Pho - Vietnam's soul-warming soup
Pho is an aromatic noodle soup regarded as 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 pile of fresh herbs. It is comfort in a bowl.
What makes the broth special
The characteristic flavor comes from toasted spices. Star anise, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom and coriander give the broth its warm, aromatic character – you'll find them all in our spice selection. Charred 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 they take on some color.
- Simmer a good beef broth together 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 so it becomes clear.
- Cook the rice noodles separately and divide between bowls.
- Place thin slices of raw beef on top of the noodles, and pour the boiling broth over so the meat just barely cooks.
The toppings make the dish
Serve pho with a plate of fresh accompaniments on the side, so each person can customize their own bowl:
- Fresh Thai basil and cilantro
- Bean sprouts
- Lime wedges
- Sliced fresh chili
- Hoisin sauce and sriracha – see Asian sauces
Tricks for a clear broth
The secret behind a beautiful, clear broth is skimming off impurities as you go and never letting it boil hard. Let it simmer gently instead. 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 once you have the spices in place, it is easy to make again and again. If you love Asian noodle soups, you can also try our ramen from scratch – pho's Japanese cousin.
Get the ingredients at FUDI
At FUDI you'll find rice noodles for pho, whole spices, fish sauce and hoisin sauce and sriracha. With these in your pantry, you can make an authentic, steaming bowl of pho at home — perfect on a cold Norwegian evening.
