Pho is a traditional Vietnamese noodle soup consisting of a flavorful broth, rice noodles (called bánh phở), herbs, and meat-most commonly beef (phở bò) or chicken (phở gà)
. The broth is typically made by simmering beef or chicken bones with spices such as star anise, cinnamon, cloves, coriander seeds, and cardamom for several hours, resulting in a rich, aromatic base
. Pho is served hot, often accompanied by fresh herbs like scallions, cilantro, Thai basil, bean sprouts, lime wedges, and condiments such as hoisin sauce and Sriracha, allowing diners to customize the flavor to their liking
. It is considered Vietnam's national dish and is enjoyed widely across the country, from street stalls to restaurants
. The dish originated in Northern Vietnam in the early 20th century and has since evolved with regional variations, such as differences in noodle thickness, broth sweetness, and herb choices between Hanoi (north) and Saigon (south) styles
. Pho's name is believed to derive from the French word "feu" (fire), referencing the simmering process used to prepare the broth
. In summary, pho is a Vietnamese soup featuring a savory, spiced broth poured over soft rice noodles and thinly sliced meat, garnished with fresh herbs and served hot, making it a comforting and iconic dish of Vietnamese cuisine
