Hanoi’s exclusive pho: limited to 10 bowls a day, featuring 8 types of beef

A pho restaurant in Hanoi has elevated the classic dish with a version served in a custom-made 30cm bowl, filled with 450gr of various beef cuts. With only 10 bowls available each day, this exclusive dish is a celebration of VN cuisine & culture.

In 2019, Hoang Duc Lam, the owner of the pho brand, sought to elevate the traditional dish by combining premium ingredients with an artistic presentation.

The large bowl, made by artisans from Bat Trang Pottery Village, takes 8 hours to paint by hand and is decorated with intricate designs that celebrate Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage.

The bowl is available in five different colors, representing the five elements of nature (known as "ngũ hành"). Customers can choose a color based on their personal preference or seek advice from staff on which color aligns with their astrological signs. Even the chopsticks and spoons are specially designed for this unique dining experience.

The pho itself is just as impressive as the bowl. Each serving contains 350 grams of tender beef ribs and 100 grams of various cuts, including rare, cooked, brisket, and tendon. The dish is accompanied by a poached egg and a side of crispy fried dough sticks (quẩy).

The beef is sourced from the largest farms in northern Vietnam, and the noodles, available in both traditional and hand-cut varieties, are made to high standards without any preservatives. The broth is simmered for 24 hours using bones and sea worms (sá sùng) to achieve a naturally rich and sweet flavor without relying on artificial seasonings.

Due to the meticulous selection of fresh ingredients and the limited availability of high-quality beef ribs, each location only serves 10 bowls of this special pho per day. The dish is priced at VND 168,000, symbolizing prosperity according to traditional Vietnamese beliefs. However, on Mondays, customers can enjoy it for a discounted price of VND 99,000.

Beyond just being a delicious meal, the giant pho bowl carries a deeper cultural message. The restaurant aims to promote Vietnam’s traditional cuisine and craftsmanship while sharing a message of good health, environmental sustainability, and community well-being.

The restaurant also offers traditional pho dishes starting at VND 40,000 per bowl, along with a variety of hot pots and other beef-based dishes.