND. She was pleasantly surprised by the array of condiments provided - fresh herbs, lime, and chili - allowing diners to customize their flavors.

When the steaming hot bowl arrived, Chika was immediately captivated. She remarked that while the presentation was simple, the enticing aroma made her eager to take the first sip.

“Oh, the broth is so delicious! I added some sawtooth coriander, and now it tastes even better,” she exclaimed.

As she enjoyed her meal, the Japanese traveler continuously expressed her delight, noting that the portion size was just right.

“The bowl is the perfect size. I finished everything! The flavor is truly incredible, and I feel so satisfied,” Chika said.

By the end of the meal, she admitted she was completely full but overjoyed to have finally experienced pho in Vietnam.

A historic pho legacy

The pho restaurant Chika visited has been in operation for over 80 years, originally founded by Tran Minh and his sister Nam. After their passing, the second generation took over, with Minh’s daughter, Sau (born in 1950), running the kitchen alongside Nam’s son, Lam.

Today, the family legacy continues with Minh’s granddaughter, Dung, as the third-generation owner.

Speaking with VietNamNet, a representative of the restaurant explained that their pho is rooted in northern Vietnamese traditions. The broth is rich, clear, and naturally sweet from simmered bones, without the use of star anise or cinnamon, which are more common in southern-style pho. Instead, it is infused with the warm aroma of ginger and lemongrass.

A blend of tradition and adaptation

“Over the generations, our family’s pho has been slightly adapted to better suit the Southern palate,” the representative said.

“For example, we now serve it with bean sprouts, fresh herbs like basil and cilantro, as well as lime, chili sauce, and hoisin sauce.”

The restaurant offers a variety of beef pho options, including rare beef, brisket, flank, tendon, and beef shank, with prices ranging from 65,000 to 85,000 VND per bowl. In addition to pho, they serve homemade pate chaud, yogurt, and a selection of house-made drinks.