Phở Khô Gia Lai: A Guide to Pleiku’s Famous Two-Bowl Pho
Phở khô Gia Lai is a unique noodle dish from Pleiku in Vietnam’s Central Highlands. Known as “two-bowl pho,” it comes with dry rice noodles in one bowl and hot broth in another. Learn about its origin, ingredients, how to eat it, and where to try authentic phở khô in Gia Lai.
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When people think about Vietnamese pho, they usually imagine a large bowl of rice noodles covered with hot beef broth.
Phở khô Gia Lai is different.
Instead of putting everything in one bowl, this special pho from Pleiku is served in two separate bowls. One contains dry rice noodles with toppings and sauce, while the other contains hot, clear broth with meat.
Because of this unusual way of serving the dish, local people often call it “phở hai tô,” which means “two-bowl pho.”
If you travel to Pleiku, this is one of the local foods you should know about.
What Is Phở Khô Gia Lai?
Phở khô Gia Lai, or Gia Lai dry pho, is a noodle dish closely associated with Pleiku in Vietnam’s Central Highlands.
A normal serving comes with two bowls:
- One bowl of thin rice noodles mixed with toppings and seasoning.
- One bowl of hot broth served with beef, beef balls, chicken, or other meat depending on the restaurant.
Fresh herbs, bean sprouts, chili, lime, and a dark soybean-based sauce are usually served on the side.
The noodles are not normally covered with broth. Instead, you eat the seasoned noodles and drink or spoon the broth separately.
That simple difference gives phở khô Gia Lai a very different texture and flavor from traditional Vietnamese pho.
The Origin of Phở Khô Gia Lai
Phở khô has been part of Pleiku’s food culture for several decades.
Local historical accounts trace an early version of the dish to Đại Hưng restaurant in Pleiku around 1959. The restaurant was operated by Nguyễn Thành Mỹ and originally served dry pho with chicken.
Later, other restaurants in Pleiku developed their own versions. One important name was Ngọc Sơn, which began serving pho in the late 1960s.
Over time, chicken was joined by other options such as beef, beef balls, and pork bones.
The dish gradually became one of the foods most strongly connected with Pleiku and Gia Lai.
Today, phở khô is not only a local breakfast. It is also one of the dishes travelers often look for when visiting the Central Highlands.
Why Is It Called “Two-Bowl Pho”?
The answer becomes obvious as soon as your food arrives.
Order one serving of phở khô and you receive two bowls.
The first bowl contains the noodles.
The second bowl contains the broth.
This is why many people in Gia Lai simply call the dish phở hai tô, or “two-bowl pho.”
The two bowls are meant to work together, but they are normally kept separate while you eat.
What Makes Gia Lai Dry Pho Different?
One of the biggest differences is the noodle.
Traditional northern Vietnamese pho usually uses wide, flat rice noodles.
Gia Lai dry pho normally uses smaller, thinner, round rice noodles. They are soft but still slightly chewy, which helps them stay firm after being mixed with sauce.
Another important difference is the way the broth is served.
With regular pho, the noodles sit inside the soup.
With phở khô, the noodles stay in their own bowl, so they can absorb the sauce without becoming too soft.
Main Ingredients
The exact recipe changes from restaurant to restaurant, but a typical bowl of phở khô Gia Lai may include:
- Thin rice noodles
- Minced pork
- Fried shallots
- Pork cracklings
- Spring onions
- Bean sprouts
- Fresh herbs
- Beef, chicken, or beef balls
- Clear bone broth
- Lime
- Fresh chili
- Dark soybean sauce
One of the most important condiments is the dark sauce often called tương đen.
It is usually made from fermented soybeans and has a salty, slightly sweet and rich flavor.
Some restaurants have their own sauce recipe, so the taste can be different from one place to another.
What Does Phở Khô Gia Lai Taste Like?
The dry noodle bowl is usually more strongly seasoned than normal pho.
You may notice the sweetness and saltiness of the dark sauce, the aroma of fried shallots, the richness of minced meat, and the freshness of herbs.
The broth provides a contrast.
It is usually lighter, warmer, and more delicate.
Eating the noodles and broth alternately creates a balance between rich and light flavors.
The texture is also important. The noodles should be soft but still chewy rather than wet and very soft.
How to Eat Phở Khô Gia Lai
If this is your first time eating phở khô, the two bowls can be a little confusing.
Do not immediately pour all of the broth into the noodle bowl.
Start by adding a little dark sauce to the noodles.
Add chili, lime, herbs, or bean sprouts depending on your taste.
Mix the noodles well so the sauce and toppings are evenly distributed.
Then eat a few bites of noodles.
After that, take a spoonful of broth or eat some of the meat from the soup bowl.
Continue going back and forth between the noodles and the broth.
There is no need to follow a very strict rule, but keeping the two bowls separate is part of the traditional experience.
Chicken or Beef?
You may find several versions of phở khô in Pleiku.
Chicken Dry Pho
Chicken versions usually come with shredded or chopped chicken.
The flavor can be lighter and is a good choice if you do not want a very rich meal.
Beef Dry Pho
Beef versions may include sliced beef, rare beef, brisket, beef balls, or other cuts.
Some places put most of the beef in the broth bowl instead of on top of the noodles.
If you are not sure which one to order, simply ask the restaurant what version they are best known for.
Where to Eat Phở Khô in Pleiku
Pleiku is still the best place to experience the dish because you can find many restaurants specializing in phở khô.
Phở Hồng
Address: 22–24 Nguyễn Văn Trỗi, Pleiku, Gia Lai
Phở Hồng is one of the best-known names associated with Gia Lai dry pho.
It is particularly known for beef-based versions of phở khô and has a long connection with the early history of the dish.
Phở Ngọc Sơn
Address: 15 Nguyễn Thái Học, Pleiku, Gia Lai
Ngọc Sơn is another long-established name in Pleiku’s dry-pho tradition.
It is especially associated with chicken dry pho and is a useful stop if you want to compare a different style with the beef versions.
Phở Nhớ Phố Núi
Address: 10 Nguyễn Tất Thành, Pleiku, Gia Lai
This is another place specializing in Gia Lai dry pho and is convenient for visitors who want to try the dish while exploring central Pleiku.
Restaurant addresses and opening hours can change, so check the latest information before visiting.
