Pho is a Vietnamese noodle soup of widespread popularity but uncertain origin. An apparently recent invention, dating to the early 20th Century, it is probably (like the Portuguese-inspired Vindaloo) a fusion of traditional cuisine and Western-colonial methods -- in this case, a classic French beef or chicken stock enlivened by a Vietnamese spice mixture of cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and other ingredients. Pho is also served with side ingredients including some combination of onions, basil, cilantro, lime, chile sauce, fish sauce, and hoisin sauce.
Varieties
Beef makes up the 'classic' pho most familiar to Western diners. It is usually offered with a choice of various cuts of meat, as well as options usually unexplored by Americans, such as beef tendon and tripe. Chicken pho is not unknown in Vietnam, but is more widely popular in America. vegetarian pho is another Western innovation, but has fallen helplessly into the inevitable nickname, "faux."
Pho History and Trivia
- PhoSaigonCuisine.com: Information About Pho Noodle Soup
Pho Merchandise
- Amazon.com: Pho Products
References
Fast Facts
-
Fact:
Pho is a Vietnamese noodle soup
-
Fact:
-
Fact:
Usually made with rice noodles
-
Fact:
Gained rapid acclaim in the U.S.
-
Fact:
