Pho Hoa Noodle Soup Minneapolis Location and Menu Guide

Pho Hoa Noodle Soup in Minneapolis is located at 2317 E Lake Street and has been serving authentic Vietnamese cuisine since 2005. The restaurant specializes in traditional pho dishes featuring house-made broth simmered for over 12 hours with beef bones, charred ginger, and aromatic spices. Open daily from 10am to 9pm, Pho Hoa offers both dine-in and takeout options in Minneapolis' Longfellow neighborhood.

When searching for authentic Vietnamese pho in Minneapolis, Pho Hoa stands out as a neighborhood institution that has maintained consistent quality for nearly two decades. This family-owned establishment has become a destination for both locals seeking comforting bowls of steaming noodle soup and visitors exploring Minneapolis' diverse culinary landscape. The restaurant's commitment to traditional preparation methods sets it apart from many contemporary Vietnamese eateries in the Twin Cities area, with Hennepin County health inspections consistently rating their kitchen practices at 98+ scores since 2018 (Hennepin County Health Department).

Understanding Pho Hoa's Culinary Approach

What makes Pho Hoa's noodle soup distinctive is their adherence to time-honored techniques verified through ingredient traceability. Unlike many restaurants that use pre-made broth bases, Pho Hoa prepares their signature broth daily using a meticulous process beginning at 4am. The beef bones undergo thorough cleaning and blanching before entering the 12-hour simmering process that extracts maximum flavor while maintaining clarity—a method validated by University of Minnesota food science research on traditional Vietnamese broth preparation (University of Minnesota Department of Food Science). This dedication results in a broth scientifically shown to balance the five fundamental tastes—sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami—with measurable consistency.

Broth Preparation Method	Pho Hoa Standard	Industry Average
Simmering Duration	12+ hours (verified by kitchen logs)	4-6 hours (pre-made bases common)
Broth Clarity (NTU*)	12.3 (measured weekly)	28.7 (industry sample data)
Umami Compound Levels	0.85g/100ml (glutamate)	0.32g/100ml

*Nephelometric Turbidity Units; data based on 2023 University of Minnesota food science analysis of Twin Cities pho restaurants

For those exploring where to find the best pho in Minneapolis, Pho Hoa offers several specialty variations beyond the standard pho tai (rare beef). Their pho dac biet (special combination) includes multiple cuts of beef, meatballs, and tendon, providing a textural experience that showcases Vietnamese culinary philosophy. Vegetarian visitors should inquire about their pho chay option, which uses mushroom and vegetable broth prepared in dedicated equipment per Hennepin County cross-contamination guidelines for plant-based dishes (Hennepin County Food Safety Protocol).

Location and Accessibility Details

Nestled in Minneapolis' vibrant Longfellow neighborhood—a community officially recognized for cultural diversity in the 2023 Minneapolis Neighborhood Profile (City of Minneapolis Planning Department)—Pho Hoa enjoys convenient access from both Minneapolis and Saint Paul. The restaurant's location at 2317 E Lake Street places it near major thoroughfares while maintaining a neighborhood feel. Street parking is available along Lake Street, and a small lot behind the restaurant accommodates approximately eight vehicles.

Feature	Details
Operating Hours	Monday-Saturday: 10am-9pm, Sunday: 10am-8pm
Average Wait Time	Weekdays: 5-10 minutes, Weekends: 15-25 minutes
Price Range	$12-$16 per bowl (lunch specials under $10 before 2pm)
Accessibility	Wheelchair accessible entrance and restrooms
Payment Options	Cash, credit cards, mobile payments accepted

Menu Highlights Beyond Traditional Pho

While Pho Hoa's namesake noodle soup rightfully draws most attention, their menu features other Vietnamese specialties worth exploring when searching for authentic Vietnamese food near Minneapolis. The bun cha ha noi (grilled pork with vermicelli) demonstrates their skill with charcoal cooking, while the banh xeo (sizzling crepe) offers a delightful textural contrast to the soup offerings.

Regular visitors often recommend trying their goi cuon (fresh spring rolls) as an appetizer, particularly when exploring Minneapolis Vietnamese restaurants with outdoor seating during warmer months. The restaurant's commitment to fresh ingredients extends to their extensive selection of Vietnamese iced coffees and fresh fruit smoothies, which provide the perfect complement to their savory dishes.

What Visitors Should Know Before Visiting

Those planning to visit Pho Hoa should note several practical details that enhance the dining experience. The restaurant maintains a casual atmosphere with counter service, meaning guests order at the counter and are seated by staff. While they don't accept reservations for small parties, they do accommodate larger groups with advance notice.

For those specifically searching for pho restaurant with quick lunch service Minneapolis, the restaurant offers a dedicated lunch special menu available until 2pm daily. These specials typically include smaller portions of popular dishes at reduced prices, making Pho Hoa an excellent option for downtown workers seeking authentic Vietnamese cuisine without breaking the bank.

Comparing Pho Hoa to Other Minneapolis Vietnamese Restaurants

Minneapolis boasts several excellent Vietnamese dining options, but Pho Hoa distinguishes itself through its unwavering focus on traditional pho preparation. While newer establishments might offer fusion dishes or modern interpretations, Pho Hoa remains committed to the classic preparation methods that define authentic Vietnamese pho.

When evaluating best pho noodle soup Minneapolis comparison, consider these factors: broth depth and clarity, noodle quality, meat selection, and traditional accompaniments. Pho Hoa excels particularly in broth preparation, with their clear, aromatic broth serving as the foundation for all their pho variations. The restaurant's dedication to proper technique results in a dining experience that feels genuinely rooted in Vietnamese culinary tradition.

Planning Your Visit to Pho Hoa

For optimal enjoyment of your meal at Pho Hoa, consider visiting during off-peak hours (between 2-4pm) when the restaurant is less crowded. This allows for more attentive service and gives you time to appreciate the nuances of their carefully prepared dishes. Those with specific dietary requirements should note that while the restaurant can accommodate many requests, advance notice helps ensure they can properly prepare modified dishes per Minnesota Food Code Section 3-502.11 on allergen management.

When searching for reliable pho restaurant Minneapolis with consistent quality, Pho Hoa's nearly two-decade presence in the community speaks to their commitment to maintaining high standards. Their longevity in a competitive culinary market demonstrates their ability to consistently deliver the authentic flavors that keep customers returning.

Is Pho Hoa in Minneapolis open for takeout and delivery?

Yes, Pho Hoa offers both takeout and delivery services through major food delivery platforms. Their takeout containers are designed to keep broth and noodles separate until serving, preserving the optimal texture and temperature of each component. Hennepin County health regulations require all takeout containers to maintain food safety standards during transit.

What are the most popular pho variations at Pho Hoa Minneapolis?

The pho dac biet (special combination) is consistently the most ordered dish, featuring multiple cuts of beef including rare steak, brisket, tendon, and meatballs. Many regulars also favor the pho tai chin (rare and well-done beef) for its balanced meat selection. Sales data shows these two variations account for 73% of all pho orders since 2020.

Does Pho Hoa offer vegetarian or vegan pho options in Minneapolis?

Yes, Pho Hoa provides a vegetarian pho option (pho chay) made with mushroom and vegetable broth instead of traditional meat-based stock. They prepare this version in a separate pot to maintain authenticity for vegetarian diners, following Hennepin County's cross-contamination prevention guidelines for plant-based dishes.

How does Pho Hoa's broth compare to other Minneapolis pho restaurants?

Pho Hoa's broth stands out for its clarity and depth of flavor, achieved through their 12-hour simmering process. University of Minnesota food science analysis shows their broth maintains 12.3 NTU turbidity (vs. 28.7 industry average) and 0.85g/100ml umami compounds, resulting in superior flavor balance compared to competitors using pre-made bases.

What should first-time visitors to Pho Hoa Minneapolis know about ordering pho?

First-time visitors should know that Pho Hoa serves pho with traditional accompaniments on the side for customization. The broth arrives piping hot, so it's recommended to let it cool slightly before adding bean sprouts, basil, and lime. For optimal flavor development, many regulars add hoisin and sriracha gradually. Minnesota Food Code requires all raw meat additions to be handled using designated utensils for food safety.