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Pho

Pho is a Vietnamese noodle soup made with broth, rice noodles, herbs, and meat, most commonly beef or chicken.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Pho is a Vietnamese noodle soup made with broth, rice noodles, herbs, and meat, most commonly beef or chicken. It emerged in northern Vietnam in the early 20th century, but its exact origins are debated. Pho is widely regarded as a national dish of Vietnam and is now eaten internationally.

Origins

Most accounts place pho’s emergence in northern Vietnam in the late 19th or early 20th century. Scholars and food writers disagree on the exact development, and proposed influences include French and Chinese culinary traditions.

Ingredients and preparation

Pho is typically made with a long-simmered broth, flat rice noodles, meat, and fresh herbs. Beef is the most common protein, but chicken and other versions are also widely eaten.

Regional styles

Northern-style pho and southern-style pho differ in several ways, including broth sweetness, noodle thickness, and the range of herbs and condiments served with the bowl.

Global popularity

Pho became more widely known outside Vietnam after the Vietnam War, when Vietnamese refugees and diaspora communities helped spread it internationally. It is now found in many countries and is strongly associated with Vietnamese cuisine.

Key facts

  • Pho is a Vietnamese soup built around clear broth, flat rice noodles, herbs, and meat.
  • The dish is generally traced to northern Vietnam in the early 20th century.
  • Its precise origins are disputed, with theories linking it to French and Chinese culinary influence.
  • Beef pho is the best-known version, though chicken and other variations also exist.
  • Northern and southern styles differ in broth sweetness, noodle width, and garnishes.
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Canadian context

Pho is a common Vietnamese dish in Canada, especially in cities with large Vietnamese communities, and it is widely available in Canadian restaurants and food courts.

Frequently asked questions

What is pho?
Pho is a Vietnamese noodle soup made with broth, rice noodles, herbs, and meat, usually beef or chicken.
Where did pho come from?
Pho is generally believed to have originated in northern Vietnam in the early 20th century.
Is pho Vietnam’s national dish?
Pho is widely described as Vietnam’s national dish, though this is more a cultural designation than an official legal title.
What are the main types of pho?
The best-known types are beef pho and chicken pho, along with regional northern and southern styles.
Why is pho’s origin debated?
There are limited early written records, and historians differ on whether French, Chinese, or local Vietnamese influences were most important.
How did pho become popular outside Vietnam?
Its global spread accelerated after the Vietnam War, when Vietnamese refugees and migrants introduced it to new countries.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pho
    Supports: Early-20th-century northern Vietnamese origin; regional styles; post-war global spread; historical uncertainty
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/pho
    Supports: Definition, ingredients, common proteins, spices, and status as a national dish
  3. BBC Travel — https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20210421-pho-the-humble-soup-that-caused-an-outrage
    Supports: Origins debated; northern Vietnam; possible French and Chinese influences; global popularity
  4. Vietnam Tourism — https://vietnam.travel/things-to-do/history-pho
    Supports: Pho as a major Vietnamese dish and culinary export
  5. National Geographic — https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/pho-soup-history-vietnam
    Supports: Pho as a relatively recent dish that spread widely beyond Vietnam