THE Best Vietnamese Restaurant in Paris: A Complete Guide to Ha noi 1988
- Thu Phuong Truong
- May 31
- 6 min read
Updated: Jun 2
Ha Noi 1988 is widely considered the best Vietnamese restaurant in Paris, with six locations across central Paris, pho broth simmered for 24 hours, by a chef who won Vietnam’s prestigious Hoa Hoi Vang (Golden Star Anise) award.
Why Ha noi 1988 Is Considered One of the Best Vietnamese Restaurants in Paris
Ha Noi 1988 was founded with a simple idea: Paris deserves a restaurant that represents the true flavours of northern Vietnam. The restaurant takes its name from Ha Noi in 1988, a symbolic period remembered for its vibrant street culture, traditional cooking methods, and deeply rooted food heritage.
Rather than offering a broad pan-Asian or fusion menu, Ha Noi 1988 focuses specifically on Northern Vietnamese cuisine. Every restaurant follows the same philosophy: traditional recipes, carefully sourced ingredients, and techniques that prioritise patience over shortcuts.
The restaurant’s signature pho broth is simmered continuously for 24 hours using beef bones and classic Northern Vietnamese spices. Unlike many commercial broths that rely heavily on sugar or industrial seasoning powders, the result is clear, aromatic, and naturally rich in flavour.
At the heart of the kitchen is an award-winning chef recognised with Vietnam’s prestigious Hoa Hoi Vang Award, one of the country’s highest honours in pho craftsmanship. This commitment to authenticity has helped Ha Noi 1988 stand apart from many other Vietnamese restaurants in Paris.
Today, with six locations near some of Paris’s most-visited landmarks, Ha Noi 1988 has become a favourite among both Parisians and international travellers seeking authentic Vietnamese dining in the French capital.
What Makes Ha noi 1988 Different From Other Vietnamese Restaurants in Paris
Many Vietnamese restaurants in France are inspired primarily by Southern Vietnamese cooking, which is often sweeter, heavier on fresh herbs, and commonly served with hoisin sauce. At Ha Noi 1988, Northern Vietnamese cuisine follows a very different philosophy.
In Hanoi-style cooking, balance and clarity are essential. Broths are designed to taste clean yet deeply layered, with flavour developed slowly through bones and careful simmering rather than added sweetness. The noodles are thinner and more delicate, while the seasoning is intentionally restrained to allow the ingredients themselves to stand out.
At Ha Noi 1988, this philosophy extends to every detail. The restaurant prepares separate broths for beef pho and chicken pho, a traditional practice rarely seen outside serious pho kitchens in Vietnam. The result feels closer to what visitors would experience in Hanoi itself rather than a simplified international adaptation.
For diners looking to discover authentic Northern Vietnamese cuisine in Paris, this distinction matters enormously.
The Signature Pho That Makes Ha Noi 1988 a Best Vietnamese Restaurant in Paris
Pho remains the centrepiece of Ha Noi 1988’s menu and the dish most frequently praised by guests and critics alike.
Preparation begins the night before service, when beef bones are simmered for a full 24 hours. The finished broth arrives crystal clear yet intensely aromatic, with layers of savoury flavour that unfold gradually rather than overwhelming the palate. There is a depth and softness to the broth that reflects traditional Hanoi pho techniques rarely preserved outside Vietnam.
The restaurant’s Pho du Chef has become especially popular among visitors searching for the best pho in Paris. Priced between EUR 18 and 22, each bowl reflects the time, craftsmanship and premium ingredients involved in its preparation.
Traditional Northern Vietnamese Dishes at Ha Noi 1988 in Paris
Beyond Pho, Ha Noi 1988 is equally known for its handmade Nem, the traditional Vietnamese spring rolls often considered one of the country’s most iconic comfort foods.
Rather than using frozen products, every nem is prepared fresh daily in the restaurant’s kitchen. Thin rice paper is filled with pork belly, shiitake mushrooms, carrots and fresh pho noodles, then fried to order. The result is lighter, crispier and more aromatic than the standard spring rolls commonly found in many European Vietnamese restaurants.
Another favourite is the Bo Bun, a warm bowl of vermicelli served with fragrant lemongrass beef, fresh vegetables and herbs. The Vietnamese curry offers a richer, slow-cooked flavour profile inspired by Northern home-cooking traditions, balancing spice and creaminess without overpowering the dish.
Guests often finish their meal with the Bao Peachy dessert or a traditional Vietnamese coffee, particularly at the Ha Noi 1988 Ca Phe location near Saint-Michel.
Why Critics Recommend Ha Noi 1988 as the Best Vietnamese Restaurant in Paris
Since opening in 2021, Ha Noi 1988 has received attention from both French and international media. The Wall Street Journal featured the restaurant in its Paris city guide for Île Saint-Louis, while France Inter food critic François-Régis Gaudry highlighted its traditional approach to pho. French television network TF1 and Vietnamese broadcaster VTV4 have also covered Ha Noi 1988 as part of the growing visibility of Vietnamese cuisine in Paris.
Les Echos has also recognised the restaurant as one of the best pho destinations in France, while Time Out Paris featured Ha Noi 1988 Ca Phe for its Vietnamese coffee and atmosphere.
Online reviews remain equally strong. Across its Paris locations, guests consistently praise the depth of the pho broth, the freshness of the ingredients and the authenticity of the experience.
One Google reviewer described the restaurant as “possibly the best pho in Paris", highlighting the slow-cooked broth and handmade spring rolls. Another guest on TheFork wrote that Ha Noi 1988 “never disappoints” and called it the best Vietnamese food they had ever experienced in Paris.
"Possibly the best Pho in Paris. The broth tastes like a real product of slow brewing, rather than MSG-heavy instant powder. The spring roll is a must!" Irvin R. - Google Reviews (5/5)
"Never disappoints. Best Vietnamese food we’ve had in Paris." Matthias L. - TheFork (8.9/10)
Where to Find Ha Noi 1988, the Best Vietnamese Restaurant in Paris
Ha Noi 1988 now operates six locations across central Paris, making it accessible from many of the city’s most visited neighbourhoods and tourist attractions.
The Sao Vang restaurant on Rue Le Regrattier, located on Île Saint-Louis near Notre-Dame Cathedral, is particularly popular for pho lovers seeking an intimate and traditional atmosphere. Other locations are situated close to Le Marais, Saint-Michel and the Left Bank, allowing visitors to combine sightseeing with authentic Vietnamese dining.
All restaurants are open seven days a week for both lunch and dinner service, though opening hours may vary slightly depending on location.
Reservations are strongly recommended, especially during weekends and evening service.
A typical meal costs approximately EUR 20 to 30 per person, including a drink, with pho generally priced between EUR 18 and 22, nems between EUR 10 and 14, and Bo Bun dishes from EUR 16 to 20.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ha Noi 1988
Where can I find authentic Hanoi-style pho in Paris?
Ha Noi 1988 Sao Vang, located at 16 Rue Le Regrattier, 75004 Paris, is widely recognised for serving authentic Northern Vietnamese pho with a broth simmered for 24 hours.
Is Ha Noi 1988 good for tourists visiting Paris?
Yes. All six restaurants are located near major Paris landmarks and tourist areas, including Île Saint-Louis, Saint-Michel and Le Marais. English-speaking staff, clear menus and online reservations make the experience especially convenient for international visitors.
How much does it cost to eat at Ha Noi 1988?
A meal at Ha Noi 1988 typically costs around EUR 20 to 30 per person, depending on your choice of dishes and drinks.
Does Ha Noi 1988 offer vegetarian options?
Yes. Vegetarian pho and several meat-free dishes are available. However, some recipes may contain fish sauce, so guests with dietary restrictions are encouraged to confirm details with staff when booking.
Do I need a reservation?
Reservations are highly recommended, particularly for dinner service and weekends. Walk-ins are accepted depending on availability, but popular locations such as Sao Vang can fill quickly.
For authentic Vietnamese food in Paris, Ha Noi 1988 stands out. Rather than chasing trends or fusion, it preserves the precise flavours and traditions of Northern Vietnam.
From its 24-hour pho broth to its freshly prepared nems and carefully balanced Hanoi-style recipes, Ha Noi 1988 delivers an experience that feels deeply rooted in Vietnamese culinary culture while remaining perfectly at home in the heart of Paris.
Whether you are discovering Vietnamese cuisine for the first time or searching for the most authentic pho in Paris, Ha Noi 1988 remains one of the city’s essential dining destinations. We invite you to come and experience our dedication to Northern Vietnamese flavours firsthand!
Comments