Hanoi Pho: A very different animal

Most Vietnamese restaurants in Western countries will put in front of you a rather different incarnation of pho. Before setting foot in Vietnamese lands, I was used to a clearer, less viscous broth, with beansprouts, lime, chilli and herbs served alongside the bowl... in Hanoi, I encountered what I think is a superior creation: thicker broth exploding with beef notes, crunchy chinese greens, slightly rare beef and featherweight rice noodles.

So if in Hanoi, head down to Cafe 47 on 47 Bat Dan, order pho tai (their mango smoothie-esque drink is not too bad either), wait a few minutes and then slurp away.