Pha lao — Vietnamese aromatic stew — is a soul-warming dish that is less common than pho but beloved by those in the know. In Austin's Vietnamese community, this dish appears on menus as bo kho, a rich, aromatic stew with lemongrass, star anise, and cinnamon that pairs perfectly with a crusty baguette.
Vua Bun Bo top-pick
Vua Bun Bo specializes in Central Vietnamese soups and stews. Their bo kho is the star here, featuring fork-tender beef chunks slow-cooked in an aromatic broth with lemongrass, star anise, and five-spice. Ask for the freshly baked baguette on the side — tearing pieces to soak up that deeply flavored broth is the traditional way to enjoy this dish.
Pho Phong Luu best-value
This bustling spot is famous for their pho, but regulars know to order the bo kho when temperatures drop. The broth leans into the cinnamon and clove aromatics, creating a warming, almost medicinal quality. Open early at 10 AM, making it one of the few spots to get beef stew for a late breakfast as it is traditionally enjoyed in Vietnam.
Tan My hidden-gem
A family-run institution for over two decades, Tan My does the classics right. Their bo kho comes with generous chunks of beef and the characteristic orange-tinged broth from annatto seeds. The stew is on the lighter side, making it perfect for Austin's milder winter days. Do not skip the house-made chili oil on the side.nnFor pha lao in Austin, Vua Bun Bo leads with the most aromatic and deeply flavored version of this Vietnamese stew.
Recipe for This Dish
Learn how to make authentic Pha Lau at home with our curated recipe collection.
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