Quick Guide – Where to Find the Best Pho in Sydney Right Now
Most Authentic Pho Experience
Pho Gia Hoi in Haymarket’s Chinatown leads for classic authenticity. Their Pho Dac Biet features a deeply flavored, slow-simmered broth, tender beef slices, and the full Vietnamese garnish tray. User and expert rankings consistently place Pho Gia Hoi at the top, citing the restaurant’s precision in traditional technique and bustling, casual ambiance. Average bowl price: under AU$20. Check reviews.
Best Modern Pho Twist
Great Aunty Three in Enmore is renowned for combining tradition with innovation. Their family recipe uses a basil-and-star-anise-accented broth and features both beef/chicken and vegan pho options. Side offerings like rice paper rolls and banh mi provide a fresh, creative Vietnamese dining experience. Ambiance is modern and welcoming, drawing young diners and foodies.
Best Vegan & Vegetarian Pho
Golden Lotus Vegan (CBD area) excels in plant-based Vietnamese fare. Their vegan pho delivers a nourishing, aromatic mushroom and vegetable broth. Highly rated for its flavor depth and variety of vegan toppings. Also, Great Aunty Three’s vegan pho receives strong recommendations.
Hidden Gems: Up-and-Coming Pho Spots (2024-2026)
Pho PHD in Marrickville offers a contemporary Southern-style pho, slightly sweeter and richly layered with proteins like seafood and bean curd. It’s routinely praised in user reviews for consistency and inventive touches. Pho Huong Xua in Canley Heights is also noted as a rising star for authentic flavors and excellent noodle quality.
What Makes Great Pho: A Sydney Perspective
Key Pho Elements: Broth, Noodles, and Garnishes
- Broth: The cornerstone—clear, aromatic, slow-cooked 8-24 hours with spices such as star anise, cinnamon, cardamom, and clove.
- Noodles: Fresh, flat rice noodles (bánh phở) with a springy, non-sticky texture.
- Garnishes: Fresh herbs (Thai basil, cilantro, mint), bean sprouts, lime, chili, onions. Quality hinges on vibrancy and freshness.
Regional Differences: Northern vs. Southern Vietnamese Pho
| Aspect | Northern Pho (Hà Nội Style) | Southern Pho (Sài Gòn Style) |
|---|---|---|
| Broth | Subtle, spiced, minimal additives | Bolder, sweeter, occasionally rock sugar or coconut |
| Noodles | Thinner, simpler | Wider, more toppings |
| Garnishes | Fewer—sprouts, herbs, lime | Abundant—jalapeños, sauces, herbs |
| Meat | Rare beef slices, tripe | Variety incl. meatballs, tendon |
Sydney’s Unique Pho Scene in 2024
Sydney’s pho integrates local Australian beef, an increasing focus on vegan broths, and sustainable sourcing. Southern-style broths with more pronounced sweetness and variety are growing in popularity, while vegan and gluten-free bowls are widely available.
Top 12 Best Pho Restaurants in Sydney [Expert & User Ranked]
Overview: Evaluation Criteria & Scoring
- Broth clarity, aroma, and flavor depth
- Noodle freshness and texture
- Quality and freshness of toppings
- Authenticity of regional style
- Ambiance and service speed
- Price-to-quality ratio
- Availability of dietary options (vegan, gluten-free)
- Aggregate user review scores (Tripadvisor, Google, local guides)
Restaurant #1: Pho Gia Hoi – Signature Dishes, Price, Ambiance, and User Tips
Signature dish: Pho Dac Biet (AU$16-20). Ambiance: lively, simple, and family-friendly. User tips: visit during off-peak hours for quick service. Consistently rated 3.8/5 over 115+ reviews. Located at 711 George St, Haymarket.
Restaurant #2: Golden Lotus Vegan – Vegan/Allergy Options and Pho Specialties
Signature: Vegan pho with rich mushroom broth. Cater to dietary needs including gluten-free on request. Price: under AU$20. Ambiance: minimal, welcoming, focused on plant-based dining. Highly praised in vegan circles.
Restaurant #3: Great Aunty Three – Broth Depth and Noodle Consistency Review
Signature: Beef pho (also vegan option), noted for aromatics and consistent noodle texture. Price: AU$17-19. User tip: add sides like banh mi. Attractive, modern Vietnamese spot in Enmore.
Restaurant #4: Pho PHD – Trendy Location and Recent Opening Notes
Noted for: Southern-style sweeter broth, innovative seafood and bean curd options. Trendy Marrickville location. Fast-growing reputation with young food lovers; average rating 4.0/5.
Restaurant #5: Pho Huong Xua – Family-Owned Tradition and Food Safety
Family-operated since early 2000s. Focus on classic flavors and quality control. Located in Canley Heights, west Sydney. Average rating: 10.5/15 (independent blogger panel). Broth and noodle hygiene highly ranked.
Restaurants #6-12: Quick Profiles and Standout Features
- Pho An (Bankstown): Legendary for decades. Huge portions, robust beef flavor.
- Pho Sam (Lane Cove): Family-run, suburban gem.
- Pho Tau Bay (Cabramatta): Since 1980, balance of flavor. Old-school Vietnamese menu.
- Pho Hanoi Pho (Newtown): Trendy setting, authentic northern-style broth.
- Pho 236 (Surry Hills): Consistent delivery/takeaway ratings. Good for lunch crowds.
- Pho House (Maroubra): Relaxed, friendly service, beachside twist.
- Pho Xpress (Mascot): Airport favorite for travelers, quick service.
Pho in Every District: Interactive Sydney Suburb Guide
Cabramatta, Bankstown & Western Suburbs
- Pho Tau Bay: Cabramatta staple
- Pho An: Bankstown, best for large groups
- Pho Huong Xua: Canley Heights hidden favorite
Inner West, Marrickville & Enmore
- Great Aunty Three: Vegan-friendly, modern twist
- Pho PHD: Sweeter Southern-style options
Sydney CBD & Surrounds
- Pho Gia Hoi: Best overall for tradition
- Golden Lotus Vegan: Vegan and allergy-friendly
- Pho 236: Central takeaway
North Sydney & Eastern Suburbs
- Pho Sam: Lane Cove, family-run
- Pho House: Maroubra, beachside dining
Dietary Needs & Preferences: Vegan, Vegetarian, and Allergy-Friendly Pho
Vegan Pho in Sydney: Top Spots
Golden Lotus Vegan and Great Aunty Three lead the city in plant-based, zero-animal product pho. Mushroom and vegetable broths mimic classic flavors, while gluten-free rice noodles are often available on request.
Gluten-Free & Low-Sodium Options
Most pho restaurants offer gluten-free rice noodles. For low-sodium needs, custom ordering is often possible—request lighter broth seasoning. Always confirm with staff for cross-contamination concerns.
How to Custom Order for Allergies
Advise staff of any allergies (soy, peanuts, gluten). Request ingredient substitutions when needed. Larger venues in the CBD and vegan-centric spots are generally most amenable to customization.
2024 Pho Trends in Sydney: What’s New & What’s Next?
New-Opening Pho Restaurants to Try This Year
- Pho PHD: Expanding rapidly in inner west
- Several small family-run shops opening in suburbs like Marrickville and Bankstown
Creative Twists: Truffle, Wagyu, and Fusion Broths
Some venues now offer truffle-infused pho (limited runs at Pho An), wagyu toppings, and fusion broths combining international flavors—reflecting Sydney’s dynamic food scene.
Delivery, Takeaway, and DIY Pho Kits
Post-2020, delivery and takeaway have surged. Pho 236 and Pho Gia Hoi both rate highly for delivery quality and DIY pho kits. Order online.
Insider Tips for the Best Pho Experience in Sydney
Customizing Your Bowl: Condiments and Toppings
Key condiments: Hoisin, sriracha, chili oil, lime. Add fresh herbs for brightness. For extra kick, request extra chili or garlic from the kitchen.
When to Visit: Quiet Times and Peak Pho Hours
Lunch service (12-2pm) and Friday nights are busiest. For fast service, visit before noon or after 2pm. Pho restaurants in Chinatown and Bankstown open late on weekends.
What Locals Recommend: Staff and Regulars’ Favorite Orders
Staff at Pho Gia Hoi recommend the Pho Dac Biet; at Great Aunty Three, try the vegan pho with soy protein. Locals love “extra herbs” and “side of lime.”
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Sydney Pho
- Is Sydney’s pho safe to eat? Yes. NSW Food Authority regularly inspects venues for hygiene. Most pho shops maintain high standards. See NSW Food Authority for reports.
- Are there authentic regional styles? Yes. Northern is subtle; Southern is sweeter and heavier on garnishes. Most venues offer Southern style.
- Where’s the best vegan pho? Golden Lotus Vegan, Great Aunty Three.
- How much for a bowl? Most prices are AU$16–20.
- Are gluten-free options easy to find? Yes. Most rice noodles are gluten-free. Cross-check with staff.
Interactive Map: Best Pho Spots by Location (2024)
For an up-to-date interactive map, visit Sitchu’s Best Pho Sydney Guide or use Google Maps ‘pho near me’ with filters.
- Ready to taste Sydney’s top pho? Try these highest-rated spots now!