Pho Kho Gia Lai (Dry Pho – "Two-Bowl Pho")

Post on : 31 July, 2025

Pho Kho Gia Lai, also known as “two-bowl pho,” is a unique dry-style pho from Vietnam’s Central Highlands, served with separate bowls of noodles and broth.

Pho Kho Gia Lai is a specialty from Pleiku, the capital city of Gia Lai Province in Vietnam’s Central Highlands. Unlike traditional pho, this version is served “dry” — meaning the rice noodles are served separately in one bowl, often topped with minced pork, shredded chicken or beef, fried shallots, and herbs.

The second bowl contains a light, aromatic broth with slices of beef or meatballs. Diners can mix the noodles with the special house sauce, eat them, then sip the broth alternately. The contrast in texture and flavor between the dry noodles and the soup makes Pho Kho Gia Lai a distinctive and memorable regional dish.

Recommended spots:

Hồng – 22 Nguyen Van Troi, Pleiku (One of the oldest and most iconic pho kho spots in the city, famous for its rich sauce and fragrant broth.)

Ngọc Sơn – 15 Phan Dinh Phung, Pleiku (Popular local restaurant offering traditional-style dry pho with generous toppings and fast service.)

Pho Kho Gia Lai Minh – 13 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Ho Chi Minh City (Well-known place in Saigon to try this Central Highlands specialty outside its hometown.)