Street food at its finest, a Bowl of Hu Tieu that stands out in the crowd
Hủ Tiếu Tài – Sủi Cảo & Mì Khô in Phú Nhuận, the essentials of street food all in one stand.
🕞 6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. | 📍61 Phan Đình Phùng, P. 17, Quận Phú Nhuận
Come nightfall during Saigon’s rainy season, few things hit the spot quite like a hot bowl of Hủ Tiếu. (Bonus points if you can find that coveted seat under an umbrella.) And although this ubiquitous dish sees hundreds of interpretations around the city, some variations stand above the rest. It’s often served with tender pork in a light broth, a result of a long simmering of bones, veggies, and whatever cuts of meat the stall specializes in, all into which the skinny Hủ Tiếurice noodles are placed. For a unique take, though, allow us to direct you to a hem just before Chợ Phú Nhuận, where you’ll find Hủ Tiếu Tài.
Falling just out onto a busy street, Phan Đình Phùng, this stand might at first appear modest. But a peak inside the alley reveals tables lined with a dinner rush night after night. So, you may ask, what makes this particular hu tieu shine?
Start with the presentation. Hủ Tiếu Tài offers both traditional soup and dry hu tieu, but we recommend opting for the dry noodles. This way, it’s easier to pair them directly with the special chili garlic sauce accompanying the dish. Add a splash of lime and you’re well on your way.
On the side, you can get either sủi cảo—dumplings packed with shrimp and pork floating in a sweet broth—or bò viên, which features a well-balanced and slightly spicier broth packed with tender balls of beef. The hu tieu noodles themselves have just the right amount of bite, but you can add in the broth from the dumplings or bò viên on the side as you go to achieve your personal noodle-to-broth harmony.
If you’re unsure of what to order or simply need a little inspiration, look at the windowsill behind the first few tables to find some inflated, colorful images of what Hủ Tiếu Tài does best. Bring friends to try the full menu, then ride things out with a freshly-brewed trà đá before receding into the night.
Price range: 40-55K per dish
For more phở-nomenal eats, head to our EATS section.
Collaboration with Rieng and photos by Mervin Lee
