Tradition Redefined by Hanoi’s Mixed Chicken Pho
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Discover Hanoi’s Pho Hanh, where the traditional pho gets a creative twist with their famous mixed chicken pho—a flavorful dry noodle dish topped with tender chicken, herbs, and a secret sauce. 
In the heart of Hanoi’s historic quarter, Pho Hanh has been serving up a unique twist on a Vietnamese culinary classic since 1994. Located at 65A Lan Ong Street, Hoan Kiem District, this unassuming eatery has built a reputation for its mixed chicken pho, a dry version of the traditional pho that has attracted a loyal following of late-night diners for over two decades.
A Twist on Tradition
Unlike the more familiar pho ga (chicken pho), which is typically served in a flavorful broth, Pho Hanh’s mixed chicken pho takes a different approach. Instead of being submerged in soup, the pho noodles are tossed with tender chicken, scallion oil, roasted peanuts, fried shallots, soy sauce, and fresh herbs. This combination delivers a perfect balance of textures and flavors—a satisfying mix of crunchy, savory, and aromatic elements, all harmonized by a special sweet and sour sauce.
The restaurant’s 52-year-old owner, Truong Thi Hanh, drew inspiration for this dish from sour pho, a specialty of Lang Son Province in northern Vietnam. Hanh adapted the concept to create her own version, which has since become a beloved staple in Hanoi. She proudly considers herself one of the pioneers of introducing mixed chicken pho to the capital city.
The Perfect Ingredients
At the core of Pho Hanh’s dish is a carefully simmered broth made from chicken bones, ginger, onions, salt, and fish sauce, creating a rich base that enhances the flavors of the dish. Although the mixed chicken pho is a dry noodle dish, a bowl of this light, aromatic broth is served on the side, allowing diners to sip it alongside the noodles.
The restaurant takes special care in selecting three-kilogram chickens to ensure that the meat is tender and the skin has a glossy shine. The chicken is cooked to perfection, then sliced and separated into various parts so customers can choose their preferred cuts, such as wings, breasts, or thighs.
The real secret, however, lies in the sauce. This family recipe features a blend of sugar, fish sauce, salt, and mineral water, delivering a sweet and sour punch that ties all the ingredients together beautifully.
The Dining Experience
Pho Hanh is a small, cozy eatery with just 15 square meters of space, offering seating for about 12 guests on four sets of tables and chairs. Given the limited indoor seating, most customers opt to sit outside on the sidewalk, enjoying their meal at plastic tables while soaking up the vibrant street life of Hanoi.
Open from evening until late, Pho Hanh has become a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, especially those looking for an after-hours bite in the bustling Hoan Kiem District.
Menu Highlights
While the mixed chicken pho is the star of the menu, Pho Hanh offers a variety of other dishes that have garnered their own fanbase. The chicken salad (VND80,000) is a crowd favorite, with tender chicken pieces mixed with herbs and a tangy dressing. The restaurant also serves up:
A New Take on a Classic Dish
For those looking to experience something different from the traditional pho, Pho Hanh’s mixed chicken pho offers a delightful deviation. Combining the familiar elements of chicken pho with a creative twist, this dish satisfies both locals and travelers seeking new flavors in a city known for its culinary heritage.
Whether you're a pho enthusiast or a first-time visitor to Vietnam, Pho Hanh’s mixed chicken pho is a must-try for those wanting to explore the evolving flavors of Vietnamese cuisine while still paying homage to its rich traditions.
In the heart of Hanoi’s historic quarter, Pho Hanh has been serving up a unique twist on a Vietnamese culinary classic since 1994. Located at 65A Lan Ong Street, Hoan Kiem District, this unassuming eatery has built a reputation for its mixed chicken pho, a dry version of the traditional pho that has attracted a loyal following of late-night diners for over two decades.
A Twist on Tradition
Unlike the more familiar pho ga (chicken pho), which is typically served in a flavorful broth, Pho Hanh’s mixed chicken pho takes a different approach. Instead of being submerged in soup, the pho noodles are tossed with tender chicken, scallion oil, roasted peanuts, fried shallots, soy sauce, and fresh herbs. This combination delivers a perfect balance of textures and flavors—a satisfying mix of crunchy, savory, and aromatic elements, all harmonized by a special sweet and sour sauce.
The restaurant’s 52-year-old owner, Truong Thi Hanh, drew inspiration for this dish from sour pho, a specialty of Lang Son Province in northern Vietnam. Hanh adapted the concept to create her own version, which has since become a beloved staple in Hanoi. She proudly considers herself one of the pioneers of introducing mixed chicken pho to the capital city.
The Perfect Ingredients
At the core of Pho Hanh’s dish is a carefully simmered broth made from chicken bones, ginger, onions, salt, and fish sauce, creating a rich base that enhances the flavors of the dish. Although the mixed chicken pho is a dry noodle dish, a bowl of this light, aromatic broth is served on the side, allowing diners to sip it alongside the noodles.
The restaurant takes special care in selecting three-kilogram chickens to ensure that the meat is tender and the skin has a glossy shine. The chicken is cooked to perfection, then sliced and separated into various parts so customers can choose their preferred cuts, such as wings, breasts, or thighs.
The real secret, however, lies in the sauce. This family recipe features a blend of sugar, fish sauce, salt, and mineral water, delivering a sweet and sour punch that ties all the ingredients together beautifully.
The Dining Experience
Pho Hanh is a small, cozy eatery with just 15 square meters of space, offering seating for about 12 guests on four sets of tables and chairs. Given the limited indoor seating, most customers opt to sit outside on the sidewalk, enjoying their meal at plastic tables while soaking up the vibrant street life of Hanoi.
Open from evening until late, Pho Hanh has become a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, especially those looking for an after-hours bite in the bustling Hoan Kiem District.
Menu Highlights
While the mixed chicken pho is the star of the menu, Pho Hanh offers a variety of other dishes that have garnered their own fanbase. The chicken salad (VND80,000) is a crowd favorite, with tender chicken pieces mixed with herbs and a tangy dressing. The restaurant also serves up:
- Boneless chicken feet (VND60,000 for 5 pieces)
- Egg embryos (VND75,000 per serving)
- Sticky rice with shredded chicken thighs and pate (VND80,000)
A New Take on a Classic Dish
For those looking to experience something different from the traditional pho, Pho Hanh’s mixed chicken pho offers a delightful deviation. Combining the familiar elements of chicken pho with a creative twist, this dish satisfies both locals and travelers seeking new flavors in a city known for its culinary heritage.
Whether you're a pho enthusiast or a first-time visitor to Vietnam, Pho Hanh’s mixed chicken pho is a must-try for those wanting to explore the evolving flavors of Vietnamese cuisine while still paying homage to its rich traditions.
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