Phở

Fact: Phở is considered a national dish in Vietnam.

Phở: Basic Information

Pronunciation

UK: /fɜː/
US: /fə/
Vietnamese: [fəː˧˩˧]

Alternative Name(s)

No

Dish Type

Noodle Soup

Course

Main Course

Mealtime

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Phở: Origin and Region

Origin

Vietnam

Continent’s Region

Southeast Asia

Country’s Region

Northern Vietnam

Associated Region

Nam Dinh

Popular Phở Variations

Phở Bò (Beef Pho)

Phở bò is a Vietnamese noodle soup with phở noodles, beef, fresh herbs, and beef broth.

Phở Gà (Chicken Pho)

Phở gà is a Vietnamese noodle soup consisting of tender chicken pieces, aromatic herbs, and phở noodles in a clear and flavorful broth.

Phở Chay (Vegetarian Pho)

Vegetarian pho version contains tofu and/or a variety of mushrooms and vegetables.

Phở Hải Sản (Seafood Pho)

Seafood pho contains various seafood items like shrimp, squid, and scallops.

Phở Bắc

A tasty, clear soup paired with freshly parboiled whole scallions. Typically, it’s topped with bits of diced cilantro and green onion, chili sauce, pickled garlic, and crunchy quẩy.

Phở Nam

The broth has a sweeter, cloudier appearance compared to North Pho. This version is enjoyed with crunchy bean sprouts, slices of fresh chili, rich hoisin sauce, and an assortment of fresh herbs.

Phở Nam Định

Another northern phở’s style. The broth is made with a greater amount of fish sauce and opt for wider noodles.

Phở Chua (Sour Pho)

Phở chua is a Vietnamese noodle dish from the Northeast region, consisting of phở noodles and various toppings in a flavorful dressing.

Phở Khô Gia Lai

A regional pho dish where dry pho noodles are served separately from a rich broth.

Phở Vịt (Duck Pho)

Phở vịt usually refers to a Vietnamese soup noodle made with phở noodles and roast duck in Lang Son, a province in Northeast Vietnam.

Phở Gan Cháy

A pho version with grilled liver pieces, offering a smoky and meaty depth.

Phở Sắn

A unique pho variant that incorporates root vegetables or tubers

Phở Sa Tế

A version of pho noodles drenched in a spicy chili and creamy peanut sauce for a rich, bold taste introduced by Teochew migrants in Vietnam’s south.

Phở Xào

Pho noodles are stir-fried with a combination of meats, vegetables, and seasonings.

Phở Áp Chảo

Pho noodles are pan-fried until they’re crispy, then topping or mixing them with a combination of meats, vegetables, and sauces.

Phở Trộn

Phở trộn is a Vietnamese noodle dish in Hanoi with phở noodles, chicken or beef, roasted peanuts, herbs, and a sweet and sour sauce.

Phở Chiên Phồng

Pho noodles are deep-fried until they puff up, often served with vegetables and beef on top.

Phở Chiên Trứng

Pho noodles are deep-fried with eggs.

Phở Cuốn

Phở cuốn is a Vietnamese rolled dish from Hanoi consisting of phở noodles, beef, and vegetables.

Phở Sốt Vang

Pho noodles are cooked with a wine-based sauce, often including beef and aromatic spices.

Phở Chấm

Phở chấm is a Vietnamese dish with phở noodles, chicken, herbs, broth, and dipping sauce kept on separate plates.

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More About Phở Dishes

Phở Bò Trộn

Phở bò trộn is a Vietnamese noodle dish in Hanoi with phở noodles, sautéd beef, herbs, and roasted peanuts.

Phở Chiên Phồng

Pho noodles are deep-fried until they puff up, often served with vegetables and beef on top.

Phở Chiên Trứng

Pho noodles are deep-fried with eggs.

Phở Trộn Chay

Vegan version of phở trộn
Made with plant-based foods like tofu, mushrooms, vegetables, etc.

Phở Trộn Xá Xíu

Made with phở noodles, char siu (Cantonese-style BBQ pork), char siu broth, herbs, and roasted peanuts.

Phở Gà Trộn

Phở gà trộn is a Vietnamese noodle dish in Hanoi with phở noodles, chicken, herbs, roasted peanuts, and a sweet and sour sauce.

Phở Trộn Xì Dầu

Made with phở noodles, chicken or beef, herbs, roasted peanuts, and a soy sauce-based dressing

Phở Xào Thịt Bò

Phở xào thịt bò is a Vietnamese stir-fry consisting of phở noodles, beef, and vegetables.

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Phở: Ingredients and Preparation

Main Ingredients

Broth, rice noodles, herbs, beef or chicken

Main Cooking Method

Simmering

Preparation Process

1. Prepare the ingredients
2. Simmer broth
3. Cook rice noodles
4. Assemble foods in a bowl

Phở: A Deep Dive

Cultural Significance

Vietnam’s national dish

Taste

Savory

Texture

Soft noodles, tender meat

Aroma

Rich and fragrant

Color

Clear to brown broth, white noodles, green herbs

Serving Style

Typically served in medium to large bowls

Serving Temperature

Hot

Accompaniment

1. Garnishes: Bean sprouts, basil, culantro, cilantro, onions, green onions, chili peppers
2. Accompaniments and Add-ons: Hoisin sauce, sriracha, pickled garlic, lime wedges

Occasions

On any occasions

Seasons

Year-round

Special Diets

N/A

Calories

About 638 kcal, according to data of Nutritionix for 1 bowl (710g) of pho

Popularity

1. United States (Especially in areas with large Vietnamese communities)
2. Canada
3. Australia
4. France
5. And other countries with a Vietnamese diaspora

Popular Similar Dishes

1. Ramen
2. Bún Bò Huế
3. Soto Ayam
4. Kuy Teav
5. Taiwanese Beef noodle soup
6. Caldo de Res
7. Laksa

Popular Dining Area

Households, street vendors, and restaurants

Phở, or Pho, is a Vietnamese soup consisting of broth, rice noodles (bánh phở), and meat, primarily made with beef (phở bò) or chicken (phở gà). This dish is a staple in Vietnam and can be found in households, street stalls, and restaurants throughout the country. Pho is so integral to Vietnamese culture that it’s often considered the national dish of Vietnam.

There are distinct styles of phở, notably the Hanoi (northern) and Saigon (southern) versions. These styles differ in aspects like noodle width, broth sweetness, and choice of herbs and sauce.

Let’s uncover the history and origins of Phở, chart its rise to global popularity, and break down its key ingredients. You can also explore its diverse variations, weigh its pros and cons, and find out places to taste authentic Phở. Also, delve into frequently asked questions and other similar delicacies.

Phở Images

Where Did Phở Originate?

Phở is believed to have originated in the early 20th century (between 1900 and 1907) in Northern Vietnam, specifically in Nam Định Province, southeast of Hanoi. The Vân Cù and Dao Cù villages in Đông Xuân commune, Nam Trực District, are traditionally considered its birthplace.

The name “Phở” is believed to have been derived from the French dish “pot-au-feu,” a type of beef stew. Additionally, Phở’s origins in Northern Vietnam were influenced by Chinese cuisine, especially from Yunnan and Guangdong. The southern version of Phở typically features a sweeter broth and a wider variety of herbs and accompaniments.

While Phở began its culinary journey in Northern Vietnam, it has not only traveled from north to south but, in the era of globalization, has found its way to dinner tables across the globe.

How Was Phở Globalized?

The globalization of phở can be attributed to several factors:

• Vietnamese Diaspora: After the Vietnam War, many Vietnamese refugees settled in various parts of the world, particularly in the United States, Australia, and France. They brought their culinary traditions with them, leading to the opening of Vietnamese restaurants and introducing phở to a global audience.
• Travel and Tourism: As Vietnam became a popular travel destination, many tourists got introduced to phở and its unique flavors. Many returned to their home countries with a love for the dish, further popularizing it.
• Cultural Exchange: With globalization, there has been a significant exchange of cultures and cuisines. The global trend towards trying diverse foods and the health benefits associated with Vietnamese cuisine further propelled phở’s popularity.
• Culinary Innovation: Around the world, chefs frequently reinvent traditional dishes, merging ingredients from diverse cuisines. Phở, for instance, has been transformed into variations like Phở-flavored tacos, burgers, and pizzas.

What Ingredients Go Into Phở?

Below is the detailed breakdown of ingredients and options for a traditional pho dish, categorizing them into broth, noodles, meat, garnishes, and accompaniments/add-ons:

Ingredients	Description
Broth	Bones, oxtail, star anise, charred onion, charred ginger, cardamom, coriander seed, fennel seed, cinnamon, clove
Noodles	Flat, thin rice noodles called “bánh phở” 2 types: the fresh “bánh phở tươi” or “kuay tiao,” and the dried one. Their width varies regionally in Vietnam
Meat	Options include beef (often thinly sliced), chicken, or even seafood in some modern versions
Garnishes	Bean sprouts, basil, culantro, cilantro, onions, green onions, chili peppers
Accompaniments and Add-ons	Hoisin sauce, sriracha, pickled garlic, lime wedges

In this traditional pho dish breakdown, while the flavorful broth and various garnishes play a pivotal role, the central choice between meat types significantly determines the dish’s profile.

What Kinds of Meat Are Used in Phở Bò?

There are various types of meats commonly used in Phở Bò, here are the types of meats and a brief description for each:

Beef	Description
Tái băm	Beef patty from freshly chopped rare beef
Tái	Beef cooked to medium rare
Tái sống	Rare meat
Tái lăn	Beef lightly sauteed before being added to the broth
Tái nạm	Medium rare beef combined with a side of flank
Tái chín	Combo of medium rare beef and fully cooked beef; standard in many pho places
Nạm	Slice from the beef flank
Nạm gầu	The brisket cut
Gân	Beef tendon
Sách	The inner lining of a cow’s stomach, or beef tripe
Tiết	Cubes made from solidified beef blood
Bò viên	Balls made of beef meat

Just as the options for Phở Bò are diverse, the chicken version, Phở Gà, offers an equally varied selection of ingredients and preparations.

What Types of Meat Are Used to Make Phở Gà?

Uncover details about different types of chicken meat and parts used in Phở Gà:

Chicken	Description
Gà đùi	The thigh portion of the chicken
Gà lườn	The chest or frontal part of the chicken
Lòng gà	Internal organs of the chicken
Trứng non	Eggs from young chickens or undeveloped eggs

What Are the Different Variations of Phở?

Besides the two main types, beef, and chicken, vegan pho and seafood pho are widely savored.

Within these variations of Phở, there are multiple regional styles and cooking variations.

What Are the Regional Variations of Phở?

Phở boasts regional distinctions such as:

How Does Phở Vary in Other Provinces?

Across the country, you’ll encounter different flavors and styles, each unique to its region:

In short, each variety of pho dishes from different regions showcases the creativity of Vietnamese cuisine through different cooking methods.

How Do Different Cooking Methods Create Variations in Phở?

Explore the diverse variations of Phở that have emerged through varied cooking techniques:

With every regional and cooking variation, Phở offers a unique set of pros and cons to the dining experience.

Pros and Cons of Eating Phở

Below are the pros and cons of Phở:

Given its taste and nutritional advantages, despite some preparation challenges, it’s worth finding a place to try pho.

Where to Try Authentic Phở?

Next, let’s explore the top destinations where you can try authentic Phở:

For those eager to explore the rich tapestry of phở establishments, this list provides a starting point. Let’s dive into further insights available in the next FAQs.

Phở FAQs