Best pho in Prague? A Smíchov noodle kitchen straight out of Saigon

If the glowing red neon sign illuminating an unsuspecting corner by Anděl’s tram stop doesn’t catch your attention first, the wafting scent of comforting broth will. A new entry to Prague’s firmly established Vietnamese culinary scene has made a splash in Smíchov, with pho that is bowling customers over.

PHO 100 is a recent venture by brothers Khanh and Giang Ta, who have more recently relocated their fine dining restaurant Taro to Nové Město. In its original place, a simplistic but lovingly curated pho bistro has opened its doors, bringing bursting flavors, homemade noodles, and delicious pastries straight from Vietnam’s cookbook.

With pho being the country’s national dish, it was a no-brainer for Khanh and Giang to bring their own iteration of the hearty dish to Prague, incorporating techniques from their family and culinary learnings from Saigon. 

The menu is stripped back but manages to offer something for everyone’s taste. Choose from Pho Bo with beef brisket, Pho Vege with omelette, or Pho Ga with chicken, all packed with homemade rice noodles and served with pickled garlic and sriracha.

Every element of the bowl is carefully prepared, with meat sourced from Maso Klouda, herbs supplied from Sapa, and homemade sriracha sauce made from fermented chili peppers. The brothers imported a special noodle machine from Hanoi for ultimate authenticity.

The standout is the pairing of the pho with the mouthwatering quay or fried breadsticks, a pastry traditionally served with soup in Vietnam. Its sweet flavor masterfully complements the salty broth, whether you’re inclined to enjoy it solo or give it a dip.

The restaurant's setup itself makes for an immersive dining experience. Barstools are arranged around an open kitchen concept, where you can watch the noodles and pastries being prepared as you await your meal. Orders are made through a self-serve kiosk system at the front of the bustling space.

With the Vietnamese community ranking third in the most populous of foreign nationalities in Czechia, pho is easy to come by. But PHO 100’s undeniable authenticity and communal dining concept make for an experience that’s hard to replicate.