Being more than just a national dish and a bowl of noodle soup, Pho carries the tradition and history of Vietnam since the 19th century. Pho has since gone through a series of modification as the years go by, but it remains a well-loved dish by many.

Amongst the many food options in Somerset, we spotted this Que in TripleOne Somerset that serves Pho, Banh Mi, Bun Cha and other Vietnamese dishes. The menu is relatively affordable with nothing over S$10.90.

Aside from the usual chains you see in town, maybe this could be a new choice for you to savour!

Our Beef Pho (S$10.90) came served in a huge bowl; plus points for big portions! We first tried the broth on its own without adding any extra condiments and thought it was too light. Masterchef us started to add various sauces and toppings that were available at the counter in using our “agaration” to create our work of art.

We threw in some hoisin sauce, fish sauce, sriracha sauce, black pepper, two small limes (make do with just one if you don’t like it too sour) and some beansprouts. The flavours were immediately enhanced and the broth came to life.

Out of the few ingredients in the pho, we were bowled over by the beef balls that came with a chewy consistency and a pleasant beefy fragrance.

If pho is not your thing, here’s a rice option. As one of the highlights on their menu, the Grilled Pork Rice (S$8.90) comes with a fried spring roll. It was covered in a sweet sauce, similar to teriyaki or Thai pork skewers, moo ping, but with a firmer texture. The nuts and shallots sprinkled on it added some crunch and a nutty aroma to it.

The lady boss shared that she uses pork collar as it contains less fat but still has a good bite to it. Personally, we thought that a little more fat would have done this dish more justice with a more tender bite and fat-rendered goodness, possibly by using pork belly.

A dipping sauce made with fish sauce, vinegar and sugar that tasted similar to achar was served on the side, and it blended well together with the pork.

This food stall is a one-man show by this Vietnamese lady boss and was previously located at Toa Payoh before shifting here. She prepares everything on her own and we could feel her sincerity in cooking while tasting the food. Her friendliness and hospitality made the dining experience at Que even warmer than the bowl of noodles we had.

111 Somerset Road
#01-K10, TripleOne Somerset
Singapore 238164
Sun to Fri: 11:30am to 8pm
Sat: 11:30am to 3pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

New to the slew of cafes and eateries in Upper Thomson is Pho Viet, a humble Vietnamese eatery situated along the same stretch where Maneko Japanese Restaurant and One Man Coffee are located at.

They serve up anything from the classic pho to other lesser known Vietnamese dishes, mostly priced below S$10. Being literally the only Vietnamese joint in the whole stretch, we had pretty high expectations but did it meet them, surpass them or disappoint? Read on to find out.

Starting off with what many of us would consider a Vietnamese staple, the Beef Brisket Noodle Soup (S$8.90) is one of the most popular dishes in Pho Viet amongst diners which goes highly recommended by their staff.

Pho Viet’s rendition of the noodle soup dish features thick rice noodles topped with beef slices and beef meatballs. While the rice noodles were silky smooth just the way we like it, we thought that the broth could do with more flavours and that the beef pieces were a major letdown.

The meatballs that were served were undercooked, resulting in a hard texture whereas the beef slices were tough and lacked flavour.

The Pork Stew with Quail Eggs (S$8.90), on the other hand, came packed with robust flavours. A traditional dish that is consumed by the Vietnamese during Lunar New Year, this dish sees fork-tender pork belly pieces alongside quail eggs.

Served with steamed rice, the stew came with caramelised pork belly pieces and quail eggs which were both well-marinated in a sweet-savoury sauce. However, considering the price point of this item, we thought that they could afford to be more generous with its portion.

Pho Viet also offers a variety of appetisers on the menu ranging from barbecued seafood to Vietnamese baguettes. We ordered up a portion of BBQ Pork (S$8.90), our personal essential whenever we patronise a Vietnamese eatery.

Presented in the form of skewers, the pork pieces had a pleasant bite to it. Be that as it may, we thought that the skewers were overly salty. Besides the strong notes of fish sauce used in its marination, the skewers lacked dimension to its flavours taste-wise.

Pho Viet
215M Upper Thomson Road
Tel: +65 8518 0090
Daily: 11am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Marymount

Known for her rich history, friendly town folks and incredibly cheap and delectable eats, Ho Chi Minh City is the best place for foodies to embark on an all-you-can-eat extravaganza.

Sure we all know what a good pho or banh mi should taste like, or so we believe we do. Prepare to have your perceptions completely flipped on its head. Though, it’s only fair that we warn you that having your favourite Vietnamese treats in Singapore won’t be the same anymore.

If that doesn’t deter you at all, dive into true-blue Vietnamese food starting from the back alley streets of Ho Chi Minh to some of the poshest looking bars. To help guide you along, here’s our Ho Chi Minh City District 1 food guide.

33 DE THAM RESTAURANT

While pho, spring rolls and banh mi are great, they aren’t all that Vietnam is good for. Tucked away along a quiet street in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1, lies 33 De Tham Restaurant.

Specialising in zi char-style cooking, their menu boasts a wide range of delights ranging from the usual to the exotic, and not only is the quality topnotch, but the price is also unbelievably affordable as well.

Cau Ong Lanh Ward, District 1
Ho Chi Minh City 700000
Daily: 11am – 1.30am

BRIX WINEBAR KITCHEN

If you’re looking for a bar with great vibes and wines, look no further than to BRIX Winebar Kitchen. BRIX serves a great range of charcuterie, cold cuts and cheeses on their menu that pair excellently with their wines.

You can mix and match a few of your favourites to enjoy while you drink the night away.

42 Pasteur Street
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh 700000, Vietnam
Mon to Sat: 11am – 12am
Sun: 1pm – 12am

L’AMANT CAFE

L’amant Café impresses with both its gorgeous decor and a sensational medley of tasty treats. Conveniently located in District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City, the elaborate yet cosy café is best known for their range of Vietnamese coffee and contemporary Vietnamese dishes.

It certainly is a must to pop in for a nice warm cuppa or some cafe food too if you fancy it.

12 Nguyên Huê, Ben Nghé
Ho Chí Minh, Vietnam
Sun to Mon: 7.30am – 11pm
Sat: 7.30am – 10.30pm

LUNCH LADY

When visiting Ho Chi Minh City, no one ever leaves without paying the acclaimed Lunch Lady a visit. This internationally-renowned street food stall—located just a few steps away from popular pho joint, Pho Phuong 25—is famous for their down-to-Earth, rustic charm and menu that rotates daily.

Until today, Lunch Lady is still highly patronised by locals, tourists, as well as food bloggers from around the world.

23 Hoang Sa Street
Phuong Da Kao, District 1 (Quan 1)
Daily: 9am – 3pm

MAMA PHO

Mama Pho has a stellar pho-centric menu, featuring not only different flavours of the classic soup-based pho. Here is where you’ll find unique pho-based creations such as their Crispy Pan-Fried Pho, Rolled Pho and even Wok-Fried Pho.

You won’t find many locals dining here given its higher price point, but Mama Pho is worth a visit regardless.

111, Hem So 9,
Ben Nghé Quan 1,
Ho Chí Minh, Vietnam
Daily: 8am – 10pm

MAM BAC

Specialising in a variety of Vietnamese dishes from the classic pho, grilled meat dishes to some pretty exotic items as well, Mâm Bac is a 2-storey eatery in Ho Chi Minh’s District 1 that is worth visiting for a pleasant introduction to local flavours in a modern and comfortable setting.

94 Ho Tung Mau, Quan 1
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Tel: +84 90 130 15 08
Daily: 7am – 11pm

NHU LAN BAKERY

A popular pit stop among the Vietnamese locals, Nhu Lan Bakery houses a banh mi kiosk, a proper sit-down Vietnamese eatery as well as a delicatessen and meat grocer.

They serve everything under the sun, from bowls of pho bo to a massive selection of banh mi toppings and even some other local delicacies not commonly found elsewhere.

50 Ham Nghi,
Ben Nghé, Quan 1
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Daily: 4am – 11pm

NHU LAN BANH MI

Like Pho, Bahn Mi is found in every street corner, available in fancy food joints and street stalls anywhere in Ho Chi Minh City, and definitely here at Nhu Lan Bakery too.

While Banh Mi usually features pork paté, a variety of cooked meats, Vietnamese hams and sausages and more, you can also customise your own Bahn Mi from their wide variety of toppings here too!

50 Ham Nghi,
Ben Nghé, Quan 1,
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Daily: 4am – 11pm

STREET FOOD – MULTI-COLOURED GLUTINOUS RICE

While strolling through Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll inevitably come across a street cart or two selling gorgeous colourful glutinous rice desserts topped with coconut cream and desiccated coconuts, making for that perfect Instagram shot.

We do recommend asking locals for the best recommendations and asking for the price before ordering though.

STREET FOOD – RICE PAPER CRISPY PANCAKE

Known as Banh Trang Nuong, it’s a type of rice cracker more commonly found in Ho Chi Minh City. A rice paper sheet is toasted over a charcoal fire to a nice crisp before being topped up with ingredients such as diced vegetables, cream cheese, quail eggs, minced meat and a variety of sauces.

If you see a stall like this around Ho Chi Minh City, do not hesitate!

PHO HA

Having been around for the past 20 years, these folks know how to serve up a proper bowl of pho, so skip your McDonald’s and head over to Pho Ha for a delicious late-night bite instead.

Meaty and straightforward yet brimming with heady notes of spices, there really is no questioning why the locals here can have this every single day.

19 Hai Trieu, District 1,
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Daily: 4pm – 2am

PHO HAI TRIEU

Specialising in an assortment of chicken dishes, pho and hearty soups, this humble eatery may not seem like much at first, but it really does impress with its wide array of menu offerings. Also great if you’re in a hurry—because service here is lightning quick while packing a substantial arsenal of yummy delights with their chicken dishes standing out the most.

Ben Nghe, District 1,
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

PHO PHUONG 25

For a truly authentic and out-of-this-world beef pho experience when in Ho Chi Minh City, you really have to drop by Pho Phuong 25.

Besides offering tasty bowls of pho, they feature both indoor and open-air seating, you could easily bask in the aroma of simmering beef broth and freshly plucked herbs surrounding the entire eatery.

25 Hoàng Sa, District 1,
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Tue to Sun: 5.30am – 9pm
Mon: 5.30am – 1pm

PHUC LONG COFFEE & TEA

Essentially the Starbucks of Vietnam, this Vietnamese-born chain is best known for their tea and their iced teas are a big hit with many people of all ages, and although it might resemble the look and feel of a commercial coffee and tea chain, it was far from it.

It’s the perfect place to pop by and grab a quick iced coffee or tea and go about the rest of your day in the city.

29 Ngo Duc Ke Q 1
Ho Chi Minh City 70000, Vietnam (
Multiple outlets located within District 1)

THE RUNNING BEAN

If you’re planning to take a short break before embarking on more adventures in HCMC, take a break at The Running Bean and lounge in one of their comfortable seats inside or al fresco. This gorgeous cafe boasts a boho-theme, similar to the ones you’d typically expect to find in Bali.

They serve up ice cold smoothie bowls that are nothing short of perfect to cleanse and detoxify all the Vietnamese coffee and street food you’ve probably had by now.

115 Ho Tung Mau Dist.1,
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Daily: 8am – 10.30pm

For more recommendations, read our Ho Chi Minh City’s guides to discover the best places to visit in the city.