Pho (pronounced fuh) is a fragrant Vietnamese noodle soup known for its rich, clear broth, flat rice noodles, and savory toppings. Originating in Northern Vietnam, pho has grown into a globally loved dish, often compared to Japanese ramen—but it has its own unique character, flavor, and cultural roots.

🌍 What Is Pho & Where Is It From?

Pho is a traditional Vietnamese soup made with a slow-cooked aromatic broth, rice noodles, and typically beef or chicken. The dish emerged in the early 20th century in northern Vietnam and became a national staple after the country’s reunification.

Vietnamese Beef Pho Recipe by Lena Chen
Great recipe for Vietnamese beef pho.
CookpadLena Chen

🧂 Pho Ingredients: What’s in Pho?

Core Ingredients:

  • Pho broth (made from beef or chicken bones, spices, and herbs)
  • Rice noodles (flat, medium-thick)
  • Protein (beef slices, chicken, tofu, brisket, shrimp)
  • Pho seasoning: star anise, cloves, cinnamon, coriander, ginger
  • Toppings: bean sprouts, Thai basil, lime, hoisin, chili, green onions

You can customize pho with variations like vegan pho, brisket pho, or spicy seafood pho.

Mike’s “What The Fuh?” Phở Recipe by MMOBRIEN
Phở = Pronounced correctly, “Fuh.” Once again, my youngest students were watching Andrew Zimmern. [i swear this dude is trying to kill me] Anyway, they saw the Northern Vietnamese making Phở. With that, they demanded to try their hands at it. Now mind you - authentic Phở can take upwards of a day an

CookpadMMOBRIEN

đŸ”Ș How to Make Pho at Home

đŸ„Ł How to Make Pho Broth

Step 1: Roast beef or chicken bones (or veggies for vegan pho).
Step 2: Simmer with aromatics—ginger, onion, star anise, cinnamon—for 3–6 hours.
Step 3: Skim impurities, then season with fish sauce, salt, and sugar.
Step 4: Cook noodles separately. Pour broth over noodles and protein. Top with herbs and lime.

🐼 Popular Pho Types:

Beef Pho Recipe by Huỳnh Phåt
Vietnam is a country with many delicious dishes. Among them, PHỞ is considered the “king of dishes” as it serves as an ambassador of Vietnamese cuisine to the world... And making a good pot of pho is not easy for home cooks (which is why famous pho shops are always crowded). Today, with the developm

CookpadHuỳnh Phåt
Faux “Pho” 🍜 Easy Shrimp Noodle Soup Recipe by Kels Ro
Super simple delish soup!
CookpadKels Ro
Vegan Pho (Vietnamese Noodle Soup) Recipe by Caitlin
#newcookschallenge Recipe from Youtube channel: Pick Up Limes
CookpadCaitlin
Chicken Pho Recipe by BĂČn Bon
Woke up to a rainy morning and craved a warm bowl of chicken pho! This is a combination of Northern and Southern Vietnamese chicken pho, as my family is originally from the North but has been in Saigon for 40 years 😂. We only cook with onions and ginger, not with cinnamon, star anise, or cardamom l

CookpadBĂČn Bon

đŸČ Is Pho Healthy?

Yes, pho is considered healthy—especially when made at home with fresh ingredients.

✅ Health Benefits of Pho:

  • High in protein and collagen (especially bone broth versions)
  • Low in fat (depending on cuts of meat used)
  • Contains herbs and spices with anti-inflammatory properties
  • Naturally dairy-free and often gluten-free
Beef Pho (Bone Broth Recipe) Recipe by HoĂ ng Nga
Great recipe for Beef Pho (Bone Broth Recipe).
CookpadHoĂ ng Nga

🔎 Is Pho Gluten-Free?

Traditional pho is naturally gluten-free as it uses rice noodles and contains no wheat—just be sure to use gluten-free soy or fish sauce in the broth.

🔱 Pho Calories & Nutrition

How Many Calories in Pho?

  • Beef pho: ~350–500 kcal per bowl
  • Chicken pho: ~300–450 kcal
  • Vegan pho: ~250–350 kcal
  • Brisket pho: ~400–550 kcal
  • Shrimp pho: ~300–400 kcal

Pho Noodle Soup Nutrition (Approx. per serving):

  • Carbs: 35–50g
  • Protein: 20–30g
  • Fat: 5–15g
  • Sodium: 800–1200mg (can be reduced by using low-sodium broth)
Chicken Pho With Shiitake Mushrooms Recipe by minh!
I was craving chicken pho, so I had to cook it right away! But since there are no places nearby selling pho noodles, I used rice vermicelli instead, which is just as delicious. I have a passion for cooking and discovering the key ingredients that are the soul of a dish. For pho, it’s the aroma of th

Cookpadminh!

🍜 Ramen vs Pho: What’s the Difference?

FeaturePhoRamen
OriginVietnamJapan
Broth BaseClear, bone-based, aromaticCloudy, pork/chicken/soy
NoodlesFlat rice noodlesCurly wheat noodles
ToppingsHerbs, lime, bean sproutsEgg, seaweed, corn, bamboo
FlavorLight, fresh, herbalRich, umami, salty

Pho is lighter and more herbal, while ramen is richer and saltier.

Pho is more than just a soup—it’s a comforting, nutrient-rich dish deeply rooted in Vietnamese tradition. From beef pho with brisket to light vegan pho or spicy shrimp pho, it’s incredibly customizable and easier to make than you think. The key lies in a well-crafted pho broth full of spices and love.

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