Bui Chi Thanh, the third-generation owner of Pho Thin, announced that the demolition of the Pho Thin restaurant at the entrance of alley 61 Dinh Tien Hoang occurred around 9:30 PM on 19/1.

This is part of the clearance plan for the Hoan Kiem Lake East Square - Park construction project, approved by the Hanoi People's Committee in 9/2025. The plan involved clearing land occupied by 17 organizations (7 power agencies and 10 other organizations) and 43 households. This action aimed to create a clean land fund of approximately 21,151 square meters, bordered by Hoan Kiem Lake to the west, residential areas to the north, Ly Thai To street to the east, and Tran Nguyen Han street to the south.

The Pho Thin restaurant was approximately 10 meters long, extending from the entrance of alley 61 Dinh Tien Hoang. Customers sat on both sides, with the center serving as a passageway for residents. Thanh's family also owned a house in this alley, which provided additional seating when the main area was full.

The area of alley 61 Dinh Tien Hoang on the morning of 20/1. *Photo: NVCC*

At 8:30 PM on 19/1, the restaurant served its last customer and began packing its belongings.

"I have eaten here many times but never thought this would be the last", said Huy Tung, a customer who visited the restaurant on 19/11. "This restaurant not only sells pho but also holds memories for many Hanoians."

Since September, Thanh had rented a space on Hang Voi street, approximately 500 meters from the original location, to operate a second outlet. He is still seeking another new location, as the Hang Voi restaurant cannot adequately serve the large number of nearby office workers and tourists.

Pho Thin Bo Ho was established by Bui Chi Thin in 1955, initially as a mobile pho stall. A landlord, who admired Thin's pho, suggested he move his stall to what is now alley 61 Dinh Tien Hoang for easier access. The landlord later provided Thin with an old kitchen, approximately 10 square meters, within the alley, which now serves as Thanh's family home.

The pho restaurant in the alley became a familiar sight for both locals and tourists passing by Ho Guom Lake. However, Thanh noted that the interior was dilapidated, with numerous leaks, causing inconvenience for customers dining during rainy weather.

The owner spent approximately four months communicating the address change, ensuring many regular customers were aware and found the new location. He expressed little concern about losing customers, stating he only "feels regret" about leaving the pho restaurant his grandfather had established.

Tu Nguyen