The term “pho” actually refers to both the soup’s flat rice noodles as well as the entirety of the pho soup. The dish originated in Northern Vietnam in the early 20th century, and has become one of the most popular street foods in the country. In Vietnam, pho is considered the national dish. Pho is found on every corner in Hanoi, and it’s so popular that there are entire streets dedicated to serving pho to hungry customers 24/7!
Pho, pronounced “fuh,” is a traditional Vietnamese soup made from beef or chicken broth, rice noodles, herbs, and meat.
The word pho comes from the French word for fire, “feu,” which likely refers to the original preparation method for heating up the broth. It originated in northern Vietnam in the early 20th century, when French colonizers introduced their own version of beef consommé. The soup was then adapted by Vietnamese cooks to include their native spices and herbs, becoming a popular dish that has since evolved into one of Vietnam’s most recognized street foods. But pho is no longer just a local delicacy—it’s become a global phenomenon!
The classic pho recipe includes a combination of beef shank (phần gà), flank steak (phần thịt bò sách) or brisket (phần thịt heo), onions (trứng cá và giáp) and ginger (xương rau quế). These ingredients are simmered for hours with star anise pods and cloves along with spices like coriander seeds, cinnamon sticks, and fennel seeds. The broth itself is seasoned simply: fish sauce helps bring out the savory flavors of each ingredient while salt balances them out. Once cooked through, you’ll add thinly sliced raw meat on top so that you can pour hot broth into your bowl just before eating it—the hot liquid cooks this last step while also adding flavor; it’s best enjoyed right away!
Pho is Vietnam’s national dish.
Also dubbed as one of the best soups in the world by CNN, a traditional Vietnamese Pho soup is found in every corner of Hanoi and served with every meal—from breakfast to dinner. Pho ga (soup with chicken) and pho bo (soup with beef) are the most popular varieties; however, many variations of this delicious dish vary by region.
You’ll find different variations of pho around the world.
Pho can be found all over the world today—though it’s generally thought to be a southern Vietnamese dish—and it’s gained popularity as an international food thanks to its comforting taste and simplicity.
It’s also a staple in New York City, where you can get your fix at many restaurants serving authentic dishes from across the globe. There’s a also large Vietnamese population in Paris, France, and the city has several restaurants that serve up pho. You can find pho shops that serve southern Vietnamese cuisine all over France, but Paris is a great place to start if you’re looking for authentic dishes. In Manila, the Philippines’ capital city, there are some Vietnamese restaurants serving up bowls of pho—and it’s one of their most popular warm noodle soups. In addition to being served as a main course soup with meatballs and brisket slices over rice noodles in a savory broth seasoned with cinnamon sticks.
Filipino pho was inspired by Vietnamese immigrants who came to Manila during French colonization.
You might not know it, but Filipino pho is actually inspired by Vietnamese immigrants who came to Manila in 1975. The dish was adapted to include ingredients from the Philippines, including native spices like calamansi and shrimp paste. Pho has become such a popular dish in Vietnamese restaurants in Manila that you can find it all over the capital city!
Filipinos easily associate Pho when one says Vietnamese food and culture. One of the best places to grab an authentic bowl of warm and flavorful Pho with your family and friends is in Em Ha Noi, Manila. They serve a mouthwatering bowl of pho noodle soup filled with meat and spices that’s surely going to satisfy your Vietnamese soup cravings! Aside from pho, you can also enjoy spring rolls, curry, and braised beef, among many others on their menu.
New York City serves up a wonderful bowl of pho that tastes even better when you’re wearing a thick winter coat.
The Vietnamese soup pho is one of the most popular dishes in New York City, with thousands of restaurants offering versions of it. Pho has been served since the 1970s and is also a great winter food. Though of course, no one will stop you from grabbing a bowl of pho on a humid summer day if you must crave it!
Pho may also be a great hangover cure or comfort food for those who live in cold climates like New York City, where pho can be enjoyed year-round with little effort other than putting on your coat.
Pho is also served throughout France with fillings like duck breast and creme fraiche!
Pho is also served throughout France, where you can find a version made with duck breast and creme fraiche. There are restaurants over France where you can enjoy flavorful pho soup and noodles. It is said that pho is rooted deeply in French cooking culture. The way pho soup is made involves roasting ox tail and shin bones, as well as various other vegetables, for 8 or more hours to create a clear broth with an aromatic flavor. It’s almost like a consommé. All of those techniques—roasting the bones and vegetables, for example—are French. In the same way, a pot-au-feu is produced by simmering meat in water for a long period of time.
Everyone should try pho, one of the best soups in the world.
You cannot miss out on this mouthwatering Vietnamese food meant to warm your heart and fill your stomach. If you want to try some pho for yourself, book a table in Em Ha Noi, Manila, and order pho soup along with other well-loved Vietnamese dishes.
