Mastering Pho: A Comprehensive Guide to Eating Pho Correctly (2024)

FAQs

Is there a correct way to eat pho? ›

The traditional way to enjoy pho is with chopsticks and a Chinese soup spoon. The chopsticks should pick up the noodles, vegetables, and meats, while the soup spoon should be used to scoop up the broth. The Vietnamese also add condiments like lime juice, fish sauce, and hoisin sauce to flavor their pho.

Sa sung—dried peanut worms—have been described as the secret ingredient of great pho.

Pho is a great weight loss dish with the only real concern being sodium. This doesn't make it unhealthy. A single bowl of pho can be an important part of a balanced diet.

Experts also suggest that if pho is used for breakfast, then you should avoid salt for the rest of the day. To avoid imbalanced nutrition, you should not eat pho too often, and you should switch up diet with other food products. Any food, no matter how good it is, won't be good for your body if consumed too much.

Be bowled over

If your bowl of noodles doesn't come with a spoon, feel free to drink the soup by lifting the bowl to your mouth. In Japan, larger bowls should remain set on the table while you eat.

The one thing to be extra conscientious with pho is that it's very high in sodium, which can cause increased blood pressure and contribute to cardiovascular issues. 2 (Some bowls have more than 1,000 mg, which is practically the entire allotment of recommended sodium intake for the day.)

In Hanoi-style pho, dehydrated peanut worms are often the broth's main source of flavor. Also known as sipuncula, or sa sung in Vietnamese, these worms come from the ocean, and are therefore considered a seafood.

Despite the fact that bean sprouts are only optional in pho, many pho eaters want them in their bowl nonetheless. These sprouts enrich the layers of flavor and texture of the already flavor-rich pho by adding in some crunch and a bit of sweetness into the dish.

Pho is usually considered a healthier choice than ramen because it tends to have fewer calories and less fat, making it a lighter meal. But both pho and ramen still give you a good amount of protein, vitamins, and minerals.

Traditionally made pho naturally contains anti-inflammatory, nutrient-dense ingredients that promote the detoxification of toxins, fight viral and bacterial infections, aid in digestion and supply the body with beneficial enzymes.

Is pho good for losing weight? ›

Discover the health benefits of Pho Soup. Packed with lean protein, low in fat and calories, it's a nutritious choice for a balanced diet.

The eating rule. While eating Pho, it is ubiquitous to keep your hands on the table and your face close to the bowl. You need to eat rice noodles, vegetables, and meat chunks using chopsticks and a spoon to consume the broth. You need to wait for the host to start eating at a Vietnamese restaurant.

"The best pho recipes are ones that include lean protein, like chicken, plus heaps of veggies and go lighter on the noodles." In fact, one bowl of pho contains around 30 grams protein - about half of the recommended amount per day for most people.

It is important to finish your soup when eating pho. Leaving broth in your bowl is considered wasteful in Vietnamese culture.

Phở is served in a bowl with a specific cut of flat rice noodles in clear beef broth, with thin cuts of beef (steak, fatty flank, lean flank, brisket). Variations feature slow-cooked tendon, tripe, or meatballs in southern Vietnam.

Using your fingers, pluck the Asian basil leaves from their sprigs and, if available, shred the saw-leaf herbs and add them to the soup. Add them little by little, eating them as you go. If you put them in all at once, the broth will cool too fast and the herbs will overcook and lose their bright flavors.

To eat pho without making a mess, use a spoon to scoop up the noodles and broth, and then use a fork or tongs to pick up the meat and other ingredients. Take small, manageable bites to avoid spills, and be mindful of the broth as you lift the noodles to your mouth.