The rainy season calls for a big bowl of hearty pho. If you’re looking for a warm and aromatic dish, we’ve rounded up some of the best places that serve flawless pho in Bangkok.
Rain in Bangkok can be quite annoying. It often starts when you head to work or ends the moment you leave the office. You’ll end up tired, perhaps overwhelmed, and in desperate need of something to keep you warm. And really, what could beat a bowl of slippery rice noodles in a warmingly spiced beef broth?
(Hero Image Credit: Kirill Tonkikh / Unsplash)
Top 5 places for perfect dining in Bangkok
Hanoi House
Tucked away inside Mahaton Plaza in Ploenchit is a quaint yellow shop where Vietnamese staples really shine. At Hanoi House, there’s no tendency toward fusion cuisine or modern reinterpretations of already great dishes. Instead, the focus is on celebrating the simplicity of cuisine through careful preparation. The Beef (150 THB) features an 8-hour simmering broth, providing a rich, comforting taste. While you’re there, don’t miss the chance to enjoy their super succulent taste I’m sorry (Sugarcane Shrimp) for 140 THB.
hanoi house, 888/30 Phloen Chit Road, Lumphini, Third One, Bangkok, open Monday to Saturday 10am to 10pm, tel. 095-925-5964
Functions
This Vietnamese spot on Sukhumvit Soi 23 will transport you to Hanoi – thanks to its vintage interiors reminiscent of Hanoi’s temples. Regular beef will set you back 250 THB, but if you’re looking for something a little fancier than this, look no further than the Wagyu Beef (400 THB), which features premium slices of beef in a five-spice broth. The place also serves classic dishes prepared properly Bahn Zeo (300 THB), a crispy Vietnamese pancake filled with shrimp, pork and bean sprouts.
Functions 57 Soi Sukhumvit 23, Khlong Toei Nuya, Wattana, Bangkok, open daily from 11.30am to 2.30pm; 5.30pm – 10pm. Phone 02-259-9593
Saigon recipe
This three-storey shop on Sukhumvit Soi 49 may not look like much from the outside, with brick walls and small signs reading “pho.” However, once you step inside, you will see brightly lit Hoi An lanterns, brown wooden cabinets, and lots of typical Vietnamese pieces here and there. Regular beef starts at 180 THB accompanied by a generous complement of greens. If you’re looking for something a little more robust, try their beefHue Beef Stew for 160 THB.
Saigon Recipe, Sukhumvit Soi 49, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok, open Monday to Friday 10.30am-3pm and 5-9.30pm; Saturday-Sunday 10.30am – 9.30pm.
Son of Saigon
Despite its café-like atmosphere, this Vietnamese restaurant in Thonglor serves authentic Saigon cuisine with flair. Inspired by his mother’s cooking while in the United States, owner Chun Pham revived her recipes, bringing his personal idea of Saigon cuisine to Bangkok. Be sure to taste the Beef Brisket (THB270) whose broth is very clear complemented by a generous serving of expertly cooked beef. Additionally, the banh mi at 260 THB is a must-try. Pham has masterfully redesigned the baguette to match authentic Vietnamese taste – soft on the inside. This sandwich features charcoal-grilled pork that has been marinated in spices for a full 24 hours.
Son of Saigon, 39 Phrom Phak Alley, Klungton Nua, Wattana, Bangkok, is open Wednesday to Monday from 10am to 9pm. phone. 096-246-6224
Maison Saigon
After moving from its OG location in Rama V, Maison Saigon has expanded itself from a casual restaurant into a proper establishment in Langsuan’s Vela Sindhorn Village, now complete with quaint and vintage elements. Order the Tom Yum pho from Maison Saigon (THB230), which is a fusion of Thai and Vietnamese dishes featuring chicken and Vietnamese sausage topped with a poached egg.
Maison Saigon, Sundhorn Building, 87 Villa, B111 Langsuan Road, Lumphini, Pratumwan, Bangkok. Open daily from 11am to 10pm. phone. 02-656-4966.