From waking up to the first meal: Chicken Pho at An Ngon, authentic Vietnamese pho, the owner's partner is Vietnamese

From waking up to the first meal: Chicken Pho at An Ngon, authentic Vietnamese pho, the owner's partner is Vietnamese

One morning in Vietnam, I didn't hesitate to get out of bed and immerse myself in the genuine local lifestyle. I, mr.hotsia, traveled to a chicken pho restaurant called "An Ngon." This place is not located in a big city that many are familiar with, but rather a small shop hidden in a quiet community near a river or in a province rarely visited by tourists. This atmosphere made me feel like I truly stepped into the world of the locals.

An Ngon restaurant's charm lies in its young Thai owner, whom I spoke with, whose partner is a native Vietnamese. This ensures that the chicken pho recipe here is traditional, without any modifications for foreign customers. This gave me full confidence that the "flavor" I was about to experience was the authentic original from Northern Vietnam.

Morning atmosphere and journey to the chicken pho restaurant

Traveling from Lang Son city, a province I recently visited and especially liked (read more atLang Son Province, Vietnam), I chose to walk through the community's morning market, filled with lively conversations and the aroma of fresh food. An Ngon is located on a small street bustling with passersby. Although a small shop, it is filled with regular customers who bring smiles and laughter.

The fragrant aroma of chicken pho broth greeted me from the entrance. I felt warmth and appreciation seeing Vietnamese culinary culture still intensely preserved in every bowl served. Here, there is no rush like in big restaurants; instead, they focus on care in every step—from selecting fresh ingredients from nearby markets to simmering the broth for hours to fully extract the deep chicken flavor.

The charm of An Ngon's chicken pho you must experience

The chicken pho here has a unique character. The broth is clear yet rich, with a balanced flavor—not too salty or sweet. Importantly, they use free-range chicken with firm meat, making every bite special beyond words. The pho noodles are perfectly cooked—neither mushy nor too firm—topped with fresh scallions, coriander, and basil leaves that add a fragrant dimension to the air.

I asked the owner about the origin of the recipe. He smiled and shared that his Vietnamese partner taught him every step of making authentic pho to ensure the flavor remains true to the original. This is the secret that makes An Ngon's chicken pho unlike any other.

Connecting authentic Vietnam through food and atmosphere

Beyond the delicious chicken pho, the restaurant's atmosphere is filled with the essence of daily life in Northern Vietnam—whether it's the cheerful chatter of customers, the simple yet warm decor, or the heartfelt service that made me feel like part of the family. Having breakfast here was like opening a new, deeper experience beyond casual travel.

Importantly, An Ngon is not far from tourist spots I have visited, such as the beautiful and peaceful Nha Trang sea beach (Nha Trang sea beach) or, if you enjoy visiting fresh markets, the Mukdahan morning market in Vietnam is equally charming (Mukdahan morning market). I recommend stopping by An Ngon to taste the chicken pho before continuing your journey to truly feel the authentic flavors and lifestyle that I believe will leave you unforgettable impressions.

A morning experience with the first meal full of flavor and memories

After the first spoonful, I felt like a child back at my grandmother's house in rural Vietnam, savoring broth made with heart and a simple yet powerful taste. It was a breakfast that fulfilled nostalgia and happiness not easily found elsewhere.

If you are planning a trip to Northern Vietnam and want to experience a local-style breakfast, mr.hotsia recommends visiting An Ngon's chicken pho. I guarantee you will gain more than just a full stomach—you will carry memories and feelings that stay with you forever.

For those interested in travel and accommodation in Northern Vietnam, I have written recommendations on hotels and interesting places in other articles, such asVinh Long bus stationorHotel recommendations in Viet Tri cityto help make your trip more complete and comfortable.

Finally, mr.hotsia would like to share a video I recorded that day as another inspiration for you to see the real atmosphere and charm of An Ngon's chicken pho restaurant.Watch the video: From waking up to the first meal, Chicken Pho at An Ngon