Hanoi's strange Pho vendor: Starts the sale at 3 am, hundred of customers wait in line
In Hang Chieu street, there is a famous Pho vendor that only welcomes customers from 2.00 am, however, those who want to taste this pho have to wait 2 hours before their dishes are ready
“Must-try” specialties of the port city Hai Phong | |
Heart-touching photos from flooding in central region | |
Precious color photos of Saigon in the 1960s |
![]() |
For those who love Hanoi and Hanoi cuisine, "Phở gánh Hàng Chiếu" (the Pho vendor on Hang Chieu street) is no longer a strange name when it comes to a typical dish of this city. However, this seemingly familiar dish turned out to contain many strange things. If you really want to know how the people in Hanoi eat and sell pho, don't miss out the chance to try the pho vendor of Hang Chieu. (Photo: Vietnamnet) |
![]() |
The owner of this special pho diner is Ms. Hoa. The diner was established on the sidewalk of Hang Chieu - Hang Duong intersection (Hoan Kiem, Hanoi) in 1990. Initially, Ms. Hoa started selling her dishes from 5 am until around 9 am, just like the other Pho vendors. Later, in order to meet the needs of customers, she changed the opening hours to midnight, around 3 am. (Photo: Vietnamnet) |
![]() |
Normally, at 2:00 in the morning, Ms. Hoa starts to serve customers, but all customers then have to wait for a long time for their dishes to be ready. Many of the customers have become loyal to the humble vendor. They are even willing to arrive at midnight, putting personal belongings on the table to reserve seats. (Photo: Vietnamnet) |
![]() |
"I can only serve from 3:30 am. If you cannot wait, then go eat somewhere else" - That was a familiar saying of Ms. Hoa's husband when he saw customers entering the restaurant. If you are a stranger, you will definitely be surprised by this grumpy service, however, loyal customers usually just wait silently. (Photo: Vietnamnet) |
![]() |
“80% of our customers are regular customers. Those who come here the first time usually do not have enough patience, so they get upset with our service"- Ms. Hoa's husband said. (Photo: Vietnamnet) |
![]() |
Because it's open in the middle of the night, customers who come to eat pho in Hang Chieu are usually those coming home late from work, or young people going out at night. Most people are willing to spend 2-3 hours waiting just to eat a bowl of their favorite pho. (Photo: Vietnamnet) |
![]() |
From 3 - 7 am, Ms. Hoa welcomes nearly 200 dine-in customers. Besides, she also receives online orders from e-commerce sites. (Photo: Vietnamnet) |
![]() |
The pho shop located on the sidewalk, includes only about 25 plastic tables, each with 4 plastic chairs. If you arrive early, you may have an available seat to enjoy your dish. Those arrive late may have to stand on the street to wait until someone finish their meals and leaves. (Photo: Vietnamnet) |
![]() |
Waiters will stop at each table for customers to order. No matter how crowded her shop gets, Ms. Hoa always serves in a leisure manner. (Photo: Vietnamnet) |
![]() |
Each bowl of pho costs 50.000 VND (about 2 USD). (Photo: Vietnamnet) |
![]() |
Ms. Hoa's pho is special thanks to her homemade broth. (Photo: Vietnamnet) |
![]() |
Her shop only consists of two broth pots and a meat tray, but it contains the soul of Hanoi traditional cuisine. (Photo: Vietnamnet) |
![]() | Back in time with invaluable photos of Hanoi in 1990s Under the lens of Hans-Peter Grumpe, the German photography who had dedicated his time to captures the most vivid and true-to-life photos across Vietnam decades ... |
![]() | Aerial shot of fish market in Vietnam among highlighted photos in int’l competition A bird-eye-view shot picturing a woman drying fish in Vietnam has been listed as a top stunning early submission of the Sony World Photography Awards. |
![]() | In photos: Colorful Hanoi Old Quarter as Mid-Autumn Festival draws near These days, Hang Ma Street (Hoan Kiem, Hanoi) is packed with tourists to shop, take photos and enjoy the festive ambiance as the Mid- Autumn ... |
Tags:
Most read
Recommended

USA Today: The 6th Blue Zone Found In Vietnam
USA Today has just announced that the next global Blue Zone will be found in Vietnam.
November 26, 2023 | 10:13

Vietnam Among Top 10 Global Beauty Country Of The Year 2023
Vietnam's position in the 2023 Global Beauties (GB) ranking of beauty countries was boosted by the remarkable achievements of Le Hoang Phuong and Dang Thanh Ngan, two stunning beauties who captivated the judges with their exceptional charm and grace.
November 24, 2023 | 22:23

Explore Vietnam Town in Thailand's Udon Thani Province
Located in the city of Udon Thani in northeastern Thailand, "Vietnam Town" brings together many specialty shops owned by Vietnamese people.
November 23, 2023 | 11:27

Vietnamese’s Pacific High School Students Win Global Robotics Games 2023
Defeating 46 teams from other countries, Vietnamese students from Pacific High School (Can Tho City) won the championships at the Global Robotics Games 2023 in Singapore
November 23, 2023 | 11:18
Popular article

Italian Film Festival 2023 to Take Place in Hanoi Next Week
The 2023 Italian Film Festival aims to offer Vietnamese audiences a glimpse of contemporary Italian cinema.
November 22, 2023 | 17:19

Hue Int'l Music Festival 2023 To Bring Together Many Int'l Music Groups
Hue International Music Festival 2023 is the highlight of a series of events in the Hue Festival 2023 – Winter Festival. Among them, Hue by light – The live show, an impressive sound and light performance night on the occasion of the 50th anniversary diplomatic relations between tVietnam and France.
November 22, 2023 | 14:22

Entrepreneur Replicates Vietnamese Sites with Ice Cream
The ice pops are inspired by landmarks and sightseeing spots, allowing visitors to feast their eyes and taste buds at the same time.
November 22, 2023 | 10:43

Room To Read Gifts The 10th “Friendly Library” To Hau Giang
Room To Read Organization (USA) coordinated with the Union of Friendship Organizations of Hau Giang to create a “Friendly Library” at Mot Ngan Town Primary School on November 15.
November 20, 2023 | 21:35