The story

Pho Diem Xuan in Brussels brings authentic Vietnamese street food to Ixelles

The kitchen and the chef

Pho Diem Xuan in Brussels brings a focused Vietnamese kitchen to life through owner and chef Dung Nguyen’s straightforward approach. Credit cards are not accepted here, which fits the practical layout of snack counters and a self-serve drink fridge. Two busy dining rooms fill quickly during lunch hours, reflecting how effectively Nguyen has adapted classic street food codes for a modern neighborhood.

A bubbling bowl of tradition

The Dac Biet pho arrives as the unmistakable centerpiece of the menu, its translucent broth simmering vigorously when it reaches the table. You receive a small ceramic bowl alongside the soup containing Thai basil, rau ram, fresh bean sprouts, sliced chilies, and a wedge of lemon. Adjusting the seasoning yourself mirrors the interactive nature of traditional Vietnamese cooking, allowing each guest to balance the savory depth exactly to their preference.

Light and greenery in the dining space

Dark knotty wood shapes the tables, chairs, and overhead lighting throughout the venue, creating a grounded contrast against the thriving indoor plants. Large windows along the front wall let natural light wash over the greenery and the diners seated near the glass. This deliberate blend of rustic materials and living foliage gives the space an organic warmth that complements the straightforward Vietnamese meals served inside.

Recognition

Awards & accolades

2026

Le Fooding

Listed

Details

At a glance

Le Fooding 2026 — Listed

Cuisines Vietnamese

Services Takeaway

History

On the record

2026

Le Fooding — Listed

With its two crowded dining rooms, Pho Diem Xuan sure knows a thing of two about the fast-food game – and all the codes of the genre are respected at owner and chef Dung Nguyen’s place (credit cards not accepted, snack counters and a self-serve drink fridge). The furniture – tables, chairs and even the light fixtures – fascinates with its dark knotty wood, which seems straight out of a children’s book by Claude Ponti. Perhaps L’arbre sans fin given the space’s abundant vegetation? An edible fairy tale of sorts? Practically! The day we went for lunch, seated around one of the small tables in front of the window, the house specialty Dac Biet pho was making eyes at us, judging by the legion of bubbles rippling across the surface. The translucent broth fulfills its promise, as the preparation feels like a passionate kiss. Our advice? The small bowl placed next to your soup comes filled with Thai basil and rau ram (Vietnamese cilantro), along with bean sprouts, chili peppers and lemon, so you can season up your soup to your heart’s content. // Salty Litchi

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Established

Location

Find us

Chaussée de Boondael 325, Ixelles, Belgium
Brussels, Belgium