Pho – The soul of Vietnamese cuisine

If banh mi represents Vietnam’s vibrant street life, pho represents its soul. Warm, fragrant, and deeply comforting, pho is more than just a bowl of noodles — it is a national treasure and a daily ritual for millions of Vietnamese people.

What is pho?

Pho (pronounced fuh) is a traditional Vietnamese noodle soup made with:

• A clear, aromatic broth
• Flat rice noodles
• Thinly sliced beef or chicken
• Fresh herbs
• Lime and chili

At first glance, it may look simple. But the true magic of pho lies in the broth.

The art of the broth

Authentic pho broth is simmered slowly for hours, sometimes overnight. Beef bones (or chicken bones for pho ga) are gently boiled with charred onions, ginger, and a blend of spices such as star anise, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom.

The result is a clear yet deeply flavorful broth that is:

• Rich but not greasy
• Fragrant but not overpowering
• Comforting but never heavy

Every spoonful carries layers of flavor built through patience and care.

Why should you try pho?

1. It is Vietnam in a bowl

Pho reflects Vietnamese culinary philosophy: balance, freshness, and harmony. The savory broth meets soft noodles, tender meat, bright herbs, and a squeeze of lime for freshness. You can customize it with chili or hoisin sauce, adjusting the flavor to your preference.

2. It is a breakfast tradition

In Vietnam, pho is commonly eaten for breakfast. Streets come alive early in the morning with steaming pots and the sound of ladles dipping into broth. Sitting on a small plastic stool with a hot bowl of pho is an authentic local experience.

3. It is comforting in any weather

Whether it is a cool morning in Hanoi or a rainy afternoon in Ho Chi Minh City, pho feels nourishing and restorative. Many Vietnamese people see it as comfort food — something that warms both the body and the spirit.

4. Regional differences make it exciting

There are notable differences between regions:

• Northern pho (Hanoi style): cleaner, lighter broth, fewer garnishes
• Southern pho (Saigon style): slightly sweeter broth, served with abundant herbs and bean sprouts

Each style has loyal fans, and trying both gives you a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s culinary diversity.

5. A global icon

Pho has become one of the most recognized Vietnamese dishes worldwide. Yet, like banh mi, tasting it in Vietnam — where the ingredients are fresh and the recipe is traditional — is an entirely different experience.

Final spoonful

Pho is not flashy. It does not rely on complicated presentation. Instead, it wins people over quietly, through depth of flavor and comforting warmth.

If you want to understand Vietnam beyond the surface — beyond the streets and scenery — sit down for a bowl of pho. Take your time. Savor the broth. And you will taste a piece of Vietnamese culture that has been perfected over generations.