Few dishes are as beloved and iconic as Phở (pronounced “fuh”), Vietnam’s soulful, aromatic noodle soup. With its rich, slow-simmered broth, tender rice noodles, and fragrant herbs, Vietnamese soup is not just a dish—it’s an experience that represents Vietnamese culture, history, and tradition.

Whether enjoyed at a street-side vendor in Hanoi or a trendy Vietnamese soup restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City, this comforting bowl of noodles brings people together across generations.

In this guide, we will explore:

• The history and cultural significance of pho.
• Different types of pho and their unique flavors.
• Step-by-step recipe for making authentic Vietnamese soup at home.
• Pro cooking tips for achieving a clear, flavorful broth.
• Best condiments, toppings, and side dishes for pho.

The History and Cultural Significance of Vietnamese soup

Origins in Northern Vietnam (Early 20th Century)
Pho is believed to have originated in Nam Định, Northern Vietnam, in the early 1900s, influenced by French, Chinese, and Vietnamese culinary traditions.

French & Chinese Influences

• The use of beef in pho was likely influenced by the French colonial presence (as beef was not widely consumed in traditional Vietnamese cuisine).
• The technique of simmering bones for a clear broth comes from Chinese cooking methods.

Pho and the Vietnam War
During the Vietnam War, many Vietnamese families migrated to Southern Vietnam and beyond, bringing pho with them and adapting the flavors to regional tastes. Today, pho is a symbol of Vietnamese identity, enjoyed worldwide.

📌 Fun Fact: Pho was originally a street food, served by vendors carrying shoulder poles (gánh phở) with pots of steaming broth!

Types of Pho: Northern vs. Southern Variations

Pho varies by region, with distinct differences in broth, toppings, and garnishes.

🏯 Northern Pho (Phở Bắc – Hanoi Style)

• Clear, delicate broth with a strong beef flavor.
• Minimal garnishes—just green onions and fresh herbs.
• Uses wider, flat rice noodles.
• Simple toppings like rare beef slices (Phở Bò Tái) or chicken (Phở Gà).

📌 Best For: Those who love a pure, clean broth with deep umami flavor.

🌆 Southern Pho (Phở Nam – Ho Chi Minh City Style)

• Sweeter broth, often made with rock sugar and spices.
• More toppings and garnishes, including bean sprouts, Thai basil, and hoisin sauce.
• Uses thinner rice noodles.
• Includes more beef cuts, like brisket, meatballs, and tripe.

📌 Best For: Those who enjoy bold, aromatic, and slightly sweet flavors.

Step-by-Step Recipe: Authentic Vietnamese Pho

Ingredients (Serves 4-5)

For the Broth:

• 3 lbs beef bones (marrow bones, knuckles, or oxtail)
• 1 lb beef brisket (optional, for slicing later)
• 1 large onion, halved
• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, halved
• 5-star anise pods
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 5 cloves
• 1 tbsp coriander seeds
• 2 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tbsp rock sugar or brown sugar
• Salt to taste
• 4-5 quarts water

For the Noodles & Toppings:

• 14 oz fresh rice noodles (bánh phở)
• Thinly sliced raw beef (sirloin or eye round, for Phở Bò Tái)
• Bean sprouts
• Fresh Thai basil & cilantro
• Lime wedges
• Thinly sliced onions & green onions
• Hoisin sauce & sriracha (optional, Southern style)

Step 1: Preparing the Broth (The Key to Great Pho!)

• Blanch the Bones – Bring a pot of water to a boil, add the beef bones, and boil for 5 minutes. This removes impurities for a clear broth.
• Roast the Aromatics – Char the onion and ginger over an open flame or dry-fry them in a pan for 5 minutes.
• Simmer the Broth – In a large pot, add blanched bones, roasted aromatics, spices, fish sauce, and sugar. Cover with water and simmer for 6-8 hours.
• Strain the Broth – Remove bones and spices for a clean, golden broth.

📌 Pro Tip: Use low heat for a clear broth (never boil aggressively).

Step 2: Cooking the Noodles & Beef

• Soak rice noodles in warm water for 15 minutes, then blanch in boiling water for 30 seconds.
• Arrange thinly sliced raw beef in serving bowls.
• Pour boiling hot broth over the beef to cook it instantly.

📌 For Phở Gà (Chicken Pho): Use chicken bones instead of beef and poach a whole chicken in the broth.

Step 3: Assemble & Serve

• Top with bean sprouts, green onions, and fresh herbs.
• Serve with lime wedges, hoisin sauce, and sriracha (Southern-style).
• Enjoy hot with a side of crispy Vietnamese spring rolls (Chả Giò).

📌 Pho Eating Tip: Take a sip of the broth before adding sauces to enjoy its natural flavors!

Best Toppings & Condiments for Pho

📌 Authentic Hanoi-style pho is all about the broth—no extra sauces needed!

Pro Cooking Tips for the Perfect Pho

• Use the Right Bones – Marrow bones, knuckles, and oxtail add depth and collagen.
• Char the Onion & Ginger – Enhances the smoky sweetness of the broth.
• Skim the Broth Frequently – Keeps it clear and pure.
• Thinly Slice the Beef – The broth should cook it instantly in the bowl.
• Don’t Overload the Bowl – Let the broth shine instead of overpowering it with too many toppings.

📌 Bonus Tip: Store extra broth in the freezer for quick pho anytime!

Where to Find the Best Pho in the World

• Hanoi, Vietnam 🇻🇳 – Phở Gia Truyền (best for Northern-style pho).
• Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam 🇻🇳 – Phở Hòa Pasteur (famous for Southern-style pho).
• Los Angeles, USA 🇺🇸 – Phở 79 (legendary Vietnamese-American pho).
• Paris, France 🇫🇷 – Pho 14 (great for an authentic taste in Europe).
• Sydney, Australia 🇦🇺 – An Restaurant (iconic pho in Australia).

Conclusion: The Timeless Appeal of Pho

Pho is more than just a bowl of noodles—it’s a symbol of Vietnamese heritage, resilience, and comfort. Whether enjoyed in a bustling  angkabet Hanoi street market or homemade in your kitchen, pho remains a beloved dish worldwide.

💬 What’s your favorite type of pho? Have you tried making it at home? Share your pho experiences below! 🍜🔥🥢