Suwon Thai-Vietnamese spot: hangover pho and pad thai, Madam Hao

Today I'm sharing my honest review of Madam Hao (MADAM HAO), a Southeast Asian restaurant near Ajou University and Ajou University Hospital in Suwon where I tasted the real flavors of Vietnam and Thailand. If you love clean, deep broths, or you've been looking for the perfect hangover dish that melts your stomach right out of its misery, stick with me to the end!

Where is Madam Hao near Ajou University?

Madam Hao is at 49 Worldcup-ro 193beon-gil, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon, Gyeonggi, Unit 101, in an alley near Ajou University Hospital and the Uman Jugong apartment complex. It's a spacious, comfortable place that takes group gatherings, and it turns from a hearty daytime meal spot into a atmospheric bar in the evening.

• Name: Madam Hao (MADAM HAO)
• Address: 49 Worldcup-ro 193beon-gil, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon, Gyeonggi, Unit 101
• Features: group gatherings welcome, spacious and comfortable, hearty meals by day / atmospheric bar by night

It sits in an alley near Ajou University Hospital and the Uman Jugong apartment complex, so it's very easy to find.

What are the atmosphere and seating like at Madam Hao?

The hall is wide open, with generous space between tables and a very large number of seats. The moment I stepped inside, the clean, warm interior caught my eye. Southeast Asian restaurants in university areas and back alleys are often cramped, but at Madam Hao I could eat in peace.

It looked great for solo meals, but also for lunch with friends near Ajou, family dinners, and bigger group gatherings or company dinners.

Madam Hao menu and prices

The menu runs from noodle dishes like brisket pho and bun cha (grilled pork with noodles) to banh mi (₩9,000), banh xeo (crispy Vietnamese crepe, ₩17,000) and a charcoal-grilled pork rib rice bowl (₩12,000). As a Vietnamese restaurant that brings the traditional taste of Hanoi, the lineup is broad.

• Brisket pho / beef bibim rice noodles / bun cha
• Madam Hao banh mi (₩9,000)
• Charcoal-grilled pork rib rice bowl (₩12,000)
• Banh xeo (₩17,000) / cha gio (fried spring rolls, ₩12,000)
• Chicken rice bowl / beef fried rice

Today we wanted to clear our stomachs, so we ordered the brisket pho and a pad thai full of savory flavor!

Is Madam Hao's brisket pho good for a hangover?

Madam Hao's brisket pho has a deep beef broth that is neither sweet nor salty, which made it just right for a hangover. The brisket pho came out first, steaming, and the rich, nutty broth aroma hit my nose right away.

The moment I swallowed the first sip, I couldn't help exclaiming, "Wow, this is that clean taste I had in Vietnam!" Some pho places around town taste strongly of MSG or have a salty edge that sticks out, but Madam Hao's broth is neither sweet nor salty, and the savory depth of pure beef broth spreads richly.

Tender brisket is piled in generously, and the chewy-yet-soft rice noodles soak up the broth so well that slurping them down was a work of art. When your stomach feels off or you need to recover the morning after drinking, I think one bowl of this brisket pho would settle everything completely. True to its reputation as Ajou's pho spot, it was the clear winner.

How does Madam Hao's pad thai taste? Sweet and salty like a Bangkok night market

Madam Hao's pad thai was excellent, neither too sweet nor too salty, with a lovely smoky wok aroma. The pad thai that followed didn't let me down either, and I could taste exactly the flavor I remembered from street stalls and restaurants in Thailand.

Some places make pad thai so sweet you tire of it quickly, but Madam Hao's isn't like that. Plump shrimp, crunchy bean sprouts, nutty egg and nuts come together and make it fun to chew. The tangy-sweet yet clean flavors are well balanced, so I never got sick of it and happily finished to the last bite.

Is Madam Hao better for lunch or evening drinks?

Madam Hao does both well: a filling lunch spot near Ajou by day, and by night a bar where you can have a beer in a Southeast Asian mood. In the evening the lighting and atmosphere add to it, and it's really nice for a light beer or drink while soaking in that Southeast Asian vibe.

The food isn't harsh and is neatly made, so it's no burden as drinking snacks, and the wide hall seemed perfect for group gatherings and company dinners.

Verdict: Madam Hao for hangover pho and pad thai near Ajou University

If you miss the authentic Southeast Asian flavors you had traveling in Vietnam and Thailand, or you're looking for a clean, gentle hangover pho near Ajou, I strongly recommend Madam Hao!

A spacious, comfortable room, neat unfussy cooking and hearty portions: I was very satisfied with the meal in every way. I'm 200% going back!