Tip from BuuGen
Order the classic bò kho paired with crusty bánh mì. Dip the bread into the spiced, sweet-savory broth flavored with cloves, cinnamon, star anise, and lemongrass.
Bò Kho Cô Mai Since 1984
71 Hồ Tùng Mậu, Phường Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh
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Overview
Bò Kho Cô Mai is a casual beef stew eatery on Hồ Tùng Mậu, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. The restaurant specializes in traditional southern Vietnamese bò kho. The storefront stands directly across the street from Bitexco Financial Tower. Founder Cô Mai started the business in 1984 using a multi-generational family recipe. The enterprise grew from a modest street stall into multiple branches across the metropolis.
The kitchen simmers beef brisket, flank, and tendon alongside carrots in a fragrant broth. Whole star anise, cinnamon quills, cloves, and lemongrass flavor the aromatic stew. Cooks tint the broth with annatto seed oil for a distinct reddish hue. Patrons pair the beef stew with warm baguettes, egg noodles, or chewy rice noodles. Side plates supply fresh culantro, Thai basil, and lime-chili dipping salt for seasoning.
The drink menu features house-cooked herbal beverages such as seaweed tea and chia aloe vera. Bowls arrive hot with generous cuts of meat and tender slices of carrot. Diners season each bite using small saucers of ground chili and fresh calamansi juice. Pricing sits comfortably within an accessible casual dining range. Nearby office workers and downtown sightseers make up the core daily clientele.
The multi-story dining space features bright yellow walls reminiscent of heritage Saigon architecture. Colorful painted murals depict the original founder alongside vintage street scenes. Guests sit at wooden tables inside an air-conditioned room across several floors. The venue maintains continuous service from early morning until late evening.
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What reviewers say
Google reviews
4.4
525 reviews
Reviewers frequently highlight the tender beef and comfortable dining setting at Bò Kho Cô Mai Since 1984, noting fast service when ordering their stew with noodles or bread. However, opinions diverge on the broth, which several patrons describe as thinner and milder than traditional versions rather than deep and robust. Other recurring complaints include inconsistent bread crispness, modest portion sizes, and service that can feel inattentive.
Bò Kho Cô Mai Since 1984 is rated 4.4 out of 5 on Google from 525 reviews. Summary written by PinGuide from Google reviews, figures as of 3 Oct 2026. Read on Google ↗
1 insider tip
Where it is
71 Hồ Tùng Mậu, Phường Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh
Questions & Answers
Where is Bò Kho Cô Mai Since 1984 located?
Bò Kho Cô Mai is located at 71 Hồ Tùng Mậu, Phường Bến Nghé, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. The restaurant is situated directly across the street from the Bitexco Financial Tower.
What are the opening hours of Bò Kho Cô Mai?
Bò Kho Cô Mai is open daily from 06:30 to 21:30. The restaurant offers continuous dining service from early morning until late evening.
What is Bò Kho Cô Mai known for?
Bò Kho Cô Mai is known for its traditional southern Vietnamese beef stew made from a family recipe dating back to 1984. The stew features simmered beef brisket, flank, tendon, and carrots cooked with lemongrass, star anise, cinnamon, and annatto seed oil.
What options are available to accompany the beef stew at Bò Kho Cô Mai?
Diners can pair their beef stew with warm baguettes, egg noodles, or chewy rice noodles. Each bowl is served with fresh herbs like culantro and Thai basil, along with lime-chili dipping salt.
What is the phone number for Bò Kho Cô Mai on Hồ Tùng Mậu?
You can contact Bò Kho Cô Mai by calling 0836 717 171.
What kind of drinks does Bò Kho Cô Mai serve?
The restaurant serves house-cooked herbal drinks, including seaweed tea and chia aloe vera.
Is Bò Kho Cô Mai air-conditioned?
Yes, Bò Kho Cô Mai offers air-conditioned seating across multiple floors. The multi-story dining space is furnished with wooden tables and decorated with murals depicting vintage Saigon street scenes.
What is the dining style and atmosphere at Bò Kho Cô Mai?
Bò Kho Cô Mai provides a casual dining experience that regularly accommodates downtown sightseers and local office workers. The interior features bright yellow walls inspired by heritage Saigon architecture.
What is the history behind Bò Kho Cô Mai?
The eatery was started in 1984 by its founder Cô Mai, beginning as a modest street food stall. Over the years, the brand grew into a well-known local beef stew business with multiple branches across Ho Chi Minh City.
How do diners season their food at Bò Kho Cô Mai?
Tables provide small saucers for mixing ground chili and fresh calamansi juice with dipping salt. Guests also receive fresh herbs such as culantro and Thai basil to add directly to their stew.