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Vietnamese Noodle Soup: How To Make And Where To Enjoy Authentic Phở?

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Vietnamese Noodle Soup: How To Make And Where To Enjoy Authentic Phở?

Wednesday, July 31, 2024 Food & drink Aline

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Vietnamese noodle soup, known as phở, is a cherished culinary delight that captures the essence of Vietnam's rich food heritage. This aromatic dish, with its delicate balance of flavours from a simmer bone broth, tender rice noodles, and a medley of fresh herbs and spices, has gained international acclaim for its simplicity and depth. There are many types of Phở, such as Phở Tái, Phở Chín, Phở Gân Bò, and Pho Tai Nam, among others. Whether you're a home cook eager to recreate an authentic bowl or a food enthusiast on a quest to find the best spots to enjoy authentic phở vietnam, understanding the art of making and savouring this iconic soup will deepen your appreciation for one of Vietnam's most beloved dishes.

Table of Contents

I. Introduction about Vietnamese Pho
II. How to make Vietnamese noodle soup
III. Where to enjoy authentic pho in Vietnam?
- 1. Best Pho in Hanoi
- 2. Best Pho in Saigon

I. Introduction about Vietnamese Pho

Phở, a symbol of Vietnamese cuisine, is a flavorful and aromatic noodle soup that has won the hearts of food lovers worldwide. This iconic dish is deeply rooted in the cultural and culinary history of Vietnam, often considered a national treasure and a quintessential comfort food.

1. The origin of Phở Vietnam

Phở vietnam is deeply intertwined with the country's history and cultural exchanges. Emerging in the early 20th century in northern Vietnam, particularly around Hanoi, Vietnamese noodle soup is believed to have been influenced by the French during their colonial rule. The French beef stew, pot-au-feu, is often cited as a significant influence, with phở possibly deriving its name from this dish. Initially, phở was a simple street food sold by vendors, featuring a clear broth made from simmering beef bones and meat, accompanied by flat rice noodles and a few basic garnishes. As it spread from the north to the south of Vietnam, regional variations developed. Northern Vietnam Pho is known for its clear, light broth and minimal use of herbs, focusing on the purity of the broth.

Vietnamese noodle soup, a dish loved by all generation

In contrast, Southern phở, features a richer, sweeter broth with a more generous use of herbs and garnishes. The dish became a staple of Vietnamese cuisine, often enjoyed for breakfast and served in bustling phở shops or at home. After the Vietnam War, Vietnamese emigrants introduced phở to the world, making it a global culinary phenomenon. Today, Vietnamese pho is celebrated for its complex flavours and wholesome ingredients, symbolising the rich history and cultural fusion that define Vietnamese cuisine.

Phở - quintessence of Vietnamese cuisine

See quickly: Vietnamese Pho, most delicious dishes worldwide

2. Components of Phở Vietnam

What components are needed to make pho? These are the essential components to create a standard Vietnamese Pho:

Broth: The soul of authentique phở vietnam lies in its broth. It is typically made by simmering beef bones, oxtails, and various spices for hours to extract a rich, flavorful essence. Common spices include star anise, cloves, cinnamon, coriander seeds, and fennel seeds, which infuse the broth with a complex aroma.
Noodles: Phở noodles are flat rice noodles, known for their delicate texture and ability to absorb the broth's flavours. They are often blanched briefly to achieve the perfect consistency before being served.
Meat: Traditionally, phở is made with thinly sliced beef (such as sirloin or brisket), though variations with chicken (phở gà) are also popular. The beef is usually added raw and cooked by the hot broth, ensuring tenderness.
Garnishes: Fresh herbs like cilantro, Thai basil, and mint are essential, adding freshness and vibrancy to the dish. Bean sprouts, lime wedges, and sliced chilli peppers provide crunch and a balance of flavours. Hoisin sauce and Sriracha are common accompaniments, allowing diners to customise their bowls to their taste.

3. Cultural significance

For many tourists, authentic pho is one of their first encounters with Vietnamese cuisine, if you haven't eaten pho, you haven't travelled to Vietnam. Its complex yet harmonious flavours offer a glimpse into the country's rich culinary traditions. Enjoying a bowl of phở in a bustling Hanoi street market or a cosy Saigon eatery can be a transformative experience, immersing travellers in the local culture and hospitality. This sensory introduction often sparks a deeper interest in Vietnamese food and culture, encouraging tourists to explore more of what the country has to offer. Additionally, Vietnamese pho has gained immense popularity in countries like the United States, Korea, and Japan due to its exceptional flavour and ease of consumption.

When exploring what is the best Phở in Vietnam, you'll find a delightful array of variations to satisfy any palate. Popular options include “Phở Tái,” featuring thinly sliced medium-rare steak, “Phở Chín,” with steamed lean beef, “Phở Nạm,” which combines steamed half-lean and half-fatty beef, “Pho Tai Nam,” blending both steamed half-lean and half-fatty beef with thinly sliced medium-rare steak, “Phở Gầu Bò,” showcasing steamed fatty beef, and “Phở Sốt Vang,” a unique version with beef tendon in a Vietnamese Bordelaise sauce. Each bowl is typically garnished with chopped ginger, scallions, yellow onions, and cilantro, allowing diners to tailor their meal to their taste. At Autour Asia Vietnam Travel Agency, we can help you discover the finest Phở spots, ensuring an unforgettable culinary adventure during your travels.

Traditional Vietnamese noodle soup is featured in the "Soup of the Day" at the 2024 Paris Olympics' Asian pavilion, served in athletes' three main meals. Celebrated as a culinary monument of Vietnam, phở is made from bone broth and noodles with various ingredients. Nutritional details, including its high carbohydrate content providing essential energy for athletes, are available on the homepage.

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II. How to make Vietnamese noodle soup

1. Ingredients

How to make Vietnamese pho? The foundation of phở lies in its broth, meticulously prepared by simmering beef bones, such as knuckle or marrow, with charred ginger and onion, for several hours to extract a rich, gelatinous base. Essential pho seasoning like star anise, cloves, cinnamon, coriander seeds, fennel seeds, and black cardamom pods infuse the broth with complex flavours. Fish sauce and rock sugar balance the broth with umami and subtle sweetness. The dish is completed with flat rice noodles (bánh phở) that soak up the savoury broth, and thinly sliced beef or chicken, which is cooked to perfection in the hot broth. Fresh herbs like cilantro, Thai basil, and mint, along with bean sprouts, lime wedges, and chilli peppers, are added as garnishes, allowing each diner to customise their bowl. This combination of high-quality, fresh ingredients and meticulous pho seasoning results in a bowl of phở that is not only nourishing but also a celebration of Vietnamese culinary tradition.

Ingredients and important Pho seasonings

2. How to make authentic Pho?

Making authentic pho at home is a delightful experience that brings the rich flavours of Vietnam right to your kitchen. Follow this simple guide to prepare a delicious bowl of phở for 4 people.

a. Ingredients

For the Broth:

1.5 kg beef bones (marrow bones, oxtail)
500g beef brisket or shank
1 large onion, halved
1 large piece of ginger, halved
5 star anise
4 whole cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
2 cardamom pods
1 tbsp coriander seeds
1-2 tbsp rock sugar (or regular sugar)
2 tbsp fish sauce
Salt to taste
Water

Prepare all vital ingredients to make phở Vietnam

For the Phở:

500g beef sirloin or eye of round, thinly sliced
1 package rice noodles (bánh phở)
Fresh herbs (Thai basil, cilantro, mint)
Bean sprouts
Lime wedges
Sliced chilli peppers (optional)
Hoisin sauce
Sriracha sauce

b. Instructions

Preparing the Broth:

Roast the Bones and Meat:

- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Place the beef bones on a baking sheet and roast for 30-45 minutes until they turn brown.

- Char the onion and ginger over an open flame or in the oven until the skin is blackened. Peel off the charred skin.

Toast the spices: In a dry skillet, toast the star anise, cloves, cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, and coriander seeds over medium heat until they become fragrant.

Simmer the Broth:

- Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then add the roasted bones, beef brisket, charred onion, and ginger. Place the toasted spices in a spice bag or cheesecloth and add to the pot.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 4-6 hours, skimming off any impurities to keep the broth clear.

Season the Broth: Remove the bones, beef brisket, and spice bag from the pot. Add rock sugar, vietnamese fish sauce, and salt to taste.
Strain the Broth: Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean pot to remove any remaining solids.

Preparing the Phở:

Cook the noodles: Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to prevent sticking.
Slice the meat: Thinly slice the beef sirloin or eye of round. Partially freezing the meat makes it easier to slice thinly.
Assemble the Phở:

- Divide the cooked noodles among four serving bowls.
- Arrange the raw beef slices on top of the noodles.
- Pour the hot broth over the noodles and beef to cook the meat.

Garnish and Serve:

- Garnish with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lime wedges, and sliced chilli peppers as desired.

- Serve with hoisin sauce and Sriracha sauce on the side for added flavour.

How to make authentic Vietnamese noodlde soup?

Enjoying Your Phở:

Vietnamese noodle soup is at its finest when served steaming hot. Savour the rich, aromatic flavours of your homemade phở. Customise each bowl with your favourite herbs and garnishes for a truly authentic Vietnamese dining experience. This dish is perfect for impressing guests and making any meal special. Enjoy your delicious and comforting bowl of phở Vietnam.

III. Where to enjoy authentic pho in Vietnam?

1. Best Pho in Hanoi

Pho Hanoi holds a special place in the hearts of locals and is typically consumed every morning. It’s easy to find a Phở restaurant that serves Phở Tái, Phở Chín, and Pho Tai Nam. However, finding a restaurant that offers all types of Phở can be quite challenging. Appreciated for its simplicity and delicious taste, phở consists of a clear, sweet broth made by simmering beef or pork bones for hours, creating a distinct flavour with the sweet fragrance of cinnamon, star anise, and cardamom. The pho Hanoi experience is enhanced by various garnishes and condiments like bean sprouts, basil leaves, chilli peppers, lime, and sauces, allowing diners to customise their bowls. Different cuts of meat, such as rare beef, well-done beef, meatballs, or chicken, offer unique taste experiences. Traditionally served for breakfast, phở is now enjoyed throughout the day, making it a true culinary icon in Hanoi.

Enjoy Hanoi Pho - the authentic pho in Vietnam

Where to enjoy authentic pho in Hanoi? Here are some recommended addresses for you:

Phở Bát Đàn - 49 Bat Dan Street, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/hJTTrjffhYdSSxnm6

Phở Gia Truyền Bát Đàn is famous for its authentic northern-style phở. This no-frills eatery is known for its rich, clear broth and tender beef. The long queues outside are a testament to its popularity, with locals and tourists alike willing to wait for a taste of their exceptional phở.

Phở Thìn - 61 Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi
Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/Bd7kQfAtrmgyfV1HA

Established in 1955, Phở Thìn is renowned for its unique take on the classic phở and pho tai nam. The broth here is richer and fattier than traditional versions, as it includes stir-fried beef, giving it a distinctive, robust flavour. This twist has made Phở Thìn a must-visit for phở enthusiasts.

Phở Lý Quốc Sư - 10 Lý Quốc Sư Street, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm district, Hà Nội
Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/n7UuTBnvkqqqEuQu7

Phở 10 Lý Quốc Sư is a well-known chain with several locations, but the original at 10 Lý Quốc Sư is the most famous. Known for its consistent quality and delicious broth, this restaurant offers a variety of beef options, including rare, well-done, and brisket, all served in a savoury broth.

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2. Best Pho in Saigon

Pho Saigon, represents the southern Vietnamese style of the iconic noodle soup, known for its rich, flavorful broth and vibrant accompaniments. Unlike its northern Vietnamese, Pho Saigon features a slightly sweeter broth, often enhanced with rock sugar and a variety of aromatic spices like star anise and cinnamon. This authentic pho is typically served with a generous array of fresh herbs such as cilantro, bean sprouts, as well as lime wedges and sliced chilli peppers for added zest and heat. Meat options are plentiful, ranging from rare beef slices to well-done brisket, meatballs, and even chicken, catering to diverse preferences. Pho Saigon’s robust flavours and customizable garnishes create a dynamic and satisfying culinary experience that reflects the bustling, diverse nature of Ho Chi Minh City itself.

Here are some of the best places to enjoy phở in Saigon:

Phở Hoa Pasteur: 260C Pasteur, District 3, Ho Chi Minh city
Google map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/PErUqVpUqriNHoM6A

A long-standing institution, Phở Hoa Pasteur is known for its generous portions and consistent quality. The broth is slightly sweet, typical of southern phở, and the restaurant offers a wide selection of meats and fresh herbs.

Pho 2000 Saigon: Le Thanh Ton Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh city
Google map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/AMw54DNmWKv6L1LcA

Phở 2000 Saigon gained international fame when former U.S. President Bill Clinton dined there in 2000. Located near Ben Thanh Market, it offers a balanced, flavorful broth with high-quality ingredients and a variety of beef and chicken options. The restaurant's historical significance and exceptional phở Vietnam quality make it a must-visit spot in Ho Chi Minh City.

Phở Cao Vân : 25 Mac Dinh Chi Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Google map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/8DzytNx5CXR7oyL7A

A hidden gem, Phở Cao Vân is known for its light and clear broth, which is less sweet than other southern phở variations. The restaurant's traditional recipe has been passed down through generations, maintaining its authentic taste.

In conclusion, mastering the art of making authentic pho at home allows you to experience the rich and aromatic flavours that make this Vietnamese noodle soup so beloved. With the right pho seasonings and techniques, you can create a bowl that rivals those found in the best eateries in Vietnam. Whether you're cooking in your kitchen or exploring the vibrant food scene in Vietnam, enjoying a bowl of Vietnamese phở is a journey into the heart of Vietnamese culture and cuisine. Savour each bite and appreciate the tradition and craftsmanship that go into every delicious spoonful.

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5/5 - (1010 Vote)

Helene

5.0 Excellent

Is authentic pho healthy?

Authentic Pho is nutritious and is high in protein, but does have high sodium and calories. It may help reduce inflammation and improve joint health. Pho (pronounced “fuh”) is a hearty Vietnamese soup usually made with a meaty broth, rice noodles, various herbs, and either beef, chicken, or tofu.

Virgo

5.0 Excellent

What can I use instead of anise for pho?

For making Vietnamese Pho, Chinese five spice is known as the best choice for an alternative to ground star anise since it is a prominent part of this spice combination. The mixture also includes earthy cloves, cinnamon, pepper, and fennel seeds. Chinese five spice can replace ground star anise in a recipe

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