Few dishes capture the heart of Vietnamese cuisine like pho. This fragrant, steaming bowl of broth, noodles, and fresh herbs is more than just food, it’s a cultural icon. Loved across the world for its comforting flavour and endless variations, pho has become a staple in both traditional kitchens and modern meal planning.
Whether you’re discovering pho for the first time or already a devotee, this guide will take you through its origins, unique flavours, and five delicious recipes you can make at home. Each recipe is easy to follow and comes with all the authentic flavour you’d expect from a bowl of Vietnamese pho.
What Is Pho?
Pho (pronounced “fuh”) is a Vietnamese noodle soup that blends a slow-simmered broth, rice noodles (called bánh phở), and a variety of proteins such as beef, chicken, or seafood. The dish is always finished with an array of fresh garnishes, lime wedges, bean sprouts, Thai basil, coriander, and chilli, that let you customise each bite.
The beauty of pho lies in its balance: a clear yet deeply flavoured broth, tender noodles, and bright, zesty herbs. It’s light enough to enjoy for breakfast (as is common in Vietnam) but hearty enough for dinner.
A Brief History of Pho
Pho is believed to have originated in Northern Vietnam in the early 20th century, influenced by both Chinese and French culinary traditions. The French introduced beef into the diet, and local cooks combined it with rice noodles and spices to create pho. After the Vietnam War, pho spread globally, adapting to new ingredients and preferences while keeping its soul intact.
Today, pho is enjoyed everywhere from roadside stalls in Hanoi to upscale restaurants in Sydney, London, and New York.
Essential Components of Pho
Before diving into the recipes, let’s break down the essentials of any good pho:
- The Broth: The heart of pho. Typically beef or chicken bones simmered for hours with star anise, cinnamon, cloves, and fish sauce.
- The Noodles: Flat rice noodles, cooked just until tender.
- The Protein: Options include beef, chicken, seafood, or even vegetarian substitutes like tofu.
- The Garnishes: Fresh herbs, sprouts, lime, and chilli elevate the soup and allow for personalisation.
Delicious Pho Recipes to Try
Ready to cook pho at home? These five recipes showcase the variety of this dish, from the traditional to the innovative.
1. Vietnamese Pho
The classic bowl of pho that started it all. This recipe focuses on a rich beef broth, infused with spices, and served with thin slices of beef. It’s the perfect place to start if you want an authentic experience.
Highlights:
- Slow-simmered broth with star anise and cinnamon.
- Traditional rice noodles.
- Fresh herbs and condiments for a true Vietnamese flavour.
2. Chicken Pho
A lighter alternative to the traditional beef version, Chicken Pho (Phở Gà) is equally comforting. The clear chicken broth has a delicate flavour that pairs beautifully with lime and coriander.
Why you’ll love it:
- Gentle, soothing flavour.
- Quicker to prepare than beef pho.
- Perfect for colder evenings or when you’re feeling under the weather.
This variation takes pho back to its roots with a deeply savoury broth and tender cuts of beef. Often, the beef is added raw to the steaming soup, cooking just enough in the hot liquid.
What makes it stand out:
- Layers of flavour from roasted bones and spices.
- A rich, hearty broth.
- Ideal for pho purists who love robust flavour.
4. Seafood Pho
A modern twist on a Vietnamese classic, Seafood Pho combines prawns, fish, and other seafood with a lighter broth. It’s aromatic, refreshing, and packed with ocean flavours.
Best features:
- Unique take on traditional pho.
- Balanced, delicate broth that highlights seafood.
- A lighter option for summer or warmer days.
5. Prawn Pho Mason Jars
Pho on the go! This creative recipe layers prawns, noodles, and broth in mason jars, making it the ultimate portable meal. Just pour in hot water and enjoy.
Why try it:
- Great for meal prep and busy weekdays.
- Portable and convenient for work lunches.
- A fun twist that makes pho accessible anywhere.
Tips for Making the Best Pho at Home
- Take your time with the broth – patience is key. The longer you simmer, the deeper the flavour.
- Char your aromatics – lightly toasting onions and ginger before simmering adds complexity.
- Don’t overcook noodles – they should be tender but not mushy.
- Experiment with garnishes – fresh chilli for heat, extra lime for tang, or hoisin sauce for sweetness.
- Make it your own – swap proteins, try vegetarian versions, or explore creative options like the mason jar pho.
Why Pho Is Perfect for Meal Planning
Pho is incredibly adaptable for meal prep. You can make a large batch of broth and noodles ahead of time, then assemble bowls fresh during the week. With variations like prawn mason jars, pho can even become your go-to packed lunch solution.
Try Pho with Appetise
Craving a steaming bowl of pho? With Appetise’s free meal planning tool, you can easily save, customise, and plan all these pho recipes and many more. Whether you want to try authentic Vietnamese Pho, comforting Chicken Pho, rich Beef Pho, refreshing Seafood Pho, or innovative Prawn Pho Mason Jars, Appetise makes it simple.
👉 Sign up for a free Appetise account today and start meal planning like a pro.
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