Where to Eat Pho: 5 Best Vietnamese Noodle Soup Spots in Metro Manila

A cold, rainy day always calls for a warm and comforting soup. With a cleaner and more delicate flavor than the rich Asian noodle soups most Filipinos are used to, a steaming bowl of pho is the answer. It features a mild and refreshing taste, traditionally prepared with beef broth, thin rare beef slices, rice noodles, and fresh vegetable herb garnishes. In many restaurants, pho now comes in bigger bowls with meatballs and extra beef cuts, plus chicken, seafood, and even plant-based options. Whatever flavor you want, one slurp of this Vietnamese staple delivers that soul-warming experience you’re craving.

And if your FYPs have looked anything like ours lately, you might have seen one or more bowls of these noodle soups make their way onto your algorithm.

Here are the five best places to get pho around Metro Manila for first-timers, noodle lovers, and food adventurers alike, according to our social media feeds (and a bit of Google search). (We did the research, so you won’t have to.)

1. Pho Hoa

First on the list is the restaurant that paved the way for Vietnamese food to be introduced to Filipinos. Arriving in the Philippines in 1988, Pho Hoa started as a cozy little spot on Jupiter Street in Makati before becoming a reliable noodle chain with several branches around the metro. Not only is the place known for its namesake dish, but also many other Vietnamese favorites, such as banh mi, bun cha, and spring rolls.

Their pho comes in hefty bowls with heaping portions of piping-hot noodles, tender beef slices, and fresh garnishes. The soup is clear and clean-tasting, with a broth that doesn’t feel overly greasy, though you might find it lacking if you’re more into a deeper, heavier spice aroma. Top choices for starters are the brisket pho, flank pho, and vermicelli bowls (bun) — best paired with their crowd-favorite fried rice paper or spring rolls with peanut sauce.

Must-Tries: Brisket Pho, Flank Pho, Vermicelli Bowls (Bun), Fried Rice Paper Rolls

Prices: Php 275-525

Pho Hoa has multiple branches with varied operating hours across Metro Manila.

2. Old Saigon 

If you’ve been scrolling through food TikTok looking for a homey Vietnamese spot, this eatery could easily end up on your saved list. Known for its relaxing ambiance and moderately priced offerings, Old Saigon serves noodle soups that are rich without feeling too heavy. 

A must-try in their menu is the special beef pho, which features a clean yet aromatic and flavorful broth that you can mix with chili, on top of the usual garnishes and lime. For a heartier dining experience, their grilled pork banh mi, fried spring rolls with fish sauce dip, and authentic egg coffee are the best complements.

Must-Tries: Special Beef Pho, Grilled Pork Banh Mi, Fried Spring Rolls with Fish Sauce Dip, Egg Coffee

Prices: Php 175-315

Linear Residences, Makati (10:00 AM – 11:00 PM)

958 Masangkay St., Binondo, Manila (10:00 AM – 10:00 PM)

3. Em Ha Noi

Step into Em Ha Noi, and it feels like you’re transported to an eatery in Vietnam. Inspired by Hoi An, the ambiance of the place, complete with lanterns and a bright yellow interior, makes the experience feel more authentic — not to mention that it is actually run by a Vietnamese chef. 

The highlight of it all is their pho bo (beef pho). It boasts a fragrant, nourishing soup that instantly warms you up, plus succulent beef cuts for a satisfying dish. The only downside, especially for purists, is the use of calamansi instead of traditional lime. But you can try their banh mi with special sauce or classic spring rolls to make up for the taste you might be missing. 

No harm in trying, because FYI, in case the news hasn’t reached your feeds yet: Em Ha Noi is part of Michelin Guide’s 2026 Bib Gourmand selection.

Must-Tries: Pho Bo (Beef Pho), Banh Mi, Spring Rolls

Prices: Php 290-399

32nd St., corner Lane A, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City (10:30 AM – 9:00 PM)

Bluebay Walk, Metropolitan Park Building, Macapagal Boulevard, Pasay City (10:30 AM – 10:00 PM)

4. Pho Mahal

This hole-in-the-wall food spot in Manila is the real deal. Serving light yet filling dishes, every Pho Mahal dish is packed with authentic Vietnamese flavors. 

A first-timer or not, you can never go wrong with their pho bo (beef pho), made with slow-cooked broth and delicate beef slices and noodles. Add the banh mi with house-made bread or egg coffee if you’re feeling adventurous, and you’ll get why people keep coming back to this place, despite its cramped seats—which, by the way, feels more Vietnam—and its limited portions.

Must-Tries: Pho Bo (Beef Pho), Banh Mi, Egg Coffee

Prices: Php 99-249

866 Pablo Ocampo St., Malate, Manila (7:00 AM – 10:00 PM)

5. Ha Noi Pho

Think heritage-style house-turned-restaurants in the provinces. That’s the vibe this two-story hidden gem in Makati gives, except, of course, it serves Vietnamese cuisine. Greeting you with colorful Hoi An-inspired lanterns at the entrance, plus vibrant yellow walls and maximalist decorations all over, Ha Noi Pho offers a taste of Vietnam adjusted to the Filipino palate. 

One thing that is hard to miss about their pho is how it has fewer greens than usual. Perhaps that’s how they changed the staple up a bit, knowing Filipinos don’t use as many herbs. But the place is definitely generous with portions, featuring chewy noodles and savory beef slices, on top of a uniquely addicting broth, that are easy to share.

Must-Try: Beef Noodle Soup (Beef Pho)

Price: Php 325

925 Dr. Jose P. Rizal Ave., Poblacion, Makati City (10:00 AM – 11:00 PM)

And if you happened to read this after landing on your FYPs, consider it your sign to finally go out and try some pho. You know you want to — especially in this freezing weather. Brrr.