Poblacion's Ha Noi Pho Is a Hidden Vietnamese Spot for Stellar Pho
They serve egg coffee, too, and all your other Vietnamese favorites.
Ha Noi Pho
925 JP Rizal Avenue, Poblacion, Makati City
Contact: 0966-772-7779
Facebook: www.facebook.com/HaNoiPho.PH
Open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Monday to Sunday
(SPOT.ph) I know, I know—if I’m longing for Vietnam’s ridiculously affordable bowls of steaming-hot pho and those freshest-of-the-fresh spring rolls, the most ideal option is to book one of the countless flights connecting Manila to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, or Da Nang. Nothing beats being at the place firsthand. But let’s be real—not everyone has the luxury of making such impulsive decisions. Spontaneous trips are fun to dream about, but they’re not exactly practical.
Much to anyone's (read: mine) bank account's relief, Metro Manila has its share of great Vietnamese spots for those sudden pho-and-spring-roll cravings. The downside? They’re like hidden treasures amidst the endless sea of Korean barbecue joints, hotpot spots, and ramen houses mushrooming everywhere. But if you’re in Makati, there’s a hidden gem that ironically stands out in its sunny, canary-yellow facade called Ha Noi Pho.
Also read: SPOT.ph Roundup: Five Pho-reakin' Good Vietnamese Restaurants in Metro Manila
Ha Noi Pho in Makati serves pho-reaking tasty Vietnamese pho and egg coffee
Ha Noi Pho could easily pass as one of those charming mom-and-pop joints tucked away in Vietnam’s maze-like narrow alleys. Its exterior is painted with this bright yellow pigment, all decked out with colorful Hoi An lanterns that sway above the head, a vibrant mural that greets you as you walk past its gate and toward the main entrance.
The only thing that doesn't feel too Vietnam? The size of the space. Unlike the snug, intimate vibe of Vietnam dining spots where you can easily brush against someone else's elbow seated right behind you. Ha Noi Pho stretches across two stories, feeling more like a cozy house-turned-restaurant—it's so big that there are even private spaces for intimate gatherings and a balcony should you want a more picturesque spot.
The interiors scream “Vietnam-coded,” as Gen Z would say, matching the vibe of the exteriors with every corner being unapologetic maximalist. The interiors have the familiar yellow hue, accented by brick walls, and framed black-and-white photos of Hanoi that show its historical tourist spots. And just in case the space doesn't exude Vietnam than it already does, there are traditional Vietnamese Phin on display and shelves lined with Vietnamese goodies that invite you to bring a little piece of the experience home. There are packets of instant noodles from brands like Hao Hao and Omachi, and my favorite heat provider, a bottle of Chin-Su hot sauce that I can't help but drown my banh mi with.
What to try at Ha Noi Pho
From what I’ve noticed, Vietnamese restaurants tend to go one of two ways: They can either have a 10-page booklet—back to back—for a menu or, the complete opposite, the offerings can be limited in that they can fit one piece of laminated paper. In the case of Ha Noi Pho, it's somewhere in between—you'll still need a minute to think about what you'll buy but, at the same time, the selection isn't so wide that it's overwhelming.
Our first recommendation goes to the first dish you see on the menu: the Beef/Chicken Noodle Soup (P325), basically their pho (pronounced "fuh"). I opted for the beef, just to try the basics—beef is the more common meat used in this comforting Vietnamese soup dish.
This Vietnamese restaurant's version is not completely covered in herb essentials like basil, mint, and cilantro. Perhaps they adjusted the amount to not overwhelm the Filipino palate, because let's face it, we rarely use these greens in Filipino cuisine. What they did not skimp out on though are the noodles—think ramen portions, but pho. It's that filling that one bowl with this comforting broth, chewy noodles, and pinkish beef slices can be shared between two people.
I ordered the pho alongside a plate of crunchy Fried Spring Rolls (P200). Forgive me for expecting a fried version of spring rolls—no, Ha Noi Pho's version uses a net rice paper for wrapping the meat inside which makes it all the more crunchy and messier to eat. The filling is porky in taste which I found is best paired with the garlicky vinegar (you can find the vinegar on the table) than the hot sauce it is served with.
And because one of the things I miss most about Vietnam is their coffee, I got a cup of their Egg Coffee (P195). This drink is one of my favorites in Vietnam as it feels more like a dessert than it is coffee because of the sweetness of the whipped egg yolk and condensed milk on top of the strong brewed coffee. If you order it hot, like I did, the mug is served inside a wide-mouthed bowl filled with hot water which is said to help it keep warm and not let the egg get a fishy taste.
Other items on the Ha Noi Pho menu worth exploring are the Bun Cha - BBQ Noodles (P360), Beef Stew with Banhmi (P350), Fresh Spring Rolls (P200), Coconut Coffee (P195), and Vietnamese Traditional Tea Pot Set (P380)—all of which I'll be adding to my order list on my next visits.
Also read: SPOT.ph Roundup: Best Iced Vietnamese Coffee If You Need to Be Awake for 12+ Hours
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