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Phở facts for kids

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Phở
Vietnamese Pho Beef Noodles 2007.jpg
Vietnamese name
Vietnamese phở
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Pho (say "fuh") is a super popular and yummy Vietnamese noodle soup. It's served in a big bowl. It has soft white rice noodles swimming in a warm, flavorful beef broth. Thin slices of beef, fresh vegetables, and tasty spices like chili are usually added. Sometimes, you might find other yummy things in it too.

What is Pho?

Pho is a famous Vietnamese dish. It is a warm and comforting noodle soup. People all over the world love its unique taste. It's often eaten for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Main Ingredients

The main parts of a pho bowl are:

  • Noodles: These are flat, white rice noodles. They are soft and soak up the broth's flavor.
  • Broth: The broth is the heart of pho. It is usually made from beef bones. It is cooked for many hours with spices. These spices can include ginger, star anise, and cinnamon.
  • Meat: The most common meat is thin slices of beef. This beef cooks quickly in the hot broth. Sometimes, pho is made with chicken instead of beef. This is called pho ga.
  • Toppings: Fresh vegetables and herbs are added. These might be Thai basil, bean sprouts, or lime wedges. Chili and chili sauce can also be added for a spicy kick.

How to Enjoy Pho

When you get a bowl of pho, it comes with a spoon and chopsticks. You can use the chopsticks to pick up the noodles and meat. The spoon is for sipping the delicious broth. Many people like to add extra toppings. These can include fresh herbs, lime juice, or different sauces. This lets you make your pho taste just right for you.

Images for kids

  • Pho in Saigon

    Southern-style pho served with basil and Mung bean sprouts

  • Pho quay

    Northern-style pho served with quẩy (fried dough)

  • Pho Banh Cuon - Restaurant vietnamien

    A pho and bánh cuốn restaurant in Paris

  • Gói bánh phở tươi ở siêu thị

    Bags of bánh phở tươi at an American grocery store

  • Pho-Beef-Noodles-2008

    Pho served with beef brisket

  • Pho packet

    A typical pho spice packet, sold at many Asian food markets, containing a soaking bag plus various necessary dry spices. The exact amount differs with each bag.

  • Phingredients in Ho Chi Min City

    Typical garnishes for phở Sài Gòn, clockwise from top left are: onions, chili peppers, culantro, lime, bean sprouts, and Thai basil.

  • Street vendor pho ga Hanoi

    Chicken pho at a typical street stall in Hanoi. The lack of side garnishes is typical of northern Vietnamese-style cooking.

  • Seattle Thanh Vi 06

    Tables at pho restaurants abroad are set with a variety of condiments, Sriracha sauce, and eating utensils.

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