I get so passionate speaking about pho and spreading the good word. It’s the most universally acceptable dish for any situation. Feeling a bit run down? Have a bowl of pho. In need of a hug? Have a bowl of pho. Hungry and don’t know what to eat? Have a bowl of pho. The possibilities are endless when it comes to this delicious Vietnamese dish.
But there is one thing that can be tricky about pho. I hate to say it, but it isn’t always easy to find a good bowl. As a self-anointed connoisseur, I’d like to think that over the years I’ve found some pretty good spots in Sydney that make a mean bowl of pho. I;m also an advocate for dining in – whenever you can, sitting down at the restaurant and immersing yourself in the atmosphere is best. It’s also optimal for the full food experience.
So, if you’re looking for a party in your mouth, the RUSSH editors have curated a list of their favourite spots in Sydney to grab a bowl of pho.
Cà Phê Mai
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Location: Double Bay, Sydney
Cà Phê Mai only opened this year, but the RUSSH team can already attest to their Pho. Served with poached chicken, rice noodles, thai basil, lime, coriander, and chilli crisp oil, I can say this is one of the most refreshing and light bowls I have had. The recipe used is over 40 years old, and was passed down through the owner's family.
La Sen
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Location: Randwick, Sydney
Quick, delicious and a personal favourite of mine. They serve a variety of pho here, but my personal favourite is the chicken. Right around the corner from the Ritz cinema, if you kindly tell them you have a movie after dinner, they're usually extremely speedy with serving your food.
Phan's House
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Location: Potts Point, Sydney
This is a personal favourite of RUSSH Beauty Editor Emily. Sitting on the busy street of Macleay in Potts Point, it's hard to miss. And even better yet, it's BYO.
Madame nhu
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Location: Surry Hills, Sydney
A personal favourite of RUSSH Senior Digital Editor Kirsty’s, Madame Nhu serves a delicious bowl of pho alongside specials that put a modern spin on the Vietnamese classic. Past specials have included pho with satay and chilli, making it well worth checking the menu to see what’s on offer.
Mr. T
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Location: Paddington, Sydney
Another personal favourite, not just for its pho but for its Vietnamese dishes more broadly. While they typically only serve beef pho, I can assure you it’s one of the best bowls you’ll have. Pair it with a side of their prawn and pork Vietnamese pancake and you’ve got a match made in heaven.
Bar Pho
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Location: North Bondi, Sydney
Not only is Bar Pho guaranteed to serve a great bowl of pho, but its version is also preservative-free. The restaurant proudly shares that its pho is cooked over 12 hours, with no preservatives or MSG.
An Restaurant
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Location: Bankstown, Sydney
As the restaurant says, “So Pho, so good” — and indeed it is. A favourite of RUSSH Content Director Elyssa, An Restaurant has been serving up Vietnamese classics for years. Whether you're after a small bowl for a lighter meal or a large one when only a serious bowl of pho will do, you know you're in good hands.
Pho Lam
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Location: Canley Heights
The longest-standing pho spot in Canley Heights, Pho Lam has been serving up its bowls since 1998. As the restaurant puts it, its pho is “rooted in tradition, stirred with love, and served with soul”. What's more to love?
Great Aunty Three
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Location: Marrickville, Sydney
While Great Aunty Three has a few spots across Sydney’s inner west, I’ve personally tried the Marrickville location and absolutely loved it. In fact, when I started writing this article, it was one of the first places that came to mind. It has my stamp of approval — and, perhaps more importantly, it’s also a firm favourite of my mum’s.
