National Dish of Vietnam Pho

Vietnamese beef noodle soup is called Pho. Pho has both French and Chinese origins. Authentic pho is simmered for hours to maximize the flavors. In Vietnam, Pho is typically a breakfast dish.

Servings

4 Person

Prep Time

25 Min

Cook Time

360 Min

Total Time

500 Min

4 lbs.
beef soup bones
1 ½ lbs.
beef top sirloin (thinly sliced)
1 (8 oz.)
package dried rice noodles
1
onion (unpeeled, halved)
5
slices fresh ginger
½ cup
chopped cilantro leaves
1 tbsp.
chopped green onions
2
pods star anise
1 ½ cups
bean sprouts
2 ½ tbsp.
fish sauce
¼ cup
hoisin sauce
¼ cup
chili-garlic sauce
1
bunch Thai basil
1
lime (quartered)
4 qt.
water
1 tbsp.
salt

Vietnamese beef noodle soup is called Pho. Pho has both French and Chinese origins. Authentic pho is simmered for hours to maximize the flavors. In Vietnam, Pho is typically a breakfast dish.

Directions for Preparing Pho

  1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
  2. Place the beef bones on a baking sheet, then roast for one (1:00) hour in the oven until brown.
  3. Place the onion on a separate baking sheet and bake for forty-five (0:45) minutes until soft and black.
  4. Transfer the onion and roasted beef bones to a large stockpot.
  5. Add the fish sauce, salt, star anise, and ginger slices to the pot.
  6. Pour in the water.
  7. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat.
  8. Let the soup simmer for six (6:00) to ten (10:00) hours over low heat.
  9. Use a colander or strainer to strain the broth into a saucepan, then set it aside.
  10. Soak the rice noodles in a bowl of water for about one (1:00) hour.
  11. Transfer the soaked noodles to a pot of boiling water for one (0:01) minute.
  12. Divide the noodles into four portions and place them into serving bowls.
  13. Top the noodles with the beef sirloin slices, cilantro leaves, and green onions.
  14. Bring the strained broth to a simmer, then pour it over each serving of noodles.
  15. Stir and allow the bowls of Pho to rest for two (0:02) minutes until the beef slices are partially cooked and no longer pink.
  16. Serve the Pho immediately with hoisin sauce, chili-garlic sauce, lime chunks, and Thai basil.

National Dish of Kiribati

Pho is the national dish of Vietnam and one of the most recognizable soups in the world. Its origins date back to the early 20th century in northern Vietnam, where it emerged from a blend of local culinary traditions and foreign influence.

The dish reflects both Chinese and French culinary impact. Rice noodles and aromatic spices such as star anise were influenced by Chinese cooking, while the practice of long-simmered beef bone broth is often linked to French techniques introduced during colonial rule. Over time, Vietnamese cooks adapted these elements into a uniquely local dish.

Traditionally, pho is simmered for many hours to produce a clear, deeply flavored broth. In Vietnam, it is most commonly eaten for breakfast, especially in the early morning hours, served fresh from street stalls and small eateries.

Pho varies by region. Northern styles tend to be simpler and more restrained, while southern versions are often served with a wider range of herbs and condiments. Despite these differences, pho remains a daily staple and a symbol of Vietnamese culinary identity.

Related Recipe

20519 Views
January 31, 2026
Callaloo is a thick stew from Trinidad and Tobago made with dasheen leaves, herbs, and spices, often served with meat or alongside macaroni pie.
196 Views
January 30, 2026
Explore the refreshing National Drink of Dominica Sorrel Drink, Dominica’s national hibiscus beverage, and its cultural significance in the Caribbean.
215 Views
August 14, 2025
Lachcha Paratha is a popular Indian flatbread known for its crispy, flaky layers. Traditionally made with a mix of whole wheat flour and oil, this delicious paratha pairs perfectly with curries, yogurt, or even on its own with some butter.

User Area