Phở 10 Lý
Phở 10 Lý Quốc Sư: A Michelin Bib Gourmand-recommended traditional beef pho experience in Hanoi**
As one of the most representative beef pho (Phở) restaurants in Hanoi, "Phở 10 Lý Quốc Sư" is not only a daily canteen for locals, but also attracts countless international tourists. This nearly 20-year-old restaurant is famous for its adherence to traditional cooking methods and high-quality ingredients. It was even rated "Bib Gourmand" by the Michelin Guide, becoming a must-visit landmark for exploring Hanoi cuisine.
Geographic location and environment: "Fast-paced" experience in the city center
The restaurant is located in the core area of Hoan Kiem District (10 Lý Quốc Sư), only a 5-minute walk to Hoan Kiem Lake, and convenient transportation around it, suitable for tourists to connect their itineraries. However, the store is small, with only one dining area on the first floor, densely packed seats and having to share tables with strangers. During peak hours (such as lunch), it takes about 10 minutes to queue. The open kitchen uses glass partitions to display the cooking process, which adds a sense of transparency, but it is a bit noisy when crowded. It is recommended to avoid peak hours for a more comfortable experience.
Signature dishes: The ultimate interpretation of traditional northern Vietnamese flavors
Broth and beef: pure soul
Northern Vietnamese pho is famous for its clear soup. The soup base of Phở 10 is boiled for a long time with beef bones and spices (such as cinnamon and star anise), emphasizing natural sweetness, without any MSG, and is sweet and layered. The beef is selected from a variety of parts, including raw beef (tái), beef brisket (chin), beef brisket edge (nạm) and beef tenderloin (bắp trần). The meat is tender and of moderate thickness, especially the raw beef slices are lightly blanched in hot soup, showing a pink color and soft texture.
Rice noodles and ingredients: adherence to tradition
The rice noodles are traditionally wide and flat in Hanoi, with a flexible texture that is not soft and mushy, and remain elastic even after long soaking. Unlike the southern Vietnamese pho, the northern Vietnamese version does not offer bean sprouts, basil and other raw vegetables, but only chopped green onions and coriander, allowing diners to focus on the original flavor of the soup and meat. The fried dough sticks (quẩy) are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and they are more flavorful when dipped in the soup, which is described by netizens as "a delicacy that you can't stop eating."
The menu offers 10 types of pho options, ranging from 50,000 to 130,000 VND (about 2-5.5 USD). The "Special Beef Mixed Bowl" (85,000 VND) is recommended, which allows you to taste a variety of beef parts at once. Although the price is slightly higher than that of street shops, the quality and portion are worth the money.
Service and details: local style with efficiency first
The restaurant is famous for its fast table turnover rate. It only takes 5-10 minutes from ordering to delivery, which is suitable for travelers who pursue efficiency. However, the service attitude of some branches varies. Some comments point out that the staff are more indifferent when the restaurant is full and do not take the initiative to guide seats. It is recommended to bring your own cash, as some branches do not accept credit cards.
Due to its fame, many copycat stores have appeared in Hanoi. You need to recognize the address and orange sign of "10 Lý Quốc Sư". The founders of this store are a husband-and-wife team, who run the business with a family secret recipe. In recent years, it has expanded to multiple branches, but some diners think that the original store has the most authentic flavor.
For tourists who are accustomed to the sweet soup or rich ingredients of South Vietnam, the North Vietnamese style may seem light, or even described as "lacking surprises", but this is the essence of traditional Hanoi flavor.
A bowl of food memory that defines Hanoi
Phở 10 Lý Quốc Sư perfectly embodies the Hanoian people's adherence to tradition - from the persistence of boiling soup to the selection of ingredients, all are to present the purest North Vietnamese taste. Although the environment is crowded and the service is informal, it is this "market sense" that makes the experience more down-to-earth. If you want to deeply understand Hanoi's food culture, this is undoubtedly a must-visit stop. #Vietnam Free Travel #Circle Kiem Lake Old Quarter #Delicious Exploration