During the five-day holiday, many residents and tourists in Hanoi chose to enjoy the capital's signature dishes, including pho.

On the morning of September 2, Pho Ho Loi in Tay Ho ward had nearly 30 customers queuing, with both floors of the restaurant already full. Although not located in the city center, this remains a popular pho spot. The owner did not disclose the number of customers, but Tu Nguyen, a resident of Ciputra urban area and a regular patron, estimated that the number of customers was double that of a normal day.

At the traditional pho shop at 49 Bat Dan (Hoan Kiem ward), customers queued along the street from about 7:30h to 9:30h on September 2. The over 100-year-old shop is famous for its "bao cap" (subsidy era) style, where customers queue, pay their turn, self-serve, and find a seat. On normal days, only about 10-15 people wait, but during the National Day holiday, there were always 30-40 people queuing simultaneously.

Pho Khoi Hoi at 50 Hang Vai and Pho Lam at 48 Hang Vai, both Michelin-listed pho shops, were also popular destinations for diners. Besides Hanoians, these spots attracted many tourists. A typical dish is pho loi (pho with beef core). Pictured, customers queued on the morning of September 2.

Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su, located at the intersection of Ly Quoc Su and Chan Cam streets, served many tourists.

At Pho Au Trieu, next to the Big Church, customers previously sat on the sidewalk, making the indoor space less crowded. Now, the indoor seating is always full, and many customers outside must queue.

Owner Phi Nga (in the blue shirt) was busy preparing food, occasionally directing customers. Outside, two or three family members helped collect money and guided customers with parking.

Dinh Manh, 46, and his wife, residents of Cau Giay ward, Hanoi, queued for 25 minutes at Bat Dan pho. He has been eating at this pho shop since his student days but now has fewer opportunities to enjoy it due to living far away. "During the holiday, we drove around the city and thought of our usual pho spot. Since we had free time, waiting in line for however long wasn't too important," Manh said.

Tam Anh

Photo: Hoang Giang