What do Western tourists say about eating street-side pho and a 2.5 million VND bowl of pho in Ho Chi Minh City?

(Dan Tri Newspaper) - After enjoying a simple bowl of pho at a roadside stall and a "luxurious" bowl of pho at a Michelin-starred restaurant costing 2.5 million VND, the French tourist made some interesting observations.

Affordable, authentic street-style pho.

Romain is a French YouTuber who has lived in Vietnam for many years. He has a particular passion for Vietnamese cuisine and owns a food-related YouTube channel with over 38,000 subscribers.

He has explored many culinary delights, from humble street food to elevated versions of traditional dishes served in upscale settings. In a newly uploaded video , Romain documented his experience enjoying two bowls of pho that he described as "priced at $1 and $100" (approximately 25,000 VND and 2,500,000 VND) in Ho Chi Minh City.

The meal at the budget-friendly pho restaurant that Romain experienced (Photo: Screenshot).

The first pho restaurant Romain visited was a small eatery on Tran Khanh Du Street (Tan Dinh Ward). It was recommended to him by a Vietnamese friend. The restaurant had a small, unpretentious atmosphere.

According to our reporter's investigation, a regular serving of pho here costs around 50,000 to 55,000 VND.

When Romain's bowl of pho was served, he couldn't hide his satisfaction at the generous portion, with plenty of beef, noodles, and accompanying vegetables. He expressed his delight at the generosity of such a simple meal.

With the skill of a native, he quickly squeezed lime, added chili peppers and herbs to the bowl of pho to enhance the flavor. He shared that in France, garlic isn't usually placed on the table – a stark contrast to Vietnamese culinary culture, where garlic, chili peppers, and lime are always readily available for diners to season to their liking.

After tasting the pho, Romain was delighted. He praised its rich, aromatic flavor. Another thing that impressed Romain was that the pho restaurant served almost all day, from early morning until late at night.

The atmosphere of the roadside pho restaurant made the French diners feel comfortable (Photo: Screenshot).

According to him, the affordable price isn't the only reason this pho restaurant is so popular. The pho here also scores points for its fresh ingredients, flavorful broth, and lively, friendly street atmosphere. For him, it's a culinary experience that's both delicious and authentically Vietnamese.

Pho costing 2.5 million VND in a Michelin-starred restaurant.

Later, Romain moved to Anan Saigon - a restaurant nestled in the old Ton That Dam market (Ben Thanh ward).

According to our reporter's research, this restaurant has been awarded a Michelin star for two consecutive years and is also the only Vietnamese restaurant to be included in Asia's 50 Best Restaurants list for 2023, published by 50 Best.

At the restaurant, Romain tried a bowl of pho priced at $100 (approximately 2.5 million VND). This dish is not served on demand; diners must make reservations and order in advance.

Romain enjoys a "pho-flavored" drink before his main course (Photo: Screenshot).

The place to enjoy this pho is a special space dedicated to pho called "Pot Au Pho," decorated like a bar. The meal Romain ordered was designed for two people, including a special bowl of pho, a pho-flavored cocktail, two molecular-style pho balls, tea, and ice cream for dessert.

Before moving on to the main course, Romain tried the restaurant's signature cocktail. The drink piqued his curiosity at first glance with its unusual decoration: a cinnamon stick, a few dried star anise flowers, and a fresh chili pepper garnished around the rim of the glass.

The customer commented that the cocktail's flavor was a blend of familiar herbs and spices, creating an aroma reminiscent of... a bowl of Vietnamese pho, which he found delightful.

When it came to the main course, Romain was surprised by the restaurant's creative presentation. The rice noodles were served in a separate bowl, while the beef and bones were arranged in a deep stone bowl, the hot broth steaming and emitting a rich aroma.

The meal, priced at 2.5 million VND, is diverse and visually appealing (Photo: Screenshot).

The bowl of pho is considered expensive at this restaurant (Photo: Trinh Nguyen).

Alongside the dish was a separate serving of raw Wagyu beef, accompanied by a small tray containing a variety of condiments and dipping sauces. Upon tasting the broth, the French guest repeatedly exclaimed its unique flavor. He described it as clear, light, not greasy, yet still rich and savory.

According to Romain's assessment, despite the high price, a bowl of pho in a luxury restaurant is still a worthwhile experience. Besides the main dish, diners can also enjoy many unique side dishes, creatively inspired by pho, something that more affordable eateries don't offer.

However, he also shared that if someone loves traditional, familiar flavors, then street-style pho is a suitable choice. With its simple preparation, affordable price, and comfortable dining atmosphere, street-style pho offers a friendly, everyday feel.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/du-lich/an-pho-via-he-va-pho-25-trieu-dong-tai-tphcm-khach-tay-noi-gi-20250722190802377.htm