Pho, soup from Vietnam: what it is and how it is eaten

Pho is a Vietnamese soup of rice noodles in a clear, fragrant broth, most often served with beef or chicken and fresh herbs. It began in northern Vietnam in the early 1900s and is now eaten across the country at all hours, from street stalls to restaurants. Pho is recognized for its delicate balance of flavors and is celebrated annually on December 12 as Day of Pho in Vietnam.

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Pho originated in northern Vietnam in the early 1900s
It is made with rice noodles, aromatic broth, and beef or chicken
Hanoi and Saigon have distinct pho styles
December 12 is celebrated as Day of Pho in Vietnam
Pho is now popular worldwide, especially in Vietnamese communities

What is Pho?

Pho is a Vietnamese noodle soup made with flat rice noodles, a clear broth, and slices of beef or chicken. The broth is simmered with bones and a blend of spices, giving it a layered aroma. It is typically garnished with fresh herbs such as basil and culantro, and often served with lime and bean sprouts. The soup is known for its comforting warmth and subtle, balanced flavors.

Where does Pho come from?

Pho first appeared in northern Vietnam in the early 20th century, especially in Nam Định province and Hanoi. Its exact beginnings are debated, with influences traced to both French and Chinese cooking traditions. The French introduced beef and slow-cooked broths, while Chinese immigrants contributed rice noodles and spices. Pho was originally sold by street vendors carrying mobile kitchens. Over time, it spread throughout Vietnam and later across the world, especially after the Vietnam War.

How is Pho made?

Pho is made by simmering beef or chicken bones with spices such as star anise, cinnamon, and cloves to create a clear, aromatic broth. Flat rice noodles are cooked separately and placed in a bowl, topped with thinly sliced beef or chicken. The hot broth is poured over the noodles and meat, which cooks the meat if served rare. It is finished with fresh herbs and sometimes bean sprouts, lime, or sauces.

Vietnamese wide rice noodles, called bánh phở, before being boiled. They are used in a Vietnamese soup phở.. Photo: Horakvlado, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Toàn cảnh thành phố Nam Định khi mới xây xong.. Photo: Không biết (Unknown), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

How and when is Pho eaten?

Pho is eaten at any time of day in Vietnam, from breakfast to dinner. It is served in homes, street stalls, and restaurants. Diners often add fresh herbs, lime, and chili to taste. In the south, it is common to add bean sprouts, basil, and sauces like hoisin or chili. Pho is enjoyed both as a quick street meal and a leisurely dish with family or friends.

Kinds of Pho

There are two main regional styles: Hanoi (northern) pho uses wider noodles, a clearer, less sweet broth, and fewer garnishes. Saigon (southern) pho features a sweeter broth, thinner noodles, and a wider range of herbs and sauces. Chicken pho (phở gà) is a common alternative to beef. Modern versions include phở cuốn, where ingredients are wrapped in rice noodles, and even phở-inspired cocktails.

What Pho means

Pho is a symbol of Vietnamese cuisine and national pride. It is celebrated on December 12 as Day of Pho in Vietnam. The dish is widely recognized abroad, especially in Vietnamese communities in the United States, Australia, and Canada. Pho has been featured in international food rankings and is served in both casual and fine dining settings. Its history reflects Vietnam's cultural exchanges and adaptability.

Questions people ask about Pho

What is pho made of?

Pho consists of flat rice noodles, a clear broth simmered with beef or chicken bones and spices, and is topped with slices of beef or chicken and fresh herbs.

Where does pho come from?

Pho originated in northern Vietnam, especially in Nam Định province and Hanoi, in the early 20th century.

How is pho served?

Pho is served hot in a bowl, with noodles and meat covered by broth, and garnished with herbs. Diners can add lime, bean sprouts, and sauces to taste.

Are there different types of pho?

Yes, there are regional styles such as Hanoi and Saigon pho, which differ in broth sweetness, noodle width, and garnishes. Pho can be made with beef or chicken.

Is pho eaten at a specific time of day?

Pho is eaten throughout the day in Vietnam, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, at home, in restaurants, or at street stalls.

Good reading and sources

Where this page comes from

The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Pho", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Thali rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.

It may contain mistakes, and it is not dietary or allergy advice: recipes differ from cook to cook. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.

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