Pho, an iconic dish in Vietnamese cuisine, is a delicious soup featuring rice noodles, herbs, and meat. Renowned for its authentic taste, pho has taken the world by storm. The problem for foodies in the UAE is that finding a bowl of pho that really captures the essence of Vietnam isn’t always easy.
This is why we’ve created a guide that explores the top 5 places serving up some of the best pho, with flavors that reflect the rich culture of Vietnam.
The Top 5 Places to Get Vietnamese Pho in UAE
- The Vietnamese Corner Restaurant – Ras Al Khaimah
- Vietnamese Pho – Abu Dhabi
- Saigon – Taste of Vietnam JLT – Dubai
- Vietnamese Foodies Downtown – Dubai
- Pho Ha Noi – Abu Dhabi
Price range indicator (AED):
- A – Budget
- AA – Moderate
- AAA – Expensive
1. The Vietnamese Corner Restaurant
Location: Al Ejlal St, Ras Al Khaimah
Operating hours: 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM, 11 AM – 8 PM (Fridays)
Let’s kick things off with the Vietnamese Corner Restaurant, yet another one of Ras Al Khaimah’s many unique dining spots. Known for their food’s authentic flavors, this restaurant serves a variety of Vietnamese pho. It’s easy to taste the freshness and quality of the ingredients. Plus, they offer excellent service, allowing diners to enjoy their pho in a welcoming setting.
Highlights:
- Highly recommended with Vietnamese egg coffee.
- Customizable vegetarian options.
Price range: A
2. Vietnamese Pho
Location: Al Reem Bay Tower B, Abu Dhabi
Operating hours: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM (Monday – Thursday), 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM (Friday – Sunday)
Vietnamese Pho, located on Al Reem Island, offers a dining experience that won’t disappoint. Their pho is rich and incredibly flavorful – exactly how it should be. The noodles are cooked to perfection and paired with fresh ingredients that bring out the authentic taste of Vietnamese cuisine. The lively atmosphere and friendly staff add to the experience.
The other great thing about Vietnamese Pho is that the prices are incredibly reasonable considering the quality you get. Not many things can beat good value for money, right?
Highlights:
- Generous portions of beef pho with flavorful broth.
- Fresh summer rolls with peanut sauce.
- Cozy ambiance and attentive service.
Price range: A
3. Saigon – Taste of Vietnam JLT
Location: Balcony Level, Lake Terrace Tower, JLT Cluster D, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai
Operating hours: 11 AM – 10 PM (Monday), 11 AM – 11 PM (Tuesday – Sunday)
Saigon offers a truly authentic Vietnamese dining experience. The menu features a variety of traditional dishes, guiding diners along a delightful culinary journey from start to finish. The restaurant is also well known for its cozy vibe and stunning lake views, which is why it’s such a popular spot for those in Dubai seeking a subtle change of pace.
The pho here is great and it’s evident that fresh ingredients are used in every dish. We must say that the staff also does a good job of adding to the dining experience.
Highlights:
- Beautiful lake view from the terrace.
Price range: AA – AAA
4. Vietnamese Foodies Downtown
Location: Burj Vista Tower 1, Downtown Dubai, Dubai
Operating hours: 11:30 AM – 11 PM, 11:30 AM – 1 AM (Fridays and Saturdays)
Vietnamese Foodies provides a healthy and delicious dining experience that’s inspired by the vibrancy of Saigon’s culinary scene. This family-run restaurant features a menu filled with authentic Vietnamese cuisine – with pho being one of the standout dishes. They cater to various dietary needs, including vegan, keto, and gluten-free options, so you won’t have to worry too much about your diet program.
Once you step inside and are greeted by the attentive staff, it’s easy to see why it’s an award-winning restaurant and a must-visit spot for pho lovers.
Highlights:
- Award-winning Vietnamese dishes with health-conscious options.
- Comfy ambiance reflecting the vibrancy of Saigon.
Price range: A
5. Pho Ha Noi
Location: 14 Al Khabiyah St, Al Danah, E11, Abu Dhabi
Operating hours: 11 AM – 11 PM
Pho Ha Noi offers an inviting atmosphere with its wide array of Vietnamese dishes. Its beef pho and Vietnamese iced coffee are the talk of the town in Abu Dhabi, so those are an absolute must-try. It certainly isn’t the most exciting restaurant in terms of the ambiance but it more than makes up for it with the quality of food and value for money.
Highlights:
- Excellent Vietnamese iced coffee.
- Flavorful beef pho with rich broth.
- Has an all-you-can-eat option.
Price range: A
FAQs
How can you tell if pho is authentic?
The broth should be clear, aromatic, and full of flavor. Authentic pho uses banh pho, which are flat, wide, rice noodles. Vietnamese pho is typically made with high-quality cuts of beef. Chicken pho is also authentic but beef is the default.
Is pho Vietnamese or Thai?
Despite the occasional confusion, pho is indeed Vietnamese. It’s a traditional Vietnamese soup that has gained popularity around the world due to its rich aromatic flavors.
Are there any allergens in pho?
Common potential allergens in pho include fish sauce, cilantro, vegetables (that may not be washed properly), cinnamon, and MSG. However, pho doesn’t usually contain a large amount of fish sauce compared to other Vietnamese dishes.
For those with peanut allergies, pho can be safe as most recipes typically don’t include peanuts or peanut sauce. But, cross-contamination is always a risk at many Vietnamese restaurants that also serve dishes with peanuts.
How long has pho been around?
The history of pho dates back to the late 19th and early 20th century in Northern Vietnam. After the Vietnam War, refugees are said to be the ones who popularized it worldwide. Exact timelines aren’t precisely documented.
Final Thoughts
Believe us, discovering the authentic flavors of Vietnamese pho in the UAE is a culinary adventure that you won’t forget. Each of these top spots offers exceptional food, from rich broths to perfectly cooked noodles, ensuring an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re savoring classic dishes or exploring new tastes, these restaurants bring the vibrant essence of Vietnamese cuisine to your plate.
If you’re still unsure of which of these spots will delight your taste buds, why not make a real journey out of it by exploring them all?
