The Secrets of Phở: History, Ingredients, and Modern Variations of Vietnam’s Iconic Dish

Phở: A Culinary Treasure of Vietnam

Phở is more than just soup — it’s a rich, emotional dish that weaves together Vietnam’s culinary traditions.
Found in street stalls from Hanoi to Saigon, phở has become a worldwide ambassador for Vietnamese cuisine, celebrated for its intense broth, vibrant herbs, and comforting warmth.

According to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, over 10 billion bowls of phở are eaten annually in Vietnam. In France, phở orders have increased by 40%, and in U.S. cities like Los Angeles and New York, pho restaurants have exploded in popularity.

1. The Origins of Phở: A Fusion of Cultures and Flavors

Phở’s origins trace back to early 20th-century northern Vietnam, blending French pot-au-feu influence with Chinese noodle-making techniques.

Culinary Influences:

• French: Slow-simmered beef bones (boiling method), roasted marrow flavors

• Chinese: Rice vermicelli and stir-fried toppings

• Vietnamese: Fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, and green-onion, spicy condiments like chili sauce, and the balance of sweet-savory broths

Historical Anecdote: During the Vietnam War, soldiers often prepared phở in makeshift pots, boiling bones and stir-frying available veggies, beef, or shrimp in basic camp kitchens.

2. The Soul of Phở: Mastering the Broth

The secret of authentic phở lies in its meticulously crafted broth, gently boiled for hours to develop layers of flavor without heaviness.

Key Ingredients:

• Beef or chicken bones (boiling for clarity)

• Roasted ginger, chopped onions, carrot, and star anise

• Nuoc mam (fish sauce) or soy sauce for vegetarian versions

• Aromatics like cilantro, green-onion, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and mushroom slices for extra depth

• Optional: a dash of sesame oil for nutty undertones

After hours of boiling and skimming, the broth is filtered to become light yet rich.

3. Regional and Modern Variations of Phở

Traditional Styles:

• Phở Bò: Thin slices of beef, clear broth, delicate rice vermicelli

• Phở Gà: Tender shredded chicken with light, ginger-infused broth

Southern Twist:

• Phở Saigon: Sweeter broth, served with pickled vegetables, chili sauce, fresh cucumber, broccoli, and mountains of herbs like mint and cilantro.

Modern Fusion:

• Vegan phở: Rich mushroom broth, stir-fried veggies, fried tofu

• Spicy phở: Extra chili sauce stirred into the broth

• Wagyu or Truffle phở: Luxurious meat options roasted and sliced

• Crispy meat toppings or fried shallots as garnishes

Other Creative Additions:

• Fried rice with phở broth on the side

• Phở noodle salad with shredded chicken, pickled carrots, and spicy chili sauce

• Phở-inspired meatballs flavored with lemongrass and sesame

4. How to Cook Authentic Phở at Home (Simplified)

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 kg beef bones or chicken, boiled for at least 3 hours

• Aromatics: roasted ginger, onions, star anise, cinnamon, cloves, and carrots

• 400 g rice vermicelli, quickly steamed or boiled

• Fresh herbs: cilantro, Thai basil, mint

• Toppings: chopped cucumber, shredded chicken or beef, stir-fried tofu

• Sauces: Nuoc mam, soy sauce, chili sauce

Steps:

1. Boil bones gently, skimming impurities.

2. Add spices, chopped veggies, and continue boiling.

3. In a separate pan, stir-fry mushrooms, veggies, or meatballs if desired.

4. Prepare noodles (boil or steam) and assemble bowls with broth and toppings.

Tablespoon tip: Add a tablespoon of chili sauce or sesame oil just before serving for extra depth.

5. Phở in the Modern Culinary World

Today, phở is thriving in:

• Parisian organic cafés (vegetarian or vegan phở)

• Street markets and luxury restaurants across Vietnam

• Ready-to-eat "phở express" packs at Asian grocery stores

Its ability to evolve — from traditional broth bowls to stir-fried phở fusions — keeps it timeless.

Conclusion: Phở — Vietnam’s Heart in a Bowl

Phở is more than a soup — it’s a memory, a story, and a bridge between generations.
Whether roasted, stir-fried, spicy, or rich in steamed veggies, every bowl of phở offers a taste of Vietnam’s enduring soul.

How do you like your phở — spicy, classic, crispy, or vegetarian? Share your favorite style!