Hanoi's Michelin-recommended chicken shop sells 800 soups daily
Nguyet’s Chicken Pho has been one of Hanoi’s most popular street food spots since it opened in 2009.
On June 6, Michelin recognized Nguyet's Chicken Pho as one of its 29 Bib Gourmand restaurants in Vietnam that offer high-quality cuisine at affordable prices.
Located at 5B Phu Doan Street in the Old Quarter's Hoan Kiem District, this restaurant is the pride and joy of the beloved owner, the capital’s own Minh Nguyet.
Nguyet's staff starts work at 4 a.m. every day. Effort is the secret, as far as Nguyet is concerned.
"I put lots of effort into the food, as well as meticulously selecting fresh ingredients," says the chicken pho queen. "Free-range chickens are used in my pho for their firmness and fragrant meat. Red skin peanuts are hand-roasted to ensure the flavor." .
Initially, Nguyet did not pay much heed to the invitation from Michelin. Busy with her schedule, cooking chicken noodle soup, she could not attend the ceremony. However, the congratulations she received from diners who visited her eatery after the Michelin list made her realize the award's prestige. She later researched the accolade and regretted not being able to attend the event.
A bowl of pho at Nguyet eatery is generously filled with the smooth, chewy texture of blanched rice noodles. The broth is clear, fragrant, and naturally sweet. The chicken is firm and flavorful.
It was Quoc Khang from Ba Dinh District’s third visit to Nguyet’s when he said: “The food is so delicious I want to come back again.”.
Nguyet received mixed feedback initially, with some praising the food and others criticizing it. However, she carefully listened to suggestions and improved her recipe over time. The fact that each year the shop gets fuller and fuller is a testament to her soup’s broadening appeal.
The restaurant sees its highest traffic in the evenings, particularly after 7 p.m., attracting not only locals but also tourists. As indoor seating is not enough, the shop arranges tables and chairs on the sidewalk to accommodate extra diners.
