🍜 Pho: What It Is, How to Make It & Why It’s a Global Favorite
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.
🧂 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.
🔪 How to Make Pho at Home
🥣 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 (pho bo)
- Chicken pho (pho ga)
- Vegan pho (tofu & veggie broth)
- Brisket pho
- Seafood or shrimp pho
- Spicy pho with chili oil or sriracha
🍲 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
🔎 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)
🍜 Ramen vs Pho: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | Pho | Ramen |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Vietnam | Japan |
| Broth Base | Clear, bone-based, aromatic | Cloudy, pork/chicken/soy |
| Noodles | Flat rice noodles | Curly wheat noodles |
| Toppings | Herbs, lime, bean sprouts | Egg, seaweed, corn, bamboo |
| Flavor | Light, fresh, herbal | Rich, 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.