Tour guides won’t take you here: A 40+ year-old HCMC eatery that only serves beef pho

▲ This beef pho joint sells 600 kg of beef daily — a hidden gem tour guides won’t tell you about. (Photo / Reporter Chen Ziying)

Reported by Chen Ziying / Vietnam

When it comes to Vietnamese cuisine, beef pho is bound to come up. On the streets, you’ll often see signs that simply say “beef noodle” — the local shorthand for beef pho. In Ho Chi Minh City, there’s one beef pho spot beloved by both tour guides and locals alike. It sells up to 600 kilograms of beef a day, which speaks volumes about its fame.

"Lijin Beef Pho"Located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, this 40+ year-old shop only serves beef pho, or beef pho with beef meatballs. Even before lunchtime at 3 PM, it’s already packed with customers. Xiao Tan, a local guide from Hongyi Travel Agency in Ho Chi Minh City, says: “This place is really famous — even we locals love it. But most foreign tourists definitely don’t know about it, because tour groups are so big, making it hard to try this delicacy.”


▲ A local favorite, this beef pho joint sees crowds even before mealtime. (Photo / Reporter Chen Ziying)

The owner, Liu Quancai, is originally from Guangdong. After marrying a Vietnamese wife, he mastered Vietnamese cooking. He shares:"Our beef pho broth is simmered daily with 40 kilograms of fresh brisket, beef ribs, and beef bones."Liu Quancai reveals that some other shops use water buffalo meat, which lacks aroma and can be fishy. That’s why he insists on using pure yellow beef.

%It's incredible that %Jike can go through 600 kg of beef daily. (Photo / Reporter Chen Ziying)

%Mr. Liu is from Guangdong and learned to cook Vietnamese food after marrying his Vietnamese wife. (Photo / Reporter Chen Ziying)

A steaming bowl of fragrant beef pho arrives with beef meatballs, served with locals’ favorite garnishes such as raw lettuce, Thai basil, bean sprouts, and sliced pork. While the broth is still hot, adding the veggies enhances the flavor even more. Take a sip of the owner’s specially brewed broth — it’s truly fresh, sweet, and refreshing. The beef is tender yet firm, not overcooked, and the meatballs burst with rich flavor. While enjoying your bowl, don’t forget to pair it with a glass of iced tea — the Vietnamese favorite — for the most authentic experience.

▲ A must-try for independent travelers: the most authentic Vietnamese pho. (Photo / Reporter Chen Ziying)

【Shop Info】
Lijin Beef Pho
Address: 303-305 Vo Van Thin Street, Ward 5, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
Phone: 39234008