Pho Thin: Hanoi’s Signature Broth in Melbourne

Melbourne’s pho scene has no shortage of competition, but Pho Thin brings something different. Founded in Hanoi in 1979, the brand has built decades of devotion around a single bowl — beef pho that’s richer, smokier and more complex than the rest. Its Melbourne outpost stays true to the original formula, offering a no-fuss, high-turnover experience that focuses on doing one thing perfectly.

The setting is minimalist, clean and quick. White tiles, wooden stools and the steady sound of ladles hitting bowls set the tone for an experience that’s about flavour, not flash.

The Signature Style

Pho Thin’s broth stands apart thanks to its wok-tossed beef, a technique that adds a deep, caramelised smokiness before the meat meets the soup. The resulting bowl is aromatic and layered — light yet robust, infused with star anise, cinnamon and charred onion. Each bowl is finished with fresh herbs, lime, and a spoonful of house chilli oil that brings everything together.

There are no endless menu options here. Just variations on their signature pho, plus a few simple drinks. It’s a purist’s dream — and that’s exactly the point.

Fast, Honest and Iconic

Pho Thin isn’t trying to reinvent Vietnamese food for Melbourne; it’s bringing Hanoi’s soul straight to the city. Service is fast, the crowd is mixed, and turnover is constant. It’s the kind of place where you sit down, eat quietly, and leave completely satisfied. For locals chasing authenticity and newcomers curious about the hype, Pho Thin delivers the essence of Vietnam’s capital — one bowl at a time.