Large bowls of broth with noodles are a typical dish throughout Asia. Chinese have been eating noodle soup for centuries. In recent years, many Asian Japanese-style restaurants have also introduced a similar form of noodle soups in the form of Ramen. So if this type of soup is so common, what is causing pho soup to stand out? Keep reading to find out!
Pho is a Vietnamese soup known for its savory and rich taste and refreshing flavor at the same time. But don't save it only for cold days because pho soup can be enjoyed year-round and at any time of the day. In Vietnam, Pho is the national dish for some excellent reasons.
What are the ingredients used in pho?
There are so many ways to experiment with pho soup, and that's the great thing about it. So it isn't easy to pinpoint its authentic recipe. But these are some of the common ingredients that are used to prepare a delicious and healthy pho in any pho Vietnamese restaurant near you:
Rice noodles: these are flat noodles known for their delicate texture and are usually cooked separately to prevent them from getting mushy. These contain a low amount of carbs and calories necessary for the body to work.
Beef or chicken broth: compared to other noodles, pho usually has a clear broth made from bones and meat, flavored with cloves and star anise for a subtle flavor.
Sliced beef or chicken: the beef or chicken is sliced very thin and added to the pho bowl raw. When the hot chicken or beef broth is poured on top of finely sliced pieces of beef or chicken, it cooks the meat. If you are a vegetarian, you can ask the pho Vietnamese restaurant near you to substitute the beef and chicken with mushrooms and tofu.
Toppings: adding toppings is one of the most fun parts. Bean sprouts, fresh herbs, lime wedges, and hot sauce, all works well and give pho soup its final touch.
Is pho soup healthy?
Based on the ingredients that go into a pho bowl, it's safe to say that pho soup is indeed healthy. It has protein, vitamins, and low calories, making it a perfect breakfast option for those who don't have enough time to prepare meals at home due to a hectic schedule.
If you are someone who often skips breakfast because you are running late for an important meeting, all you need to do is stop by a pho Vietnamese restaurant near you and fill the nutritional gap in the healthiest way possible. It will satisfy not only your appetite but also your taste buds.
How to eat pho soup?
Since this soup has so many elements, it is often eaten with two utensils- chopsticks and a soup spoon. Chopsticks help pick up the toppings and other ingredients, while the soup spoon helps slurp up the broth. However, it is also completely fine if you want to eat the whole pho with a soup spoon. Nobody will question you. So try this unique dish today!
