Pho

Pho is a Vietnamese noodle soup comprising a clear broth, rice noodles (banh pho), and meat, most commonly beef or chicken. It is typically served with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lime wedges, and sliced chilies, with sauces such as hoisin or chili sauce offered on the side.

The defining feature of pho is its broth, which is simmered for hours with bones, onion, and ginger, along with a spice blend that may include star anise, cinnamon, cloves, coriander seeds, cardamom, and fennel. Beef pho uses beef bones and various cuts of beef, while chicken pho uses chicken bones and meat.

Beef pho varieties are distinguished by the cut and doneness: phở tái (sliced raw beef that cooks in the hot broth), phở chin (well-cooked brisket or flank), and phở tái - gân (rare cuts with tendons). Chicken pho is usually phở gà, with shredded or sliced chicken. Noodles are flat rice noodles.

Regional differences: phở Bắc (Northern) traditionally features a clearer, lighter broth and simpler garnishes, whereas phở Nam (Southern) tends to be slightly sweeter and is commonly served with more herbs and condiments.

Outside Vietnam, pho is widely available in restaurants and homes around the world and is commonly eaten for breakfast or lunch, reflecting its role as a popular, adaptable noodle soup.