1. Beef Pho (Phở bò)
.png "Beef Pho (Phở bò)")
Beef pho is one of Vietnam’s most famous dishes and has become a symbol of Vietnamese cuisine around the world. This classic noodle soup features soft rice noodles, thinly sliced beef, and a flavorful broth that is slowly simmered with beef bones for hours to create a natural sweetness and a rich aroma. A traditional bowl of beef pho may include different cuts of beef, such as rare beef, well-done beef, brisket, or beef flank, along with green onions, fresh herbs, and spices like ginger, cinnamon, and star anise. What makes beef pho special is its clear and fragrant broth, the natural sweetness from the beef bones, and the perfect balance between all the ingredients. Beef pho is popular throughout Vietnam, with each region offering its own style. Hanoi is known for its traditional pho with a light, delicate broth and a refined flavor, while Nam Dinh has a long history of pho-making and is considered one of the important places connected to the origins of Vietnamese pho. Ho Chi Minh City has developed a more diverse style of pho, often served with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and additional seasonings that allow diners to customize the flavor.
2. Chicken Pho (Phở gà)
.png "Chicken Pho (Phở gà)")
Chicken pho is one of Vietnam’s most popular traditional dishes, known for its light, comforting flavor and delicate broth. It is believed to have originated in Hanoi around 1939, when beef became less available because cattle were primarily used for farming rather than for meat. To meet the growing demand for pho, local vendors began preparing the dish with chicken instead of beef, giving rise to what is now known as chicken pho. Although some people initially believed that authentic pho should only be made with beef, chicken pho gradually won over diners with its own unique flavor and eventually became one of Vietnam’s most beloved noodle dishes. Unlike beef pho, which is known for its richer broth made from beef bones, chicken pho features a clear, fragrant broth slowly simmered with chicken bones, roasted ginger, roasted onion, cinnamon, and star anise. A traditional bowl typically includes soft rice noodles, shredded or sliced chicken, green onions, fresh herbs, and a variety of optional garnishes. The combination of the light broth, tender chicken, and silky rice noodles creates a simple yet flavorful dish that is both satisfying and easy to enjoy. Today, chicken pho is enjoyed throughout Vietnam and has become increasingly popular around the world, earning its place alongside beef pho as one of the country's signature dishes.
3. Pho Rolls (Phở cuốn)
.png "Pho Rolls (Phở cuốn)")
Pho rolls are a unique variation of traditional pho and a popular dish in Vietnamese cuisine. Unlike classic pho served with hot broth, pho rolls use thin sheets of rice noodles wrapped around a variety of fillings such as beef, chicken, shrimp, or other ingredients, along with lettuce, fresh herbs, cucumber, and vegetables. They are typically served with a flavorful sweet and savory fish sauce dipping sauce. Pho rolls are believed to have originated in Hanoi and quickly became popular thanks to their fresh taste, light texture, and convenient way of eating. The combination of soft rice noodle sheets, flavorful fillings, crisp vegetables, and a balanced dipping sauce creates a simple yet satisfying dish with a refreshing taste. Today, pho rolls are enjoyed not only in Hanoi but also throughout Vietnam, becoming a favorite choice for both locals and visitors who want to experience a different way of enjoying pho.
4. Dry Pho (Phở khô)
.png "Dry Pho (Phở khô)")
Unlike traditional pho served with hot broth, dry pho offers a different way to enjoy the dish, with rice noodles tossed in a flavorful sauce and served with a separate bowl of clear soup on the side. The dish typically features soft rice noodles with a slightly chewy texture, combined with minced meat, beef, chicken, or other ingredients depending on the local preparation, along with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, fried shallots, and seasonings. The appeal of dry pho comes from the balance between the seasoned noodles, the rich and aromatic sauce, and the light, naturally sweet broth made from simmered bones. Dry pho is most famous in Gia Lai Province, especially in Pleiku City, where it is considered a signature local specialty. Gia Lai dry pho usually uses thin, white rice noodles that are slightly similar to Vietnamese vermicelli, mixed with a special sauce and served with minced meat or beef, while the broth is presented separately in another bowl. With its unique combination of flavorful dry noodles and a comforting bowl of soup, Gia Lai dry pho has become a beloved dish among locals and visitors and represents the diversity of pho dishes.
5. Sour Pho (Phở chua)
.png "Sour Pho (Phở chua)")
Sour pho is a unique variation of Vietnamese pho that offers a completely different experience from the traditional noodle soup. Instead of being served in a hot broth, the rice noodles are tossed in a tangy, slightly sweet sauce and combined with sliced roasted pork or char siu, roasted peanuts, crispy fried shallots, fresh herbs, and a variety of vegetables. The balance of sweet, sour, savory, and crunchy textures gives sour pho its distinctive flavor, making it a refreshing alternative to classic beef or chicken pho. The sweet-and-sour dressing is the signature element of the dish, bringing all the ingredients together while creating a light, refreshing taste. Sour pho is most closely associated with Lang Son Province in northeastern Vietnam, where it is considered a local specialty and an important part of the region's culinary heritage. It can also be found in neighboring provinces such as Cao Bang and Thai Nguyen, where local variations reflect regional tastes and traditions. With its vibrant flavors and unique preparation, sour pho has become one of Vietnam's most distinctive regional pho dishes and is a favorite among travelers looking to explore authentic local cuisine.
6. Stir-Fried Pho (Phở xào)
.png "Stir-Fried Pho (Phở xào)")
Stir-fried pho is a flavorful variation of traditional pho that offers a different way to enjoy rice noodles. Instead of being served with broth, the rice noodles are cooked in a hot pan with ingredients such as beef, chicken, seafood, or vegetables, creating a savory dish with noodles that are soft, slightly firm, and coated with rich seasonings. The dish is often prepared with onions, leafy greens, carrots, fresh herbs, and various spices, creating a balanced combination of natural sweetness from the ingredients, tender noodles, and the fragrant aroma produced during the stir-frying process. Stir-fried pho is enjoyed in many parts of Vietnam, especially at family restaurants, local eateries, and food streets. One of the most popular versions is stir-fried beef pho, which combines tender rice noodles with flavorful beef and fresh vegetables. With its simple preparation, versatile ingredients, and satisfying taste, stir-fried pho has become a popular choice for those looking to experience pho in a different style beyond the traditional noodle soup.
7. Wine-Braised Beef Pho (Phở sốt vang)
.png "Wine-Braised Beef Pho (Phở sốt vang)")
Wine-braised beef pho is a unique variation of traditional pho that combines the familiar flavors of pho with the rich and savory taste of Vietnamese beef stew. Unlike classic beef pho, which is known for its clear and delicate broth, this version features a deep reddish-brown broth with a richer flavor and a distinctive aroma created by slowly cooking beef with wine and spices. The beef is typically simmered for an extended period with ingredients such as ginger, cinnamon, star anise, and other seasonings, allowing it to become tender, flavorful, and infused with the aromatic spices. A traditional bowl of wine-braised beef pho includes soft rice noodles, tender pieces of slow-cooked beef, and a rich, flavorful broth, topped with green onions, fresh herbs, and other seasonings. The dish stands out because it combines the familiar texture of pho noodles with the bold, aromatic flavors of beef stew, creating a unique experience compared with traditional pho soups. Wine-braised beef pho is especially popular in Hanoi, where it has become a favorite dish at many long-established pho restaurants. With its hearty flavor, tender beef, and distinctive combination of pho and beef stew, this dish has gained popularity among diners who enjoy a richer and more flavorful style of pho.
8. Mixed Pho (Phở trộn)
.png "Mixed Pho (Phở trộn)")
Mixed pho offers a different way to enjoy pho by combining rice noodles directly with various ingredients and a flavorful dressing instead of serving them with hot broth. The dish typically features soft rice noodles mixed with shredded chicken, beef, or other types of meat, along with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, cucumbers, crushed peanuts, fried shallots, and seasonings. The key element of mixed pho is the specially prepared sauce, which coats the noodles evenly and creates a balanced combination of savory meat, refreshing vegetables, and the nutty aroma of the toppings. Mixed pho is especially popular in Hanoi, with chicken mixed pho being one of the most well-known versions. Unlike sour pho, which has a more distinctive sweet and sour flavor with regional characteristics, mixed pho has a simpler style that focuses on the harmony between noodles, meat, and the flavorful dressing. With its flexible preparation, easy-to-enjoy taste, and balanced combination of flavors, mixed pho has become a familiar dish in daily dining.
9. Pan-Seared Pho (Phở áp chảo)
.jpeg "Pan-Seared Pho (Phở áp chảo)")
Pan-seared pho is a variation of traditional pho that offers a different way to enjoy the dish compared with the familiar pho noodle soup. Instead of being served with hot broth, the rice noodles are cooked on a hot pan to create a firmer texture, a fragrant aroma, and sometimes a lightly crisp exterior while remaining soft inside. The noodles are then served with ingredients such as beef, chicken, seafood, or vegetables, along with a savory sauce that adds a richer and more flavorful taste. A typical serving of pan-seared pho features rice noodles that are either pressed into a flat layer or lightly seared until they become firmer, then topped with stir-fried beef, leafy greens, onions, carrots, and seasonings. The appeal of this dish comes from the combination of the aroma created during the pan-searing process, the soft yet slightly chewy texture of the noodles, the natural sweetness of the meat and vegetables, and the rich savory sauce. Compared with traditional beef pho, which is known for its light and delicate broth, pan-seared pho offers a bolder flavor with a pleasant seared aroma and a style closer to a premium stir-fried noodle dish. Pan-seared pho is enjoyed at many restaurants and casual eateries, with beef pan-seared pho being one of the most popular versions. With its flexible preparation and variety of ingredients, this dish has become an appealing choice for those who want to experience pho in a style beyond the traditional noodle soup.
10. Puffed Fried Pho (Phở chiên phồng)
.webp "Puffed Fried Pho (Phở chiên phồng)")
Puffed fried pho is a creative variation of traditional pho that stands out for its unique shape and texture. Instead of using soft rice noodles like traditional pho soups, the rice noodles are cut into square pieces and deep-fried until they puff up, creating a golden exterior that is crispy on the outside while remaining soft inside. The fried pho pieces are then typically served with stir-fried beef, vegetables such as leafy greens, onions, and carrots, along with a rich and savory sauce. The appeal of puffed fried pho comes from the contrast between the lightly crispy, fragrant fried noodles and the tender meat and vegetables served with them. Each bite combines the crunchy texture of the puffed rice noodles, the savory flavor of the sauce, and the fresh taste of the accompanying ingredients. Compared with pan-seared pho, which usually has a softer and firmer noodle texture, puffed fried pho has a distinctive airy and crispy texture created through deep-frying. Puffed fried pho is especially popular in Hanoi, particularly in the Old Quarter, where it has become a familiar dish at restaurants specializing in fried pho dishes. With its unique preparation and satisfying flavors, puffed fried pho is a popular choice for those looking to explore the variety of pho dishes.
11. Beef Meatball Pho (Phở bò viên)
.png "Beef Meatball Pho (Phở bò viên)")
Beef meatball pho is known for its combination of soft rice noodles and flavorful, chewy beef meatballs instead of the more common sliced beef toppings. The dish usually features a clear broth simmered from beef bones with spices such as ginger, cinnamon, and star anise, creating a naturally sweet flavor and a distinctive aroma. The beef meatballs are made from ground beef, giving them a firm, springy texture and a rich taste that adds a unique character to the dish. A typical bowl of beef meatball pho includes soft rice noodles, beef meatballs, green onions, fresh herbs, and various seasonings. Some versions may also include sliced rare beef, cooked beef, or other ingredients to create more variety. The appeal of beef meatball pho comes from the harmony between the light and flavorful broth, tender noodles, and the signature chewy texture of the meatballs, offering a different experience from pho made with sliced beef. Beef meatball pho is especially popular in Ho Chi Minh City, where many pho restaurants serve it as a familiar choice alongside other beef pho options. With its approachable flavor, simple preparation, and balanced combination of ingredients, beef meatball pho has become a well-loved pho dish among many diners.
12. Vegetarian Pho (Phở chay)
.png "Vegetarian Pho (Phở chay)")
Vegetarian pho is a type of pho made with plant-based ingredients, offering a light and refreshing flavor while still maintaining the appeal of traditional pho. Instead of using beef or chicken bones for the broth, vegetarian pho typically features a broth simmered from vegetables such as daikon, carrots, mushrooms, and onions, along with spices like ginger, cinnamon, and star anise to create a naturally sweet taste and a distinctive aroma. A typical bowl of vegetarian pho includes soft rice noodles, mushrooms, tofu, vegetables, or other vegetarian ingredients, served with green onions, fresh herbs, and various seasonings. The appeal of vegetarian pho comes from its delicate broth, the natural sweetness of vegetables, and the variety of ingredients that create a simple yet flavorful dish. Vegetarian pho is commonly served at vegetarian restaurants, casual eateries, and home kitchens, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer lighter meals or want to reduce their meat consumption. With its flexible preparation and ability to combine many different ingredients, vegetarian pho has become a familiar option among various pho dishes.
13. Duck Pho (Phở vịt)
.png "Duck Pho (Phở vịt)")
Duck pho is a type of pho that uses duck meat as the main ingredient, offering a richer and more distinctive flavor compared with popular versions such as beef pho and chicken pho. The broth is typically simmered with duck bones and traditional spices such as ginger, roasted onions, cinnamon, and star anise, creating a naturally sweet taste and a fragrant aroma. After being prepared, the duck meat becomes tender, flavorful, and slightly rich, giving the dish its own unique appeal. A typical bowl of duck pho includes soft rice noodles, sliced or shredded duck meat, green onions, fresh herbs, and various seasonings. Some versions may also include bamboo shoots, fresh vegetables, or a separate dipping sauce to enhance the flavor. The highlight of duck pho lies in the combination of a rich and aromatic broth, tender duck meat, and familiar pho noodles, creating a different experience from pho made with beef or chicken. Duck pho is popular in some northern and mountainous regions, especially in Lang Son, where distinctive versions of duck pho are well known. With its rich flavor, familiar ingredients, and diverse preparation styles, duck pho has become a favorite choice for diners who want to explore more varieties of pho.
14. Fish Pho (Phở cá)
.png "Fish Pho (Phở cá)")
Fish pho stands out among the many varieties of pho with its combination of traditional rice noodles and the fresh flavor of fish. The dish offers a light and delicate taste with a clear, aromatic broth and tender pieces of fish, creating a different experience from pho made with beef or chicken. The broth is typically prepared with fish bones, pork bones, or other ingredients that provide natural sweetness, then enhanced with ginger, roasted onions, and traditional spices to create a distinctive aroma. The fish is usually tender with a naturally sweet flavor that pairs well with the soft rice noodles, making the dish both flavorful and easy to enjoy. A typical bowl of fish pho includes soft rice noodles, pieces of fish that may be fried or boiled depending on the preparation style, green onions, fresh herbs, and various seasonings. Some versions may also include vegetables such as leafy greens, dill, or other local herbs to add more flavor. The appeal of fish pho comes from the balance between the light broth, the natural sweetness of the fish, and the accompanying ingredients, creating a dish that is simple yet refined. Fish pho is well known in some coastal areas and northern regions, especially in Nam Dinh and Hai Phong, where distinctive versions of fish pho can be found. With its delicate flavor, familiar ingredients, and diverse preparation styles, fish pho has become an appealing choice for diners who want to explore different ways to enjoy pho.
15. Seafood Pho (Phở hải sản)
.jpeg "Seafood Pho (Phở hải sản)")
Seafood pho offers a fresh and flavorful experience by combining traditional rice noodles with a variety of seafood such as shrimp, squid, clams, or fish. The dish has a light taste with a distinctive seafood aroma while still maintaining the familiar elements of pho, including soft rice noodles and a hot, flavorful broth. The natural sweetness of the seafood blends with a broth made from ingredients such as pork bones, chicken bones, or vegetables, creating a balanced and enjoyable flavor. A typical bowl of seafood pho includes soft rice noodles, freshly cooked seafood, green onions, fresh herbs, and various seasonings. Depending on the preparation style, the dish may also include vegetables such as leafy greens, mushrooms, tomatoes, or other ingredients to add more flavor and color. The appeal of seafood pho comes from the harmony between the naturally sweet broth, the freshness of the seafood, and the soft texture of the rice noodles, creating a dish that is both light and satisfying. Seafood pho is popular at many restaurants and eateries in coastal areas as well as major cities, where fresh seafood is widely available. With its flexible combination of ingredients, seafood pho has become an appealing choice for diners who want to enjoy pho in a style different from the more traditional versions.
Pho is more than just a popular dish. It represents the creativity, diversity, and rich culinary traditions behind one of Vietnam’s most beloved foods. From the classic flavors of beef pho and chicken pho to unique versions such as dry pho, pho rolls, sour pho, vegetarian pho, and seafood pho, each style offers its own ingredients, preparation methods, and taste experience. These different variations show how pho can adapt to different regions, local ingredients, and personal preferences while still maintaining the familiar harmony of soft rice noodles, flavorful broth, and carefully balanced flavors. Exploring these 15 popular types of pho provides a deeper appreciation of the variety and creativity behind this iconic dish, which continues to be enjoyed by Vietnamese people and food lovers around the world.