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.