Review: Chị Mơ – Not your Grandma’s Phở, but is it any good?
There’s something about Saigon’s rainy season that makes you crave a steaming, soul-warming bowl of phở.
You could argue that a good bowl can be found on practically every street corner, but not all phở is created equal — and certainly not all phở is trying to do the same thing. Chị Mơ, a new addition to Thảo Điền’s ever-evolving food scene, makes this clear right from the start.
Chef Khang, famous for his smoked brisket pho at Roast and Smoke, is back at it—this time leveling up pho once more at his latest spot, Chị Mơ (Credit: Chị Mơ)
Brought to you by the same chef behind Roast & Smoke and Chico’s Pizza Bar, Chị Mơ is not chasing nostalgia. It’s not your grandma’s phở, and it doesn’t want to be. What it does want to be — and quite successfully so — is a spot where everything is homemade, thoughtful, and free from MSG, without losing the boldness of flavour that keeps us coming back for phở in the first place.
Credit: Chị Mơ
Tucked away on Lê Văn Miến, Chị Mơ is one of those places you might stroll past if you weren’t paying attention — but you should. Step through the entrance and you’re met with a lush, tropical outdoor courtyard, which feels like a little escape from the chaos outside.
Walk a bit further in and the indoor space gives you a comforting dose of Vietnamese nostalgia, but with a clean, modern twist. Think rattan, soft lighting, and a bright open café-style drinks area. It’s casual but curated — not over-designed, but you can tell things were considered. There’s air-conditioning inside (a must for Saigon’s humidity), but the layout is inviting enough whether you’re popping in solo for a quick slurp, coming with friends, or even wrangling the kids. Bonus points for having baby chairs and kids’ plates ready to go.
Also, did I mention they open from 6:30 AM? Great for early risers or those rare mornings when you’re out before the city’s buzz kicks in.
Credit: Chimo
The Phở: A Choose-Your-Own Adventure Bowl
Now, let’s talk about the phở. Purists, take a seat — this is where things get interesting.
Chị Mơ doesn’t serve a one-size-fits-all broth. You get three options:
Clear Northern Broth: Light, clean, but still fragrant.
Bold Northern Broth: A deeper, heartier option for those who want a more intense beef flavour.
Southern Broth: Sweet, a little spicy, and definitely comforting if that’s your go-to style.
I like that the kitchen is clear about what they’re doing: they’re giving you choices, but each option is balanced and intentional. On our visit, we went for the Clear Northern and Bold Northern broths, both with a combination of Flank and Brisket. The broth? Excellent. There’s no artificial punchiness here — it’s rich, savoury, but still clean on the palate. You taste the bones, the hours, the layers.
You’re handed a basket of the usual suspects: lime, fresh herbs, pickled garlic, and their house-made chili sauce, so you can doctor your bowl to your heart’s content.
And then there’s the Sourdough Quẩy — a genius move. Crispy but with a slight tang from the sourdough, it’s perfect for dunking. Chef Khang casually suggested we try dipping them in fish sauce next time — apparently, it’s addictive. Honestly, we’re already planning a return trip to verify that.
Sourdough quay (credit: Chị Mơ)
Drinks: Beyond Your Average Phở Shop
Where Chị Mơ really sets itself apart is in the drinks department. Sure, you can get your fresh fruit juices and cà phê sữa đá, but they’ve also got house-brewed kombucha (which we loved) and a super-refreshing Cà Phê Dừa — a simple but genius combination of black coffee and fresh coconut. It’s the kind of drink you didn’t know you needed until you’re halfway through and already wondering if you should order another.
Depending on the time of day, you can also grab mocktails and a decent selection of classic and signature cocktails, which is pretty uncommon for a phở-focused spot. It’s the kind of place where you can slide in for a morning bowl, but also meet friends for a casual dinner with drinks, which is rare in the phở scene.
The Verdict
Chị Mơ feels like a refreshing, modern take on phở that doesn’t try to rewrite tradition but offers enough of a twist to make it worth your time. It’s definitely a “higher-end” phở, but not in the way that feels precious or overpriced. You’re paying for quality ingredients, thoughtful preparation, and a space that doesn’t rush you out the door.
What I personally loved is that the menu, though tight, is flexible. You can mix and match broths and meats, add a poached egg if you’re feeling fancy, and tweak your bowl until it feels like your own. It’s simple, but not basic. The attention to detail — from the house-made chili to the drinks to the sourdough crullers — is what makes it stand out.
Would I come back? Absolutely. Probably on a rainy day, when the craving hits, and I want something comforting but made with a little more care than your average street-side bowl. Chị Mơ may not be for the hardcore phở traditionalists, but for those of us who appreciate good food, good ingredients, and a thoughtful vibe — this might just be your new go-to.
Address: 23C Lê Văn Miến, Thao Dien, Thu Duc, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours: 630am to 10pm, (7am to 10pm on Sundays, closed on Tuesdays)
