In just a few days, the phrases “Brother Hai’s Pho” and “Number 10 Dan Phuong” have unexpectedly taken over social media platforms and topped Google Trends and food delivery apps. Interestingly, there is no actual pho restaurant by that name at the mentioned address. The phenomenon stems from the influence of Brother Hai’s Pho Restaurant, a Vietnamese indie game that’s currently making waves in the gaming community.
Developed by a student from Hanoi University of Science and Technology, Brother Hai’s Pho is a passion project released for free on itch.io, available in both Vietnamese and English. Set in a rural village in Northern Vietnam, players step into the shoes of “Brother Hai,” the owner of a small pho shop in the outskirts of Dan Phuong, Hanoi.
Brother Hai’s Pho is currently the hottest game
With its blend of everyday life, mystery, humor, and retro 8-bit pixel art, Brother Hai’s Pho quickly gained popularity for its unique concept and authentic Vietnamese charm. Every detail, from the signboard “Brother Hai’s Pho – Number 10 Dan Phuong” to the distinct personalities of the customers, evokes a familiar and cozy village atmosphere. The simmering pho, dimly lit lanterns, and shadows passing by the window all combine to create an immersive experience.
The game’s impact extends beyond gamers. Numerous social media users have shared images and even searched for “Brother Hai’s Pho – Number 10 Dan Phuong” in real life. Streamers from both Vietnam and abroad have also played the game, further propelling it into a viral sensation.
Searches for “Number 10 Dan Phuong” and “Brother Hai’s Pho” have surged recently, according to Google Trends
The storyline of Brother Hai’s Pho is cleverly crafted, intertwining daily life with mysterious events, keeping players engaged and curious.
Main Character: Players take on the role of Brother Hai, owner of a small pho shop, and his loyal dog, Boy Vang. Daily life seems to revolve around cooking and serving pho.
Unexpected Twists: Things take a turn when suspicious customers visit the shop, Boy Vang goes missing, and the local gangster, “Bo Doi,” demands protection money. Brother Hai must embark on a journey to uncover the truth, fight for survival, and protect what he holds dear.
Genre Fusion: The game seamlessly shifts from a meticulous cooking simulation to unexpected surreal horror moments. As night falls, the peaceful daytime pho shop transforms into a place of mystery, where spirits, strange noises, and past memories unfold.
Humor & Everyday Life: The game incorporates Vietnamese humor through Boy Vang and situations involving “Bo Doi” and other troublemakers.
Multiple Endings: Player choices in critical moments lead to different story paths, encouraging exploration of all four possible endings (lasting 30 minutes to an hour).
The game has also been livestreamed by international streamers
Brother Hai’s Pho is more than just a game; it’s a vivid portrayal of Vietnamese life, where traditional pho meets spiritual mysteries. Despite being an indie project with limited resources, it showcases the creative potential of young Vietnamese game developers, paving the way for blending folk culture with modern technology and bringing Vietnamese essence to the global stage.
