Pho, the emblematic dish of Vietnam, is one of my go-to soups to eat when I’m sick or when I want to be warmed up during the colder months here. The love child of French and Vietnamese cuisine in the 19th century, the soup is now one of the national dishes of the great country of Vietnam.
Luckily for foodies in Paris, there’s a strong Vietnamese community in the city. With that, there’s an awesome array of Vietnamese restaurants in the city with nearly all of them serving up great bowls of Pho. But where are the best spots to get a delicious bowl of beefy broth? Well my list has my spots recommended to me by Pho experts and they’ve been tried and tested!
My Favourite Pho in Paris
The following restaurants are reliable spots to get your Pho fix. I’ve tried them all personally and I think you won’t be disappointed. Restaurants are in no particular order.
Pho Belleville
A Parisian favourite and a genuine hidden gem unknown to most tourists, Pho Belleville is a great Vietnamese restaurant. Specialising (as the name suggests) in Pho and other Vietnamese soups, they serve non-stop throughout the day which makes it a perfect spot if you wake up late!
Their menu has a vast array of options which is great if you’re super specific about what kind of beef you want! Their Special Pho has pretty much every option; raw beef, cooked flank steak, beef tripe and meatballs. It’s full on beef flavour and wow does it pack a punch. I’d argue it’s probably one of the top 3 best Phos in the city.
Other options include a spicy beef and pork soup that originates from the north of the country and even includes optional pig’s trotter for extra gelatine!
What to know before visiting
- Open from midday to 10:30pm
- They serve food all day
Address: 27 Bd de la Villette, 75010
Tel: 01 71 24 85 81
Website: https://phobelleville.eatbu.com/?lang=en
Song Heng
One of the cheapest and best value for money options is Song Heng. This tiny, manic and very intimate little restaurant in Le Marais is fantastic. Located on a tiny street in an ancient building (think wooden beams), it’s a must visit if you’re wanting to a good bowl of soup if you’re in the area.
Their Pho is superb, the broth is fragrant with a rich depth of flavour. You can taste the burnt onion and ginger and it’s finished with scallions and and raw white onions. Their small option comes with sliced, braised beef and beef meatballs. If you’re hungry the large Pho comes with additional raw beef slices.
It’s cheap, quick and super good. Do bear in mind that there’s usually a queue on weekends and during lunchtime on weekdays. You will also share a table with whoever will fit on the table so don’t be surprised to dine with strangers!
What to know before visiting
- Closed on Sundays
- Open only from 11:30am to 4pm
Address: 3 Rue Volta, 75003
Tel: 01 42 78 31 70
Website: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Song-Heng/156614561034185/
Dong Huong
A institution of the Belleville quarter, Dong Huong has been serving Vietnamese cuisine to locals for over 25 years. It’s an unpretentious, honest restaurant that’s very reasonable.
Their Phos are the start of the show here. They’re generous and come with extra chillies, lime, seasoned sauce, herbs and bamboo shoot for you add as you wish. I do love their Pho Saté (pictured) which is a spicier, Satay infused version of a traditional Pho.
Unlike many Vietnamese restaurants in Paris, their menu takes you to the North of the country serving Hainan chicken rice and Northern Vietnamese crab noodle soup.
What to know before visiting
- Closed on Tuesdays
- Open from midday to 10:30pm
Address: 14 Rue Louis Bonnet, 75011
Tel: 01 43 57 42 81
Website: https://pho-donghuong.fr/en
Pho Tai
Probably the best Vietnamese restaurant in Paris is Pho Tai. Started by Chef Te when he arrived in France from Vietnam in 1968, his restaurant has become extremely popular and for very good reason. It’s so good that they’re the only Vietnamese restaurant in the city with Michelin Bib award.
The food is homely and generous yet refined and extremely satisfying. Chef Te and his brigade certainly show off technical skill and their broths and sauces are very, very good. Their Pho is extremely good with a deep flavoured, smokey, aromatic broth. The noodles are well cooked and served with thin slices of rare beef. I’d also recommend you try their delicious sweet and sour duck with noodles and their incredible lemongrass fried chicken.
The restaurant inside is on the smaller side and there are often queues – so be prepared to wait! During the Summer months they have a covered terrace for extra seating.
What to know before visiting
- Closed on Mondays
- You will need to queue during peak hours on weekends
- Out of the way but certainly worth the trip!
Address: 13 Rue Philibert Lucot, 75013
Tel: 01 45 85 97 36
Website: https://www.facebook.com/photaiparis/
