When visiting Hanoi, be sure to try the city’s iconic chao suon (pork rib porridge). This warm, comforting dish is perfect for chilly evenings. Below are some beloved chao suon spots in the capital, where locals and tourists alike have been loyal patrons for years.

1. Chao Suon Ba Loi Cong
A warm bowl of chao suon at Ba Loi Cong. (Photo: Duc Trung)

Located on Hang Dieu Street in Hoan Kiem District, Ba Loi Cong is a long-standing favorite for chao suon.

Each bowl, priced between 25,000 and 30,000 VND, is smooth and creamy with tender, slow-cooked pork ribs that melt in your mouth.

Accompaniments like crispy fried dough sticks (quay) and shredded pork floss (ruoc) add depth to the flavor.

2. Chao Suon Sun Huyen Anh

Starting from a small stall in Dong Xuan Market, Huyen Anh has grown to include three locations across Hanoi.

The chao suon sun (rib cartilage porridge) here is praised for its balanced seasoning - not overly complex, but incredibly satisfying. The texture is perfectly thick without being too heavy, and the ribs and fried dough sticks are crispy and flavorful.

Prices range from 40,000 to 60,000 VND per bowl, reflecting the quality of the ingredients.

3. Chao Suon Quan Thanh
A comforting bowl of chao suon at Quan Thanh. (Photo: Nguyen Tran Phong Vu)

On Quan Thanh Street, this spot is known for its velvety porridge, fragrant with the aroma of ground rice.

The pork ribs, including tenderloin and rib cartilage, are stewed to a soft, juicy perfection with a natural sweetness. Minced pork adds a savory touch, and diners often sprinkle chili powder for an extra kick.

Prices here range from 20,000 to 40,000 VND per serving, making it an accessible choice for locals and visitors alike.

4. Chao Suon Tran Xuan Soan

Located on Tran Xuan Soan Street in Hai Ba Trung District, this family-run eatery has been serving patrons for over 40 years.

Famous for both chao suon and chao trai (clam porridge), the establishment draws a steady crowd, especially during evening hours.

Though slightly more expensive than other spots, the porridge is packed with flavor and comes generously topped with handmade fried dough sticks and fresh herbs.

5. Chao Suon Co La

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Co La’s fragrant chao suon topped with herbs and crispy onions. Photo: Phanhien Phan

Nestled on Ly Quoc Su Street in Hoan Kiem District, Co La is a go-to destination for a hearty bowl of chao suon during the colder months.

The porridge is known for its signature aroma, a blend of fragrant rice and savory bone broth. Minced pork, shredded pork floss, and handmade toppings like mushroom floss and crispy onions elevate the dish.

Each bowl costs between 20,000 and 25,000 VND, and adding fresh herbs like Vietnamese coriander enhances the flavor even more.

Thao Trinh