How to eat Pho: A beginner’s guide to Vietnam’s iconic dish

1. What comes with your bowl of Pho?

Pho, among the most popular Vietnamese breakfast foods, is a hearty dish that delights the senses. For the base, there are noodles and a broth slow-cooked with beef or chicken bones and spices. Thinly sliced meat, usually beef or chicken, is added on top. For a traditional breakfast in Vietnam, Pho is then garnished with fresh herbs like cilantro and Thai basil, along with green onions and bean sprouts for the crunch. On the side, there are lime wedges, chili sauce, hoisin sauce, and fish sauce.

>>> More on: Where is Pho from? How has it become a Vietnamese culinary icon?

2. How to eat Pho soup like a pro?

If you have ever wondered how to eat Pho correctly to fully appreciate its complex flavors, follow these expert-approved steps to enjoy Vietnam's national dish like a true local.

2.1. Smell the aroma

Before you begin eating, pause to enjoy the rich scent. Gently lean forward and breathe in the warm, savory steam rising from the bowl. A perfectly crafted Pho broth blends the hearty essence of bone marrow, the warm hints of spices such as star anise and clove, and the brightness of fresh garnishes. This simple moment awakens your senses and sets the stage for the experience ahead.

2.2. Taste the broth

Use your spoon to sip the clear broth before mixing in any extras. A great Pho broth should be rich but not heavy, slightly sweet from onions and spices, and perfectly balanced. This lets you appreciate the chef’s skill in crafting the base of the dish.

2.3. Add garnishes to your preference

Traditional accompaniments include fresh herbs and bean sprouts. The secret is to add these gradually as you eat, not all at once. Start with a few herbs, tasting how they transform the broth. Add more as you go, adjusting to find your balance.

2.4. Customize with sauces

As mentioned above, Pho is served with lime wedges, chili sauce, hoisin sauce, and fresh herbs. For a tangy kick, add a squeeze of lime. If you like spice, sprinkle in some chili, or mix in hoisin sauce for a touch of sweetness. Mix them in gradually so you don’t overpower the broth’s natural flavors.

2.5. Stir, slurp, and enjoy

When eating, use your chopsticks to lift a small bundle of noodles and dip them briefly in the broth before taking a bite. This ensures each mouthful has a perfect ratio of noodles to broth. For rare beef slices, let them cook slightly in the hot broth until they reach your preferred doneness.

>>> Discover: What does Pho taste like? Guide to exploring an authentic flavor profile

3. Other ways to eat Pho in Vietnam

3.1. How to eat Pho takeout?

If you like ordering, Pho makes an excellent meal at home when prepared correctly. Here is how to eat Pho on the go!

First, heat the broth completely. You can do this in a small pot until it reaches a full boil or in a microwave until it is very hot. Properly heated broth is essential as it cooks the meat and warms the noodles through.

While the broth heats, prepare the noodles and meat. If your Pho has been sitting out and the noodles have firmed up, a quick 30-60 second zap in the microwave will help restore their perfect texture. If your order includes rare beef, don’t be concerned when it arrives raw. This is normal. 

Once the broth is good to go, ladle it over the waiting noodles and meat slices. Make sure everything becomes fully submerged. The heat will cook the beef while warming the noodles at the same time.

Finally, personalize your bowl with bean sprouts, Thai basil, lime wedges, or hoisin sauce. Mix everything gently to combine the flavors. The result is a steaming bowl that rivals what you would find at a street vendor in Vietnam.

3.2. How to eat dry Pho?

The locals savor dry Pho by first enjoying the noodles, then sipping the flavorful broth, and finally pairing it with fresh herbs and black bean sauce. To eat dry Pho properly:

1. Mix the noodles, sauce, and toppings together.
2. Take small bites of the seasoned noodles.
3. Sip the broth between bites.
4. Add fresh herbs for texture.
5. Dip the meat in the black bean sauce for extra flavor.

>>> Explore local instructions on how to cook Pho noodles from scratch!

4. Tips for first-time Pho eaters

Pho is a traditional Vietnamese breakfast, and enjoying it like a local takes some know-how. Here are some essential tips for how to eat Pho and get the most out of your bowl:

• Go easy on the sauces: Start with just a little hoisin sauce or chili sauce so you don't overpower the broth's natural flavors.
• Use chopsticks and a spoon correctly: Hold the spoon in your left hand to sip the broth and use the chopsticks in your right hand for the noodles and meat.
• Mix gently: After adding toppings, stir lightly to blend the flavors, but avoid overmixing to keep the broth clear.
• Add bean sprouts gradually: They stay crispier when added a few at a time instead of all at once.
• Tear fresh herbs by hand: Strip Thai basil and cilantro leaves from their stems, tear them slightly, and sprinkle them in as you eat for the best aroma.
• Slurping is okay: Making a little noise while eating is normal and even helps cool down hot noodles.
• Sip broth between bites: This cleanses your palate and enhances the overall experience.

>>> Read more: Traditional Vietnamese food: Top 25+ culinary treasures of Vietnam

5. Must-know Pho etiquette in Vietnam

When learning how to enjoy Vietnamese Pho properly, understanding the local dining customs is just as important as appreciating the flavors. Here are the key etiquette rules to follow:

• Slurping is allowed, within reason: While making some noise while eating Pho is completely normal, be mindful of your volume, especially in traditional eateries where patrons value a peaceful atmosphere.
• The broth deserves your attention: In Vietnamese culture, the carefully prepared broth is considered the heart of Pho. Take the time to savor each spoonful rather than eating hurriedly.
• Proper seating matters: Sit with good posture! Back straight, legs together, and feet flat on the floor. 
• Utensil etiquette:
  • Use chopsticks only for the noodles and meat, never for the broth
  • Wipe your chopsticks and spoon with a clean napkin before eating
  • Don’t stab food with your chopsticks
  • When taking the broth, scoop from the side rather than the center to maintain the temperature
• Finishing your meal properly: When done, place your utensils neatly on the table or bowl rim rather than leaving them in the bowl.

>>> Check out: Vietnamese family meals: Fun facts and must-know dining etiquettes

By following this guide, you have learned not just how to eat Pho but how to truly experience it. Remember that Pho enjoyment comes down to respecting the broth as the soul of the dish, balancing flavors with thoughtful use of herbs and condiments, embracing both eating techniques and etiquette, and adapting to different Pho styles. 

Ready to apply what you have learned about how to eat Pho in Vietnam? Visit top destinations like Hanoi, Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Hoi An, and Ha Long for a hearty bowl. For accommodation, the hotels and resorts of Vinpearl offer exceptional hospitality, including fine-dining restaurants serving up authentic Pho. For entertainment, head over to the entertainment complexes of VinWonders to go on roller coaster rides and watch cultural shows.

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