This Hanoi gem is one of five new additions in the capital recognized in the 2024 list, unveiled by Michelin in late June.
The Michelin Guide acknowledged 42 restaurants across Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in its latest Bib Gourmand selection, highlighting establishments offering top-notch cuisine at wallet-friendly prices. Last year, 29 Vietnamese restaurants (13 in Hanoi and 16 in Ho Chi Minh City) made the list. The 2024 edition sees the introduction of five new eateries in Hanoi and eight in Ho Chi Minh City.
In Hanoi, the new Bib Gourmand entries are Bun Cha Chan, Luk Lak, Mien Luon Dong Thinh, Mr. Bay Mien Tay, and Pho Khoi Hoi. Ho Chi Minh City’s fresh entries include Banh Xeo 46A, Bo Kho Ganh, Bun Bo Hue 14B, Man Moi (Thu Duc City), Nha Tu, Sol Kitchen & Bar, Tiem Com Tho Chuyen Ky, and Vi Que Kitchen.
Pho Khoi Hoi (Mr. Khoi Hoi noodle restaurant), a beloved spot with over three decades of history, has drawn significant attention on social media, partly due to its popularity with Korean football coach Park Hang Seo, whose visit is commemorated with a displayed photo in the restaurant. This recognition has even led some Korean TV shows to dub it "Coach Park's favorite pho spot."
In a March 2024 interview with VietNamNet, a Pho Khoi Hoi representative shared details of their standout dishes, notably the pho with flank steak and crispy brisket. The flank steak is thinly sliced and briefly blanched in the broth, maintaining its tenderness and flavor. The crispy brisket, boasting a golden hue, is both crunchy and firm, achieved through a meticulous three-hour boiling process. Their broth, simmered for over 20 hours, is a highlight. Pho Khoi Hoi operates daily from 6 AM to 9 PM, with peak hours from 9 AM to 2 PM.
The Bib Gourmand list also features other renowned pho restaurants in Hanoi, such as Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su, Pho Bo Au Trieu, Pho Gia Truyen, and Pho Ga Nguyet. In Ho Chi Minh City, the honored pho spots include Pho Chao, Pho Hoa Pasteur, Pho Hoang, Pho Huong Binh, Pho Le (District 5), Pho Mien Ga Ky Dong, Pho Minh, and Pho Phuong.
Gwendal Poullennec, the International Director of the Michelin Guide, remarked that the 2024 list invites food enthusiasts to explore the richness and diversity of Vietnamese cuisine. "The eateries loved by our anonymous inspectors and included in the Bib Gourmand list promise authentic culinary experiences at reasonable prices, showcasing the vibrant food scenes of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City," Poullennec stated.
Michelin first evaluated and awarded stars to Vietnamese restaurants in 2023, with four establishments receiving one Michelin star: Anan Saigon in Ho Chi Minh City, and Gia, Hibana by Koki, and Tam Vi in Hanoi. Alongside the starred restaurants, 102 Vietnamese dining spots were honored across three categories: Michelin Selected, Michelin Guide Special Awards, and Bib Gourmand.
Do An