Ban Co Ward was established by merging 5 wards (1, 2, 3, 4, and 5) of the old District 3, with an area of 1 km² and a population of over 67,600 people.
The return of the famous Pho Le restaurant.
Throughout the two wars of resistance, the Ban Co area was chosen as the location for the headquarters of several revolutionary organizations. The people and armed forces of Ban Co made significant contributions to the victory of the revolution in the South and the reunification of the country. During the war, Ban Co hamlet was a poor area with houses built close together in 52 alleys crisscrossing an area of about 15 hectares, resembling a chessboard.
The Pho Le branch on Vo Van Tan Street reopened not long ago.
PHOTO: DUONG LAN
After the merger, Ban Co ward boasts many famous and attractive eateries that draw diners from near and far, including notable ones such as Pho Le, Bun Bo Mo Noi Co Nhu, and Bo La Bet Co Lieng…
Speaking to Thanh Nien newspaper , Mr. Hung, a representative of Pho Le restaurant, said that after the merger, the restaurant is located in Ban Co ward. Therefore, the address printed on the staff's uniforms has been updated from Ward 3 to Ban Co ward. Pho Le's branch on Vo Van Tan street reopened on June 16th after being closed for nearly 5 years since the Covid-19 pandemic.
"Knowing that the wards would be merged from July 1st, when we made the sign to reopen, we didn't write 'Ward 3' as before. The branch on Vo Van Tan Street has just been renovated, so everything is still new, the space is cleaner and more airy to serve customers," Hung recounted.
Beef pho at Le Pho restaurant
PHOTO: DUONG LAN
Pho Le opened in 1970, more than half a century ago. The menu includes main dishes such as rare beef, tendon, brisket, flank, beef meatballs, and beef shank. From the past to the present, Pho Le has attracted many people with its rich, authentic Southern Vietnamese flavor. According to reviews, Pho Le is delicious because of its broth, which has just the right amount of sweetness and richness, and the tender, sweet meat. In addition, the restaurant provides many side dishes such as vegetables and bean sprouts, which attracts many customers. The owner of Pho Le is Mr. Luu Toan Tai, originally from Guangdong. His wife, Le, is of Vietnamese descent from the Cambodian royal family.
According to Mr. Hung, the secret lies in the broth, which is prepared according to a unique recipe passed down through generations in his family. The harmonious combination of ingredients also makes Pho Le special. Pho Le has another branch on Nguyen Trai Street.
The restaurant has been recognized by the Michelin Guide.
Pho Le has been honored by Michelin Guide in the Bib Gourmand category (delicious and affordable restaurant) for three consecutive years. Besides Pho Le, Ban Co ward also has Co Nhu's famous bun bo mo (beef noodle soup with fat) restaurant, which is also featured in the Michelin-recommended restaurant category.
Ms. Ly Thi Kim Nhu (68 years old) said that after the merger, her beef noodle shop belonged to Ban Co ward. However, she hasn't had time to change the ward name on the shop's sign.
Co Nhu's beef noodle soup with fatty toppings is located in a deep alley.
PHOTO: DUONG LAN
The restaurant is located in a secluded alley at 274 Vo Van Tan Street. However, you can find the sign at 38 Alley 287 Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street to guide you there.
According to Ms. Nhu, she opened this beef noodle soup stall in 1995, using a recipe passed down from her sister-in-law. At that time, each bowl of beef noodle soup she sold cost around 3,000 - 4,000 VND and it was just a small sidewalk stall. Later, she moved the stall to her house, further into the alley.
Many years ago, the owner "retired," passing the restaurant down to her daughter and son-in-law. She happily watched her children run the business, helping them with the "outside" tasks. "Back when I was running the restaurant, it was always busy. The secret lay in the broth. Later, when I passed it on to my children, they came up with the idea of adding fat and grease to the beef noodle soup. Thanks to a famous beauty queen's recommendation, the restaurant became more well-known for its beef noodle soup with grease and has remained popular ever since," Mrs. Nhu recounted.
Beef wrapped in betel leaves is made according to a special recipe.
PHOTO: CAO AN BIEN
In addition, Ban Co ward also has a famous beef wrapped in betel leaves restaurant, recognized by the Michelin Guide, located at 321 Vo Van Tan Street, owned by Mrs. Tran Thi Kim Lieng (73 years old). Mrs. Lieng's restaurant menu is diverse, not only featuring beef wrapped in betel leaves but also grilled pork vermicelli, grilled pork rice noodles, spring rolls, grilled pork skewers, and stuffed meatballs…
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/phuong-ban-co-co-pho-le-lung-danh-bun-bo-mo-noi-dong-kin-khach-185250630115530065.htm
![[Video] Sunset at Lap An Lagoon – Where the sun sets over the fishing nets](https://vphoto.vietnam.vn/thumb/1200x675/vietnam/resource/IMAGE/2026/05/31/1780192137701_beach-landscape-sea-water-nature-grass-745871-pxhere-com.jpeg)
Comment (0)