Okay, I’ve been on a mission to find the best pho in Maryland, and this one might be my favorite find yet. A huge shoutout to @rooted_md for putting me on to Nam’s Pho, because I’m seriously blown away. This little Vietnamese spot on Bay Ridge Ave in Annapolis is serving some of the best pho I’ve ever had, and I don’t say that lightly.
The broth alone’s worth the drive. It’s rich, deeply flavorful, and you can tell it’s a labor of love the second it hits the table. Add in a house-made hot sauce that Jenny makes from scratch with peppers she brings back from Vietnam, plus jasmine tea grown in the owner’s own garden, and you’ve got a spot that feels personal in a way most restaurants just don’t. If you’re anywhere near Annapolis and you love a good bowl of pho, Nomsters, you gotta go!
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What Makes Nam’s Pho a Standout Vietnamese Restaurant in Annapolis
So what sets Nam’s Pho apart? For me, it’s the care in every little detail. A lot of pho spots are great, but the broth here’s on another level, the kind that’s clearly simmered forever until it’s deeply savory and complex. Jenny, one of the owners, was so welcoming and even gave us a behind-the-scenes look at how they make it.
Then there’s the hot sauce, made in house with special peppers from Vietnam, and the jasmine tea that’s imported from their family’s garden back home. Those aren’t things you can fake or buy wholesale, and they’re exactly why this feels less like a chain pho joint and more like eating at someone’s family table. It’s a true hidden gem, and I’m so glad @rooted_md put me on to it.
What to Order at Nam’s Pho
Here’s everything we got, and honestly, it was all a win.
Pho Nam ($16.95 for a small)
This is the #33 on the menu, and it’s THE one to get. The broth’s incredibly rich and flavorful, easily some of the best I’ve had. It’s a little pricier than your average bowl of pho, but it’s so worth it, I promise. Get it, load it up with the fresh herbs on the side, and take your time. 11 out of 10 from me!
Chicken Wings (6 for $13.95)
Do not sleep on these wings, Nomsters! They toss them in a sauce made with garlic, pepper, lime, and garlic fish sauce, and it’s SO flavorful. They’re a great way to kick off the meal. A must-order if you’re rolling with a group.
Eggplant with Shrimp ($16.95, plus $8 for the shrimp add-on)
If you want something other than a noodle bowl, this is a great pick. The portions are generous, and the eggplant’s cooked to perfection, silky and seasoned beautifully. It’s a solid entree option if you’re not feeling pho that day, and the portions are generous enough to make it worth it.
Two more things you have to try: the jasmine tea (so fragrant, grown in the owner’s garden in Vietnam) and that house hot sauce. Jenny makes the hot sauce from scratch, and it’s 100 out of 10, I’d buy it by the bottle if they’d let me! And if you’re plant-based, good news, they’ve got a big vegetarian and vegan menu too, including a vegan pho, so nobody in your crew’s left out. Want another Vietnamese spot worth the drive? My VN Noodle House in Gambrills review’s got you, their banh xeo’s fantastic.
The Owners Make You Feel Like Family
Can we talk about the hospitality for a sec? The owners here were SO welcoming and kind. Jenny took the time to chat with us and even walked us through their broth process behind the scenes, which I loved. That jasmine tea being grown in the owner’s own garden in Vietnam, and the hot sauce made with peppers Jenny brings back herself, it all just tells you how much heart goes into this place. You’re not just grabbing a quick bowl, you’re eating food someone genuinely cares about.
What Makes a Good Pho Broth?
If you’ve ever wondered why some pho just hits different, it’s all about the broth. A great pho broth’s simmered for hours, sometimes close to a full day, with charred onion, ginger, and spices like star anise, cinnamon, and clove, until it turns deep and layered. That slow, patient cooking is exactly what you’re tasting at Nam’s Pho, and it’s why their bowl stands out from the pack. When a broth’s this complex, you know real time and care went into it, and it makes all the difference.
The Vibe and Experience
Nam’s Pho’s a casual, laid-back spot, the kind of neighborhood place you’ll want to come back to on the regular. It’s over on Bay Ridge Ave in Annapolis with a free parking lot, which is always a win in my book. It does get busy, especially around lunch and with pickup orders, so keep that in mind. It’s mostly walk-in, so you can just pop in, but be ready for a little wait during peak times. It’s great for a casual lunch or an easy dinner, and the vibe’s very low-key and welcoming.
Good to Know
- Location: 📍1015 Bay Ridge Ave, Annapolis, MD 21403
- Hours: Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday through Saturday 11AM to 9PM, Sunday 11AM to 8PM, closed Wednesdays
- Price: budget-friendly, most dishes land around $14 to $17
- Parking: free on-site lot
- Reservations: mostly walk-in, call ahead if you want a pickup order
- Dietary: big vegetarian and vegan menu, including a vegan pho
- Don’t miss: the #33 Pho Nam, the chicken wings, and their house-made hot sauce
- Also popular: their Vietnamese coffee and the passion fruit drink
- Accessibility: wheelchair-accessible parking and premises
- Payment: credit cards accepted, dine-in and takeout both available
- More info: check out their site at nambrospho.com
Is Nam’s Pho Worth It?
10000% YES! This is easily one of the best bowls of pho I’ve had in Maryland, and that broth alone earns it a spot on my list. It’s a touch pricier than some pho spots, but the quality more than makes up for it, and the hospitality seals the deal. If you’re in the Annapolis area and Vietnamese food’s your thing, put this near the top of your list. And if you’re making a whole food day of it, Carlson’s Thai is another Annapolis Asian spot I always recommend.
Have you guys been to Nam’s Pho yet? LMK in the comments what you order, Nomsters, and if you’ve got another pho spot I need to try, put me on. Save this one for your next trip to Annapolis and send it to your pho-loving friends.