Discover the Best Vietnamese Restaurants to Celebrate National Pho Day

Every year on December 12, food lovers around the world celebrate National Pho Day, a day dedicated to one of Vietnam’s most beloved dishes. Pho, a flavorful noodle soup typically made with beef or chicken broth, rice noodles, and various herbs, has become synonymous with Vietnamese cuisine. In 2017, Vietnam officially declared this day as "Pho Day," highlighting not only the cultural significance of the dish but also its global appeal.

Pho's rich history dates back to the early 20th century, originating in Northern Vietnam and evolving through various cultural influences. Today, it is enjoyed in countless variations worldwide, especially in the United States, where vibrant Vietnamese communities have helped popularize it.

For those looking to enjoy pho on December 12, here’s a list of some of the best Vietnamese restaurants in the U.S. worth visiting.

Photo Credit: inspiredtaste.net

Pho Saigon in Houston is a large, well-known restaurant that has served the city for decades and is considered a must-visit spot. It has become a benchmark for pho throughout Texas, consistently earning high praise from local critics and remaining popular among visitors. The restaurant offers an extensive pho menu featuring all the classic meat combinations as well as rare cuts.

Its broth is famous for its clarity and well-balanced flavor, achieved through long simmering of beef bones and spices. The portions are generous, and the service is fast, making it an ideal choice for anyone celebrating Pho Day and looking for a high-quality, satisfying bowl. It’s the perfect place for those who appreciate time-tested traditions in preparing this iconic soup.

Turtle Tower is considered a legendary establishment in the Bay Area and is often mentioned as the place that serves the best chicken pho in the United States. The restaurant prepares pho in the Northern Vietnamese (Hanoi) style, which means fewer seasonings and a stronger emphasis on the flavor of the broth. They use only fresh free-range chicken and high-quality beef.

Unlike many Southern-style versions that come with lots of sauces and add-ins, the broth at Turtle Tower is the star of the dish - its flavor is so well-balanced that it requires no additional enhancement. Freshly made noodles and a minimalist selection of fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and jalapeño highlight the simplicity and craftsmanship behind this dish.

Phở Bác began as a family business operating out of a small boat-shaped building, and this original location remains an iconic spot for pho lovers in Seattle.

The restaurant is known for offering a straightforward bowl of soup that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The pho is served with thinly sliced raw onions and herbs for a perfectly balanced combination. This place attracts customers who appreciate a well-prepared, hearty dish without unnecessary complications.

Mk Noodle in the Lakeview area offers an extensive selection - up to 14 different types of pho. However, customers particularly praise their steak and brisket pho, made with a bone-based broth simmered for 7 hours.

The bowls are generous, filled with plenty of rice noodles and tender pieces of beef brisket, along with thin slices of raw Angus steak that cook right in the hot broth. This spot is a great choice for those who prefer a rich, meaty flavor and large portions.

Phở 79 is one of the most iconic Vietnamese restaurants in Southern California. The restaurant has even received the prestigious James Beard America’s Classics Award - an honor given only to highly regarded family-run establishments.

Their broth is made from beef bones and is never overwhelmed with excessive spices, resulting in a clean, deeply flavored soup that has become legendary.

Phở 75 is a true icon of the Philadelphia dining scene, located in Vietnamese district on Washington Avenue. This establishment is famous for its "less is more" philosophy: the menu is extremely straightforward, focusing almost exclusively on beef and chicken phở.

The secret to Phở 75's success lies in its broth: it is deep, fragrant, balanced and not oily. This quality has earned this place national recognition, with the late chef Anthony Bourdain famously citing it as his favourite hangover cure. Service here is extremely fast and efficient. Note that Phở 75 often operates on a cash-only basis.

Madame Vo in East Village serves pho with a rich, aromatic broth enhanced cinnamon - a note that rarely appears in other savory dishes. The basic $20 bowl includes thinly sliced raw beef and meatballs with traditional add-ins, but the real standout is the Madame Pho, which comes with an additional serving of short ribs for $10.

These massive, tender ribs are so large that many guests end up taking leftovers home. The broth is simmered for 20 hours, giving it depth and intensity. The menu also features Pho Dac Biet with tender brisket, fatty tendon, and crisp slices of tripe in a broth accented with star anise and cinnamon. The thin slices of beef are served properly raw so they reach medium doneness after a few minutes in the hot broth.

OBAO is located at 647 9th Avenue in Hell’s Kitchen, near the Broadway theater district. It’s a Thai-Vietnamese fusion restaurant that stays open late, making it a popular spot for dinner after shows. The place has been recommended by the Michelin Guide for its Pho Bo.

The menu features a beef Pho Bo that customers often describe as one of the best in Manhattan, with a rich broth and high-quality meat. In addition to the classic pho, they offer a short rib pho that has become especially popular among visitors. The menu also includes pad thai, pad see ew, green curry, crispy pork belly with pickled vegetables, crunchy spring rolls, and steamed dumplings filled with taro, jicama, spinach, and shiitake mushrooms.

The restaurant has a full bar with cocktails and an after-work happy hour. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options are available. Prices are moderate for Manhattan - most dishes range from $15 to $25. OBAO operates on two floors, offers bar seating, and accepts table reservations.