5 Must-Try Pho Variations in Ho Chi Minh City: Unique Twists on Local Favorites at Affordable Prices

If you haven't savored these unique bowls of *hủ tiếu*, you haven't truly experienced Ho Chi Minh City. Each bite is a masterpiece of flavor, crafted with specialty ingredients that make it irresistibly delicious.

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Nam Loi Fish Noodle Soup

For those who love the flavors of Chinese cuisine, Nam Loi Fish Noodle Soup is a must-visit destination. The restaurant offers a variety of dishes such as fish, chicken, and beef stew noodles, all prepared in a unique blend of Chinese and Vietnamese styles. Among these, the most beloved is the fish noodle soup, a dish that has been a staple at the restaurant for over 70 years.

Special Fish Noodle Soup

The thick, chewy noodles pair perfectly with thinly sliced fish in a clear, sweet broth that’s light yet flavorful, without being greasy. The broth, made from fish and pork bones, has a cloudy appearance and a mild sweetness, with a subtle hint of tang sai (also known as nậm cabbage). This broth is a favorite among many diners for its balanced taste.

The dish features thinly sliced snakehead fish, briefly blanched in the broth to achieve a perfect doneness. The vendor simply blanches the noodles, adds the thin fish slices, pours the broth, and garnishes with crispy fried shallots to create a visually appealing and aromatic bowl of fish noodle soup.

Truong Dinh Noodle with Pork Kidney

Another Saigon noodle shop that has captivated food enthusiasts for over 60 years is the Noodle with Pork Kidney stall on Truong Dinh Street. Compared to other ingredients, pork kidney is particularly challenging to prepare, as it requires removing any unpleasant odors while preserving its unique flavor. The kidney at this stall is expertly processed and sliced just right, offering a crispy, chewy texture that’s not too fatty but perfectly flavorful when paired with Southern-style noodles and minced pork.

Special Noodle with Pork Kidney

The stall offers various accompaniments for the broth, including chewy noodles, homemade wheat noodles with a traditional recipe featuring thick, round strands and a pale yellow color from wheat flour and eggs, and rice vermicelli, catering to different preferences. A standard bowl of noodle with pork kidney includes noodles (or wheat noodles), minced pork, pork kidney, and bean sprouts with chili sauce.

Though simple in appearance, these components are perfectly seasoned and blend harmoniously, captivating diners. Besides the famous noodle with pork kidney, the stall also serves bone noodles with a generous portion of large, meaty bones, slow-cooked to tender perfection, showcasing the dish’s irresistible charm.

Phu Nhuan Squid Noodle Soup

Squid noodle soup is a relatively new addition to Saigon’s renowned noodle dishes but has quickly gained popularity among seafood lovers. It combines the deliciousness of noodles with a squid-based broth and toppings rich in seafood flavors.

Irresistible Squid Noodle Soup

The bowl is a visual delight, featuring the creamy white of squid, the grayish brown of meatballs, the vibrant green of scallions and amaranth, the red of chili peppers, and the golden crispiness of fried shallots, enchanting countless diners. The most recommended squid noodle soup is on Phan Xich Long Street, a must-try destination.

Tran Quang Khai Beef Ball Noodle Soup

Uncle Tu’s beef ball noodle soup shop has been open since 1996 and now has multiple branches, but the original location on Tran Quang Khai Street remains the most beloved. In front of the shop is a noodle cart with a large pot of steaming broth and pre-prepared ingredients, ready to be assembled for customers.

Delicious Beef Ball Noodle Soup

The shop uses thin, chewy noodles that pair well with small, flavorful beef balls. Customers also rave about the crispy, fragrant fried shallots, often ordering an extra portion to satisfy their cravings. Besides beef balls, the noodle soup can be paired with beef tongue, liver, heart, and tendons, all pre-cooked while retaining their delicious flavors.

Cay De Vegetarian Noodle Soup

For those seeking vegetarian options, Cay De is the ideal choice, with multiple branches across the city. According to travel tips, the shop’s uniqueness lies in using only ingredients produced by the Cay De vegetarian food factory, strictly adhering to quality standards.

Must-Try Vegetarian Noodle Soup

The vegetarian noodle soup is particularly popular for its clear, sweet broth made from vegetables, chewy noodles without sourness, and the flavors of mushrooms, vegetarian ham, tofu, and cilantro. This dish is a favorite among vegetarians and can be enjoyed at any time of day.

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