zoom_in Click to enlarge

Vietnamese Pho

▲ ▼

language

description Vietnamese Pho Overview

Vietnamese Pho is a fragrant noodle soup consisting of a flavorful broth, rice noodles, herbs, and meat (typically beef or chicken). The broth is simmered for hours, creating a complex and aromatic base. Fresh herbs, such as cilantro and basil, add brightness and complexity. Pho is a comforting and satisfying dish that represents a cornerstone of Vietnamese cuisine.

help Vietnamese Pho FAQ

What is traditional Vietnamese pho broth made from?

Traditional beef pho (phở bò) broth is made by simmering beef bones, charred onion, charred ginger, and aromatics like star anise, cloves, cinnamon, and coriander seeds for many hours. The long simmer extracts collagen and minerals from the bones, creating the signature complex, aromatic base.

What is the difference between phở bò (beef) and phở gà (chicken)?

Phở bò uses a beef bone broth and is typically served with thinly sliced raw or cooked beef, while phở gà uses a chicken broth simmered from chicken bones and is topped with shredded chicken. Both use the same flat rice noodles (bánh phở) and herb garnishes.

What herbs and garnishes are traditionally served with pho?

Fresh Thai basil, cilantro, mint, bean sprouts, lime wedges, and sliced chili are the standard garnishes served alongside pho. Diners add these to the hot bowl at the table, along with hoisin and sriracha sauces, to adjust flavor to taste.

What type of noodles are used in Vietnamese pho?

Pho uses bánh phở, which are flat, thin rice noodles that are soft and slippery when cooked. They are distinct from the round rice vermicelli (bún) used in dishes like bún chả.

swap_horiz

Looking for Vietnamese Pho alternatives? Compare top competitors ranked & scored

arrow_forward