If you’ve ever tasted a warm bowl of traditional beef pho, you’ll know it’s more than just soup. It’s comfort in a bowl, rich with flavour and full of goodness. Pho (pronounced “fuh”) is a beloved Vietnamese dish made with slow-cooked broth, rice noodles, beef, herbs, and spices. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the most common pho ingredients, explain their health benefits, and show why this dish is both delicious and good for you.
The next time you’re looking for a nourishing and satisfying meal, consider trying a steaming bowl of authentic pho at PhO7 Vietnamese restaurant in Abu Dhabi.
What Makes Traditional Beef Pho So Special?
Traditional beef pho isn’t something you just whip up in 10 minutes. It’s a dish that takes time, care, and love. The broth alone is often simmered for over 6 hours to pull out deep flavours from the beef bones, spices, and aromatics. Then it’s served with noodles, thin slices of beef, and a generous handful of herbs and fresh toppings.
Let’s break down the essential pho ingredients and what they do for your health.
1. Beef Bones and Cuts of Meat
One of the key pho ingredients is beef – usually a mix of bones and cuts like brisket, chuck, and eye round. These meats are slow-cooked to make the broth rich and flavourful.
Health Benefits:
- Beef is high in protein, which helps build and repair muscles.
- It’s a great source of iron and vitamin B12, which support red blood cells and brain function.
- Bone broth provides collagen, which is good for joints, skin, and gut health.
2. Rice Noodles
The noodles used in traditional beef pho are flat rice noodles, soft and slippery. They soak up the broth’s flavours beautifully and make the dish satisfying.
Health Benefits:
- Made from rice, they are gluten-free and easy to digest.
- They are a good source of carbohydrates, giving your body the energy it needs to stay active.
3. Onions and Ginger
These two are roasted before being added to the broth. This gives the soup a sweet and smoky flavour.
Health Benefits:
- Onions contain antioxidants that help fight inflammation.
- Ginger aids digestion and can help settle an upset stomach.
- Both support the immune system and overall health.
4. Spices – The Secret Heroes
A proper traditional beef pho isn’t complete without its mix of warming spices. These include star anise, cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, and coriander seeds. Each adds a layer of flavour to the broth.
Health Benefits:
- Star anise and cloves have antibacterial and antiviral properties.
- Cinnamon can help balance blood sugar levels.
- Coriander seeds are good for digestion.
- Cardamom has anti-inflammatory effects and can freshen your breath too!
Using these spices makes the broth not only tasty but healing.
5. Fish Sauce
This is a must-have seasoning in Vietnamese cooking. Just a splash adds depth and umami to the dish.
Health Benefits:
- Rich in amino acids which help the body build protein.
- Contains some essential nutrients in small amounts like iodine.
Though used sparingly, it gives pho ingredients that perfect salty balance.
6. Fresh Herbs
No bowl of traditional beef pho is complete without a handful of fresh herbs on top or served on the side. The most common ones include Thai basil, mint, coriander (cilantro), and culantro.
Health Benefits:
- Thai basil is high in antioxidants and can reduce stress.
- Mint helps with digestion and gives a refreshing flavour.
- Coriander can help remove toxins from the body.
- Culantro is similar to coriander but stronger and packed with vitamins.
These herbs also add a wonderful fragrance to your bowl.
7. Bean Sprouts
Though not technically a herb, bean sprouts are a common topping and are part of many pho ingredients.
Health Benefits:
- Rich in vitamin C, which helps boost your immune system.
- They are low in calories and high in fibre, helping digestion.
8. Lime Wedges
A squeeze of lime brings out the flavours and balances the richness of the broth.
Health Benefits:
- High in vitamin C.
- Helps your body absorb iron from the beef and broth.
- Adds a tangy flavour without any added sugar.
9. Red Chillies
These are optional, but for those who love a bit of heat, chillies are a must.
Health Benefits:
- Contain capsaicin, which can speed up your metabolism.
- Have anti-inflammatory properties.
You can add as little or as much as you like – just be careful not to overdo it!
Why This Bowl Is Good for You?
When you put all these pho ingredients together, what do you get? A warm, balanced, nourishing bowl of goodness. Each bite of traditional beef pho gives your body proteins, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. It’s filling but not heavy, full of flavour without being greasy.
Pho isn’t just food – it’s a story in a bowl. When you put all the pho ingredients in the bowl, every ingredient has its own unique purpose. From the slow-cooked beef bones to the fragrant herbs and bold spices, each element works together to feed both your body and soul.
