“Phở Mặn Gầm Cầu” is renowned amongst Hanoi’s locals for its rich flavor, which some find to be a bit on the salty side, given its relatively high prices ranging from 50,000 to 80,000 VND per bowl.
After being closed for nearly 3 years due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the pho restaurant unexpectedly reopened on the 10th day of the lunar calendar to a large crowd of eager customers.
“Phở Mặn Gầm Cầu” has been packed to the brim since its reopening, with customers waiting in line for hours to enjoy the famous pho dish.
The majority of customers are regulars who have been coming here for many years.
As I arrived at the pho restaurant this morning (February 25th), I noticed a significant number of customers waiting in line to savor the renowned pho dish after years of closure. Some customers mentioned having waited for approximately 30 minutes to an hour for their turn to enjoy a bowl of pho.
Mr. Vu (from Dong Da district) stated that he has been dining here for 10 years. However, the establishment had been closed during the pandemic. Mr. Quan (from Hoang Mai district) also shared that he had to wait more than 20 minutes for his turn. Nonetheless, despite the long wait, he was still happy as the pho was delicious.
Shortly after reopening, “Phở Mặn” was already packed with customers.
Sharing her thoughts on the pho’s flavor, one customer who lives near the restaurant mentioned that she has been eating here since she was a child. Due to her nostalgia, she was willing to wait for 30 minutes. However, she was “slightly disappointed” because the taste had changed a bit. On the other hand, many other customers still found the pho to be delicious.
Customers patiently waited for 30 minutes to one hour to enjoy their bowls of pho.
Meanwhile, some younger customers wanted to taste the original flavors, so they patiently waited. “I’ve been waiting since number 250, and now it’s number 281. It’s been a while since I last ate here, and I couldn’t find any other place with this unique flavor, so we’re willing to wait,” said one young customer.
Prices range from 50,000 to 80,000 VND per bowl.
The owner of “Phở Mặn Gầm Cầu,” who is also the head chef, is Ms. Tran Thi Thu Ha. The restaurant first opened in 1981, known for its unique and flavorful pho. In 2020, due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, Ms. Ha temporarily suspended pho sales until recently.
After nearly 3 years of hiatus, the restaurant maintained its previous pricing, with pho starting at 50,000 VND per bowl, and reaching 80,000 VND per bowl for its premium beef pho. For those with hearty appetites who order additional sides and iced tea, prices can exceed 100,000 VND per person.
Ms. Tran Thi Thu Ha, the owner and head chef of “Phở Mặn Gầm Cầu.”
Pricing at the restaurant ranges from 50,000 to 80,000 VND per bowl.
