Pho Good! Top Five Phos in Hong Kong

A cosmopolitan city to the core, Hong Kong is home to one of the finest selections of food from all corners of the world. The choice is endless… but when I’m after a great nutritious and delicious dish, there’s nothing better than a bowl of the best pho!

Pho is a traditional Vietnamese dish enjoyed in its native country during breakfast. It epitomises their cuisine; rich in flavour, fragrant and fresh. For me, the perfect pho is served piping hot. The broth, the result of boiling large beef bones for a long period of time, should be light, fragrant and bursting with flavour, but not too “meaty”. Bean sprouts and fresh herbs are a crispy last-minute addition, meaning they maintain their texture. Your choice of meat, traditionally beef or chicken, is served on top, with lightly cooked vermicelli noodles hugging the bottom of the bowl (you sometimes have to ask for this type, as many places serve wider flat rice noodles). Chillies and fresh limes are served on a side plate and can be added to suit your preference.

So where are the best places to sample this delight? I’ve rounded up my top five pho joints in Hong Kong to help you on your way!

PHO TASTY… La’Taste

La Taste is really good value yet authentic, and is a great place to go with a group or if you have the relatives in town. I could easily list out a delicious 8-course feast from this Central-located joint, but the chicken salad and shaken beef are two of my favourites – well worth a try.

Bowl of pho: $44

La’taste  1/F, 34-38 Stanley Street, Central, Hong Kong
2815 8863 

PHO POPULAR… Nha Trang

It would be a crime to compile a Vietnamese restaurant list and exclude Nha Trang. Famous right across HK (there are branches in Wan Chai, Tai Koo, Tsim Sha Tsui and even Sha Tin!), it’s the Wellington Street restaurant just off the escalator that has won our hearts! Be warned, there is often a queue outside but this is a testament to its great food and ensures that a lively atmosphere awaits.

Bowl of pho: $48

See all Nha Trang locations in Hong Kong here

PHO FANCY… Indochine

A bit of a looker, Indochine is a beautiful fusion of Vietnamese and French and is the most aesthetically pleasing of my top five phos. It’s a slightly pricier option but you reap the rewards in service and style! Complimentary prawn crackers tide you over until your pho arrives… but be sure to take a cardigan or scarf as it’s often chilly in there!

Bowl of pho: $50

Indochine  30 D’aguilar Street, Central, Hong Kong
2869 7399  www.indochine.com.hk

PHO SECRET… Sun Chuk Yuen

This local favourite lies off the main drag of Central, towards the Sheung Wan-end of Des Voeux Road. Never judge a book by its cover – the modest interior simply adds to the authenticity and charm of the experience, and the fresh summer rolls are also mighty fine!

Bowl of pho: $36

Sun Chuk Yuen Vietnamese Restaurant  G/F-1/F, Yat Chau Building, 262 Des Voeux Road Central, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
2815 8811 

PHO NEW… Heat

The latest Vietnamese jaunt to join the Central line-up is certainly a force to be reckoned with. Swinging its doors open less than a month ago, this basement venue is still pretty undiscovered and with its smart yet relaxed set-up, it is ideal for business lunches or casual dinners. You could not fault the service and the food is so beautifully fresh you leave feeling content and comfortably full. Order the lemongrass tea to top of a mighty fine meal!

Bowl of pho: $68

H.E.A.T.  LG/F, 85 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong
2857 7683 

Pho, you must try it, if you haven’t already. The ideal healthy and tasty lunch or dinner – I crave this at least once a week!

All dishes sampled in the quest for my top five pho were purchased by me!