Following the release of the Michelin Guide Vietnam 2026 selection, food enthusiasts have debated several restaurants and eateries included in this year's list, with discussions focusing on food quality, pricing and selection criteria.
Among the newcomers to the Michelin Selected category is Huyen Huong Chicken Pho, an eatery that has long attracted attention for its premium prices.
Many diners regard it as one of Hanoi’s most expensive pho restaurants. A bowl of chicken pho costs between VND 90,000 and VND 160,000 (approximately USD 3.40-6.10, while a glass of orange juice is priced at VND 80,000 (approximately USD 3.10). A plate of boiled chicken costs VND 500,000 (approximately USD 19).
Each bowl of pho is priced from VND 90,000 to VND 160,000 (about USD 3.40 to USD 6.10) (Photo: FBNV).
Speaking to Dantri/Dtinews, Hai Anh, a representative of the restaurant, said he was aware of the controversy surrounding its pricing but argued that the costs reflect the quality of the ingredients and preparation.
According to Hai Anh, the restaurant uses free-range chickens raised for a full year, with each bird weighing between three and 3.5 kilos before processing.
The broth is simmered continuously for 17 to 18 hours with roasted ginger, grilled onions, onion bulbs, fish sauce, salt and sugar to create its distinctive flavour.
Although the pho is expensive by local standards, Hai Anh said each bowl contains a generous portion of chicken.
The restaurant has received a rating of 4.4 out of 5 on Tripadvisor and 4.7 out of 5 on Google, based on nearly 5,000 reviews.
One reviewer identified as Bro wrote: “The broth is good, the chicken is excellent, and the dining space is clean and elegant. Prices are higher than average, but the quality matches.”
An international visitor said they had visited the restaurant twice and enjoyed both experiences, recommending the special mixed chicken pho served with a poached egg.
The restaurant uses chickens raised for a full year, producing tender, sweet meat (Photo: FBNV).
Not all reviews have been positive. Some customers said the chicken rice dish lacked depth of flavour and did not fully meet expectations.
Hai Anh said his family was surprised to learn that the restaurant had been included in the Michelin Selected list.
“We had no idea we were on the Michelin Guide this year until a journalist called to congratulate us,” he said.
According to the restaurant representative, customer numbers have remained stable since the Michelin announcement.
Michelin honours 193 dining venues in Vietnam
This year's Michelin Guide Vietnam selection features 193 dining establishments, including 11 one-Michelin-star restaurants, 72 Bib Gourmand venues, 110 Michelin Selected establishments and three restaurants recognised with Michelin Green Stars.
Among the newly added venues, seven are located in Hanoi, 11 in Ho Chi Minh City and four in Danang.
A restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City also joined the Michelin Green Star community for the first time, recognised for its strong commitment to zero-waste practices and plant-based cuisine.
Notably, this is the first time since Michelin Guide began publishing its Vietnam selection four years ago that the number of Michelin-starred restaurants has reached double digits, a sign that Vietnamese cuisine is entering a new stage of development with increasingly demanding standards.
