Bún bò Huế—spicy lemongrass beef noodle soup from Hue—is a bold alternative to pho. NYC offers authentic versions.

Nón Lá Hidden Gem

Non La **The broth is rich and deeply flavored — lemongrass-forward with a serious chili kick that builds as you eat. What is the annatto oil?

High Lúa Vietnamese Kitchen Hidden Gem

High Lúa Vietnamese Kitchen **The broth is the star — simmered for hours with beef bones, lemongrass, and chili, then finished with shrimp paste and annat

Phở Bằng Hidden Gem

Pho Bang **The broth is darker and more intensely savory than the Manhattan versions, with a pronounced shrimp paste funk that te