Brother Hai's Pho Restaurant
The Viral Vietnamese Horror Game Combining Culture, Cooking, and Supernatural Terror
What is Brother Hai's Pho Restaurant?
Brother Hai's Pho Restaurant is a free indie horror game created by Vietnamese student developer marisa0704. Released on October 23, 2024, the game combines cooking simulation with psychological horror, placing you in the role of Brother Hai as you run a late-night phở restaurant in Đan Phượng district while facing mysterious supernatural events.
What started quietly in Hanoi quickly went viral worldwide, with TikTok clips of the Golden Dog and late-night customers drawing millions of views. The game has earned a remarkable 4.9 out of 5 stars from 124 reviews on itch.io, praised for its authentic Vietnamese cultural perspective and atmospheric storytelling.
Unlike typical horror games that rely solely on jump scares, Brother Hai's Pho Restaurant offers a slow-burning narrative filled with atmosphere, cultural immersion, and emotional depth. The game draws from Vietnamese folklore—particularly ma quỷ (ghosts and spirits)—to create an experience that resonates with both Vietnamese and international players.
Why Players Love This Game
100% Free to Play
Completely free download from the official itch.io page. No hidden costs, no microtransactions, no strings attached. The developer offers it as pay-what-you-want.
Authentic Vietnamese Culture
Created by a Vietnamese developer with deep cultural authenticity. Experience real Vietnamese folklore, phở restaurant traditions, and local supernatural beliefs.
4 Different Endings
Your choices matter. Unlock 3 tragic endings or discover the true "Silent Footstep" happy ending. Each playthrough reveals new story layers.
Psychological Horror Done Right
Slow-burning atmospheric tension instead of cheap jump scares. Environmental storytelling and sound design keep you on edge throughout your shift.
Made with Godot Engine
Created using the free, open-source Godot Engine by a student developer. A testament to what indie creators can achieve with passion and skill.
Compact & Accessible
File size of approximately 1,010 MB. Runs on Windows and Linux. Modest system requirements make it accessible to most players.
How the Game Works
Day Operations
During the day, you run your phở restaurant. Serve customers, manage your business, and prepare for the night shift. This is where you make crucial decisions about your operations.
Night Shift
When darkness falls in Đan Phượng district, strange customers begin to appear. The line between the living and the dead blurs. Your choices during these encounters determine your fate.
Supernatural Events
Face mysterious events rooted in Vietnamese folklore. From the legendary Golden Dog to wandering spirits, each encounter draws from authentic cultural beliefs about ma quỷ and ancestral karma.
Multiple Endings
Your decisions throughout the game lead to one of 4 possible endings. Will you uncover the truth and achieve the "Silent Footstep" happy ending, or face one of the tragic fates?
Why Vietnamese Culture Matters
🍜 Phở Culture
Running a phở restaurant isn't just a game mechanic—it's deeply meaningful in Vietnamese culture. Family-run phở shops often represent multi-generational legacies passed down through decades. Brother Hai's struggle reflects the real pressures faced by small business owners maintaining ancestral traditions.
In Hanoi, phở is more than food. It's national identity, family duty, and cultural preservation all in one bowl. Understanding this context enriches your appreciation of Brother Hai's story.
👻 Vietnamese Folklore
The game's supernatural elements draw from authentic Vietnamese beliefs about ma quỷ (ghosts and spirits). In Vietnamese tradition, these aren't just scary monsters—they represent unmet desires, unresolved conflicts, and the thin boundary between the living and the departed.
The game incorporates real folklore entities like wandering spirits (cô hồn), death rituals, and the cultural importance of proper ancestor worship. For Vietnamese players, these references create immediate emotional resonance. For international players, they offer a window into a rich cultural tradition.
Meet the Developer
marisa0704
Brother Hai's Pho Restaurant was created by marisa0704, a Vietnamese student developer using the free and open-source Godot Engine. The game represents a remarkable achievement in the growing Vietnamese indie game scene.
What began as a student project in Hanoi quickly achieved viral success, with millions of views on TikTok and recognition from the international gaming community. The game's authentic cultural perspective—drawn from the developer's own Vietnamese heritage—sets it apart from generic horror games.
Brother Hai's Pho Restaurant is part of a 2024-2025 wave of Vietnamese horror games, including The Scourge (Tai Ương) and Thần Trùng (The Death), showcasing Vietnam's emerging presence in global indie game development.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brother Hai's Pho Restaurant really free?
Yes, Brother Hai's Pho Restaurant is completely free to download and play. The developer offers it as pay-what-you-want on itch.io, meaning you can download it for free or support the developer with a voluntary donation. There are no hidden costs, microtransactions, or premium features.
What platforms can I play it on?
The game officially supports Windows and Linux. The download size is approximately 1,010 MB for both platforms. Unofficial Android APK versions exist, but we strongly recommend downloading from the official PC version for safety and to support the developer.
How long does it take to complete?
A single playthrough typically takes 1-2 hours depending on your pace and how thoroughly you explore. However, since the game has 4 different endings, you'll want to play multiple times to experience all the story paths and unlock the true "Silent Footstep" ending.
How scary is it?
The game focuses on atmospheric, psychological horror rather than jump scares. It builds tension through environmental storytelling, sound design, and unsettling encounters. The horror is more about dread and emotional impact than shocking moments, making it accessible to players who don't typically enjoy extreme horror.
Do I need to understand Vietnamese culture to enjoy it?
Not at all! The game is accessible to international players. However, understanding the Vietnamese cultural context—particularly phở restaurant traditions and ma quỷ folklore—significantly enriches your experience. That's why we created our comprehensive Vietnamese Culture Guide to help players appreciate the deeper meaning behind the story.
What are the system requirements?
The game has modest system requirements and should run on most modern computers. Minimum specs include Windows 7 or later (or a recent Linux distribution), a basic processor, 2GB RAM, and approximately 1.5GB of storage space. See our complete download guide for detailed requirements.
Where can I get help with the game?
Check out our complete walkthrough and endings guide for step-by-step help. We also have detailed guides for downloading and APK installation. For the official source, visit the itch.io page.
Ready to Experience Brother Hai's Story?
Download the game for free and discover why millions of players worldwide have been captivated by this Vietnamese horror masterpiece.