The broth is the soul of the dish—this alleyway-favorite Vietnamese pho features tender beef.

▲ On hot summer days, a bowl of Vietnamese pho hits the spot. (Photo/Chen Tzu-yin, reporter)

Reported by Chen Tzu-yin, Taipei

As summer approaches, there's nothing better than enjoying a bowl of Vietnamese street food. In the area around Nanjing East Road in Taipei, there’s an affordable Vietnamese pho shop that gets packed at lunchtime—the small eatery is filled to the brim, and the queue outside never stops. The reason? The pho here has a sweet, savory broth, and the beef is flavorful and melt-in-your-mouth tender.

It’s common to see the staff overwhelmed with orders in this small shop. After waiting patiently in line, you’ll finally grab a seat and can’t wait to order a bowl. On the table, lemon slices and Thai basil are standard Vietnamese toppings, allowing diners to customize the flavor to their liking—a thoughtful touch.

The shop’s signature dish, the “Ripe Beef Pho,” is made with a rich bone broth that’s surprisingly not greasy. The flavor is deep yet refreshing, and every bite of the beef is incredibly tender, perfectly complementing the sweet broth. For those who prefer an even more tender texture, there’s also the option of raw beef pho (where thin slices of raw beef are added to the noodles just before serving), which preserves the beef’s natural taste.


▲ The signature “Ripe Beef Pho” isn’t greasy at all—it has a refreshing taste instead. (Photo/Chen Tzu-yin, reporter)

For those who enjoy bold flavors, how can beef be complete without the “Braised Beef Brisket Pho”? Though infused with a strong curry aroma, it doesn’t overshadow the sweet richness of the bone broth. The generous portion of brisket is well-marinated in the curry flavor, and compared to beef slices, the brisket offers a more satisfying bite.


▲ The “Braised Beef Brisket Pho” combines curry spice with the broth’s inherent sweetness—perfect for those who love bold flavors. (Photo/Chen Tzu-yin, reporter)  
[Shop Information]
Hanoi-style Pho from Vietnam
Address: No. 1-3, Lane 4, Alley 123, Section 5, Nanjing East Road, Songshan District, Taipei City
Phone: (02) 8787-4779
Pricing: Ripe Beef Pho – NT$110 per bowl; Braised Beef Brisket Pho – NT$110 per bowl.