Pho - Vietnam's Soul-Warming Soup
Pho is an aromatic noodle soup considered Vietnam's national dish. The heart of the dish is a clear, spiced broth traditionally simmered for many hours, served over soft rice noodles with thin slices of meat and a mound of fresh herbs. It is comfort in a bowl.
What Makes the Broth Special
The distinctive flavor comes from toasted spices. Star anise, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and coriander give the broth its warm, aromatic character. Toasted onion and ginger add depth and sweetness. It is this spice profile that makes pho so recognizable.
A Simplified Home Version
- Toast ginger and onion in a dry pan until colored.
- Simmer a good beef broth with star anise, cinnamon, cloves, and coriander for at least 30 to 45 minutes.
- Season with fish sauce and a little sugar.
- Strain the broth until clear.
- Cook rice noodles separately and divide into bowls.
- Place thin slices of raw beef on top of the noodles, and pour the boiling broth over them so the meat is just cooked.
The Toppings Make the Dish
Serve pho with a platter of fresh accompaniments on the side, so each person can customize their own bowl:
- Fresh Thai basil and coriander
- Bean sprouts
- Lime wedges
- Fresh sliced chili
- Hoisin sauce and sriracha
Tips for Clear Broth
The secret to a beautiful, clear broth is to skim off impurities as you go and never let it boil vigorously. Instead, let it simmer gently. Toasting the spices and ginger before adding them also makes a big difference to the flavor.
Why Make Pho at Home?
A good pho warms body and soul, and is surprisingly nutritious with protein, vegetables, and spices that many associate with well-being. Once you have the spices on hand, it's easy to make again and again.
Shop for Ingredients at FUDI
At FUDI, you'll find rice noodles for pho, whole spices, fish sauce, hoisin sauce, and sriracha. With these in stock, you can make an authentic, steaming bowl of pho at home, perfect for a cold Norwegian evening.
