Phở Uyên is a beloved breakfast spot in Đà Lạt, drawing in crowds of visitors every morning. Beyond its nostalgic exterior and signage, this humble pho restaurant captivates with the heartfelt hospitality of its 80-year-old owner.
Nestled on Xô Viết Nghệ Tĩnh Street, this quaint wooden shop is painted sky blue, with a simple sign that harks back to the 1980s and 90s, evoking memories of a bygone Đà Lạt. The sight of this shop has become a familiar and cherished image for many visitors to the city of flowers.
The owner, now 72 years old, warmly greets every customer with a gentle voice that carries a blend of the Huế accent with a Southern twist—a dialect common in Đà Lạt before 1975. Her kind smile and heartfelt welcome make every guest feel at home. The first thing she says is usually a thank you for taking the time to visit her small pho shop.
As she meticulously prepares each bowl of pho, the owner shares the story of her wooden house, which was built by her parents 60 years ago. In 1994, due to financial difficulties, she left her teaching job to open this pho shop, where she serves beef pho, pork knuckle noodle soup, and other breakfast dishes. The shop is named after her daughter, Hải Uyên.
Many customers come to the shop because of the unique sign. It was hand-painted by my husband 28 years ago. He was a language teacher but had a passion for painting, so he designed and painted the sign himself. I’m surprised that this simple sign has become so popular with young people,” she shares with a smile.
The shop is open from 7:15 AM to 4:00 PM daily. Both the owner and her sister, who are both in their 70s, handle everything from preparing the ingredients to cooking and serving the customers. They only hire one assistant to help out. “People often ask if I’m tired. Honestly, age might slow me down a bit, but I’m not tired at all. As long as customers enjoy the pho, I’m happy all day,” the owner confides.
The pho broth is simmered from beef bones starting the day before until 4 AM the next morning. Interestingly, the broth is cooked entirely over a charcoal stove, not an electric one. Diners here typically prefer a richer, fattier broth rather than the clearer broth common in Northern Vietnam.
According to the owner, she learned the pho recipe from family, cooking books, and online resources, tweaking it to suit the tastes of Đà Lạt locals. “I cook pho just the way I would for my own family,” she explains.
The pho here is served with bean sprouts, cilantro, lettuce, and basil. Each bowl costs 40,000 VND.
The pho itself isn’t exceptionally remarkable—it’s decent, but not extraordinary. Yet, the shop is always bustling with customers, thanks to the care and dedication of the 80-year-old owner. “I frequently bring tourists to Đà Lạt, and every month, I make 3-4 visits to Phở Uyên with them. The pho here isn’t top-notch, but the two sisters are so attentive and cheerful, the shop is clean, and it exudes a nostalgic charm of Đà Lạt from the 80s and 90s. That’s what makes visitors feel warm and loved,” says Hoàng Công, a tour guide from Ho Chi Minh City.
For many years, Phở Uyên has been regarded as the most “memorable” pho shop in Đà Lạt. For many visitors, it’s not just about the delicious pho, but also the down-to-earth, nostalgic atmosphere that keeps them coming back.
