When people think about Vietnamese cuisine, one dish immediately comes to mind: the Vietnamese noodle soup known worldwide as phở. More than a simple bowl of noodles, phở represents the history, culture, traditions, and culinary identity of Vietnam. Its fragrant broth, delicate rice noodles, aromatic herbs, and tender meat have conquered food lovers across the globe.
Today, Vietnamese noodle soup is served from bustling street stalls in Hanoi to Michelin-recognized restaurants in Paris, London, Berlin, and New York. Yet despite its international fame, the authentic phở remains deeply connected to its Vietnamese roots.
This comprehensive guide explores the history of phở, its ingredients, regional variations, preparation methods, prices, differences from other noodle dishes, and the best places to enjoy this iconic Vietnamese noodle soup in Vietnam and Europe.
The history of Vietnamese noodle soup (Phở)
The origins of Phở remain a topic of debate among food historians, but most agree that this famous Vietnamese noodle soup first appeared in Northern Vietnam during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
Origins in Northern Vietnam
Phở is believed to have originated in Nam Dinh province, south of Hanoi. At that time, local cooks combined influences from Vietnamese and French culinary traditions.
The French colonial presence increased beef consumption in Vietnam. While the French favored beef cuts, Vietnamese cooks utilized bones and other parts to create flavorful broths. Over time, these broths were combined with rice noodles and aromatic spices to create the first versions of Phở bò (beef Pho).
Growth in Hanoi
By the 1920s and 1930s, Hanoi had become the spiritual home of this Vietnamese noodle soup. Street vendors carried portable kitchens through the city, serving steaming bowls of Phở to workers, students, and families.
Many of today's most famous Pho recipes trace their roots back to Hanoi's Old Quarter.
Expansion to Southern Vietnam
Following the division of Vietnam in 1954, many northern families migrated south and brought their Pho recipes with them.
In Southern Vietnam, local ingredients and culinary preferences transformed the dish. Southern pho became sweeter, more herbaceous, and more customizable, while Northern Pho retained its simpler and more traditional style.
International recognition
Following the Vietnamese diaspora after 1975, pho spread worldwide. Today, this Vietnamese noodle soup can be found on every continent and is widely recognized as one of the world's greatest comfort foods.
The ingredients of Vietnamese noodle soup
The success of a great Vietnamese noodle soup depends on the balance and quality of its ingredients.
Rice noodles (Bánh Phở)
The noodles are made from rice flour and water.
Unlike wheat noodles, Pho noodles are soft, light, slightly chewy, excellent at absorbing broth.
Fresh noodles are preferred in Vietnam, although dried versions are widely used internationally.
Broth
The broth is the heart and soul of any authentic Vietnamese noodle soup.
Traditional broth requires beef bones or chicken bones, water, salt, fish sauce, rock sugar.
The broth is slowly simmered for many hours, often between 8 and 24 hours.
Aromatic spices
A signature feature of pho is its delicate spice profile.
Typical spices include star anise, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, coriander seeds, black pepper.
These spices create the distinctive fragrance that defines authentic Pho.
Fresh herbs
Herbs provide freshness and balance.
Common herbs include Thai basil, cilantro, green onions, sawtooth coriander, mint.
Garnishes
Depending on the region, Pho may be accompanied by lime, chili peppers, garlic vinegar, bean sprouts, hoisin sauce, chili sauce.
The main types of Vietnamese noodle soup
Although Phở is the most famous Vietnamese noodle soup, several variations exist throughout the country.
Phở Bò (Beef Pho)
Phở bò is the original and most popular version.
It features slow-cooked beef broth, rice noodles, thinly sliced beef, fresh herbs.
Several cuts of beef may be used such as rare beef, well-done beef, brisket, flank, tendon, meatballs .
This remains the most iconic Vietnamese noodle soup both in Vietnam and abroad.
Phở Gà (Chicken Pho)
Chicken Pho emerged during periods when beef was scarce.
Its broth is lighter and cleaner than beef Pho.
Ingredients include free-range chicken, rice noodles, lime leaves, fresh herbs, green onions.
Many Vietnamese consider Phở gà the ultimate comfort food.
Phở Trâu (Buffalo Pho)
Less common but highly appreciated in certain northern provinces, buffalo pho offers a richer and more intense flavor.
Buffalo meat is leaner, more flavorful, slightly firmer.
This regional version remains a hidden treasure among lovers of Vietnamese noodle soup.
Vietnamese spring rolls served with Pho
Although not technically pho itself, fresh spring rolls are often served alongside this Vietnamese noodle soup.
Known as gỏi cuốn, they contain rice paper, shrimp, pork, herbs, rice vermicelli.
Together, they create a complete Vietnamese meal.
Traditional Vietnamese noodle soup recipe
Preparing authentic Pho requires patience and attention to detail.
Ingredients for Beef Pho
For the broth , they use 2 kg beef bones, 500 g beef brisket, 1 onion, 1 ginger root, 5 star anise, 1 cinnamon stick, 4 cloves, fish sauce, salt, rock sugar.
Additional ingredients include rice noodles, thinly sliced beef, green onions, cilantro, basil, lime.
Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the bones
Boil the bones briefly and discard the first water to remove impurities.
Step 2: Roast the aromatics
Char the onion and ginger over an open flame.
Toast the spices lightly.
Step 3: Simmer the broth
Combine bones, aromatics, and spices.
Simmer gently for at least 8 hours.
Step 4: Season
Add fish sauce, salt, and rock sugar.
Adjust carefully to achieve balance.
Step 5: Assemble
Place noodles in a bowl.
Add beef slices.
Pour boiling broth over the ingredients.
Top with herbs and garnishes.
The result is an authentic Vietnamese noodle soup rich in aroma and flavor.
The price of a bowl of Pho in Vietnam
One reason for the popularity of this Vietnamese noodle soup is its affordability.
Street vendors
- Typical prices are 35,000 to 60,000 VND ( approximately €1.30 to €2.30 )
Local restaurants
Typical prices are 50,000 to 90,000 VND ( approximately €2 to €3.50 )
Premium restaurants
Typical prices are 100,000 to 250,000 VND ( approximately €4 to €10 )
Luxury hotels
Premium versions may cost 250,000 to 500,000 VND
Even at higher prices, pho remains excellent value compared to similar dishes in Europe.
Differences between Pho, Bun and Banh Canh
Many visitors confuse these three popular Vietnamese noodle dishes.
Pho
Characteristics are flat rice noodles, clear aromatic broth, usually beef or chicken, delicate flavors.
Pho is the most internationally recognized Vietnamese noodle soup.
Bun
Characteristics are round rice vermicelli, various broths or sauces, numerous regional specialties.
Examples include Bun Cha, Bun Bo Hue, Bun Rieu.
The noodles are thinner than Pho noodles.
Banh Canh
Characteristics are thick noodles, made from rice or tapioca flour, richer and thicker broth.
Popular versions include Banh Canh Cua, Banh Canh Gio Heo.
The texture differs significantly from Pho.
The best Pho restaurants in Vietnam
No discussion of Vietnamese noodle soup would be complete without mentioning some legendary pho restaurants.
In Hanoi
Phở Gia Truyền Bát Đàn
One of the most famous pho establishments in Hanoi.
Known for traditional Northern Pho, rich broth, long-standing reputation.
Phở Thìn Bờ Hồ
Established in the 1950s.
Famous for stir-fried beef Pho.
Phở 10 Lý Quốc Sư
A favorite among both locals and international visitors.
In Ho Chi Minh City
Phở Hòa Pasteur
One of the most celebrated Pho restaurants in Southern Vietnam.
Phở Lệ
Known for generous portions and flavorful broth.
Phở Phượng
A popular local institution serving authentic Southern-style Pho.
In Nam Dinh
Phở Cụ Tặng
Often considered one of the most authentic Pho experiences in Vietnam.
How to properly enjoy Vietnamese noodle soup
Eating Pho is more than simply consuming a meal.
Step 1: Appreciate the aroma
Before tasting, inhale the fragrance of the broth.
The spices and herbs should be immediately noticeable.
Step 2: Taste the broth first
Vietnamese diners traditionally taste the broth before adding condiments.
This allows appreciation of the chef's craftsmanship.
Step 3: Add herbs gradually
Fresh herbs should complement rather than overwhelm the broth.
Step 4: Use lime and chili carefully
A few drops of lime and small amounts of chili enhance the flavors.
Step 5: Combine ingredients
Mix noodles, meat, broth, and herbs together for the perfect balance.
This approach allows diners to fully appreciate the complexity of this iconic Vietnamese noodle soup.
Where to eat the best Pho in Vietnam and Europe
Best Pho in Vietnam
Recommended destinations include:
Hanoi
The birthplace of modern Pho.
Best for traditional recipes, clear broth, authentic experience.
Nam Dinh
Historic center of Pho culture.
Ho Chi Minh City
Best for Southern-style Pho with abundant herbs and garnishes.
Best Pho in France
France is home to one of Europe's largest Vietnamese communities.
Recommended addresses include:
Pho 14 – Paris
Perhaps the most famous Pho restaurant in France.
Song Huong – Paris
Popular among Pho enthusiasts.
Le Petit Saigon – Paris
Excellent representation of Vietnamese gastronomy.
Best Pho in Germany
Monsieur Vuong – Berlin
A favorite among locals and tourists.
Best Pho in the United Kingdom
Pho Restaurant Chain – London
A respected introduction to Vietnamese cuisine.
Cay Tre – London
Known for authentic flavors.
Best Pho in Belgium
Several Vietnamese restaurants in Brussels serve high-quality Pho inspired by traditional recipes.
Conclusion
More than a meal, Vietnamese noodle soup represents centuries of history, cultural exchange, and culinary expertise. From its humble origins in Northern Vietnam to its global recognition today, Pho has become a symbol of Vietnamese identity and hospitality.
Whether you choose traditional Phở bò, comforting Phở gà, regional buffalo Pho, or accompany your bowl with fresh spring rolls, every version tells a story about Vietnam's rich culinary heritage.
Affordable, nutritious, fragrant, and deeply satisfying, Vietnamese noodle soup remains one of the world's most beloved dishes. For anyone visiting Vietnam, tasting an authentic bowl of Pho is not simply recommended—it is an essential cultural experience that captures the very essence of the country.
