What is pho?

What is Pho?

Pho (phở) originated in Northern Vietnam in the early 20th century and is now the dish most associated with Vietnamese cuisine worldwide. The broth is the foundation: beef bones are charred with onion and ginger, then simmered for 6 or more hours with star anise, cloves, cinnamon, coriander seeds, and cardamom. This produces a clear, deeply aromatic broth. It's served with rice noodles (banh pho) and either raw beef sliced thin (which cooks in the hot broth) or chicken.

Taste and texture

Light but complex — the broth is clear and clean without being thin, with layers of warm spice aroma. The noodles are slippery and mild. Fresh garnishes (bean sprouts, basil, lime, chilli) are added at the table.

Typical ingredients

• Beef or chicken bones
• Star anise
• Cloves
• Cinnamon
• Cardamom
• Ginger (charred)
• Onion (charred)
• Fish sauce
• Flat rice noodles (banh pho)
• Thinly sliced beef (various cuts) or chicken
• Bean sprouts
• Fresh basil (húng quế)
• Lime
• Bird's eye chilli
• Hoisin sauce (condiment)
• Sriracha (condiment)

Common allergens to ask about

The following allergens are commonly present in Pho. Ingredient lists vary by restaurant — always confirm with your server if you have dietary restrictions.

• Fish (fish sauce)
• Wheat (some garnish sauces contain wheat)
• Soy (hoisin sauce)

How it's served

In a large deep bowl. Raw or rare beef is laid on top of the hot noodles; the heat of the broth cooks it. Garnishes arrive on a separate plate — add them to taste. Hoisin and sriracha are common condiments.

Order it if you like…

Order it if you want a warming, deeply fragrant soup that isn't heavy or spicy. The base is light; you control how much heat you add. Great for cold days or when you want something nourishing.

Similar dishes

Bun Bo Hue · Banh Mi · See all dishes in the dictionary

Reading the menu that lists Pho

Use ChefBear to scan the menu and see every dish — including Pho — with a photo, description, and a recommendation for your taste. For a full guide to Vietnamese menus, see how to read a Vietnamese menu.

Frequently asked questions

What cut of beef is in pho?

Many cuts appear on a pho menu. Common options: tái (rare sliced round), chín (well-done brisket), gầu (fatty flank/brisket), sách (tendon), nạm (flank). Tái is the most common for first-time orders.

Is pho pronounced 'foe'?

Close — the Vietnamese pronunciation is closer to 'fuh' (with a rising tone). 'Foe' is an accepted English approximation.

Is pho gluten-free?

The broth and rice noodles are gluten-free. Fish sauce is also gluten-free. Hoisin sauce and sriracha may contain wheat. Confirm with the restaurant.

What is the difference between pho and bun bo hue?

Both are Vietnamese noodle soups, but bun bo hue is from Hue in Central Vietnam, uses round rice noodles, and has a spicier, lemongrass-forward broth. Pho uses flat noodles and is milder and more aromatic.