If you walk into any Vietnamese kitchen early in the morning, you’ll often find a large pot quietly simmering away. That pot holds the foundation of something truly special—pho broth. Long before the noodles and fresh herbs are added, the broth is where all the depth of flavour begins.
Pho7 in Abu Dhabi is dedicated to giving you the best pho experience in Khalifa City. What makes our pho stand out isn’t a secret recipe; it’s the time, care, and respect we give to the broth itself. Every bowl we serve carries hours of slow cooking, thoughtful seasoning, and a passion for Vietnamese cooking passed down through generations.
What Makes the Broth So Special?
Unlike a quick stock that’s thrown together in half an hour, traditional pho broth takes time, lots of it. At Pho7, we simmer beef bones for at least 6 hours, sometimes even longer. This slow cooking pulls every bit of flavor and nutrition from the bones and aromatics.
Bones rich in marrow, tendons, and connective tissue release collagen, giving the broth that silky, almost glossy texture. It’s a texture you can feel on your lips and tongue, coating your mouth in the most comforting way. The long simmer also draws out minerals like calcium and magnesium, making the broth not only delicious but also nourishing.
Every sip is a blend of savory beef notes, sweet roasted onion and ginger, and the gentle warmth of spices like star anise and cloves. It’s a balance that can’t be rushed.
The Spices: The Subtle Secret to Incredible Pho
While beef bones create the depth, it’s the carefully chosen spices that give pho its unforgettable aroma. A good bowl of pho always has a mix of spices, but at Pho7, we toast them first to unlock their essential oils.
Here’s what typically goes into our broth:
- Star Anise: Adds a liquorice-like sweetness.
- Cloves: A warm, almost floral note.
- Cinnamon Stick: A gentle sweetness to balance the savoury broth.
- Coriander Seeds: Earthy and citrusy.
- Cardamom Pods: Fresh and slightly peppery.
This delicate blend creates layers of flavor that are never overpowering but always present in every spoonful. If you want to enjoy the best pho, it’s these spices that make all the difference.
The Role of Roasted Onion and Ginger
Before we drop them into the pot, we char onions and fresh ginger over an open flame. This step caramelises their sugars and adds a smoky depth to the broth.
Roasted onion brings sweetness, while the ginger brightens the flavour. Together, they help balance the richness of the beef and the warming spices. This is one of those small details that separate good pho from truly great pho.
Freshness You Can Taste
Of course, the broth is only the beginning. A great bowl of pho also needs fresh ingredients to bring everything together. At Pho7, we pride ourselves on using only the freshest herbs, vegetables, and premium cuts of beef.
Rice noodles are soft and slippery, soaking up the broth so each bite is full of flavour.
Beef cuts like brisket, eye round, and tendon are sliced thin and added just before serving. The heat of the broth gently cooks them to tender perfection.
On the side, you’ll find a platter of fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lime wedges, and chillies. This is your chance to customise your bowl exactly how you like it—herby, tangy, or a little bit spicy.
Why Simmering Matters
You might wonder why we don’t just use ready-made stock cubes or boil everything quickly. The answer is simple: time builds character.
When you rush the broth, you lose all the subtle layers. A broth that has only simmered for an hour or two tastes thin and flat. But when you allow it to cook for hours, the flavour develops into something deep and complex.
This slow process also helps the nutrients break down so they’re easier for your body to absorb. That’s why pho is often thought of as a healing food in Vietnam—something that feeds both your body and your soul.
The Final Touch: Balance
A bowl of the best pho in Khalifa City is all about balance. Rich beef broth, fresh herbs, tender noodles, and a squeeze of lime to brighten everything up. You can add chilli for heat or extra herbs for freshness.
This balance is what makes pho such a satisfying meal any time of day. It’s filling but never heavy, warming but still light.
Why People Love Pho
People in Khalifa City and beyond have fallen in love with pho because it offers something comforting and familiar yet exciting at the same time.
At Pho7, our regular guests often tell us that it’s the broth that keeps them coming back. Whether it’s a rainy afternoon or a busy lunch break, something is grounding about sitting down to a steaming bowl of pho.
It’s also a meal that’s easy to share. Families, friends, and colleagues gather around the table, each person adding their own toppings and building their perfect bowl.
More Than Just a Meal
For us at Pho7, pho isn’t just a dish on the menu—it’s a tradition. It’s a story that starts in the kitchen, with a pot of broth simmering gently for hours. Every bowl we serve carries that story forward, inviting you to experience the care, patience, and respect that goes into every step.
If you’ve been searching for the best pho, we’d love for you to join us and taste the difference for yourself. From the rich broth to the fresh toppings, it all starts with that single, perfect spoonful.
A Bowl That Brings People Together
Pho has always been about community. Whether you’re gathering with loved ones or taking a quiet moment for yourself, a good bowl of pho feels like coming home.
At Pho7, we see it every day—families laughing over shared plates, friends catching up over lunch, and newcomers discovering the joy of authentic Vietnamese food.
So next time you crave something warming, nourishing, and full of flavour, remember that the heart of the best pho begins with a broth simmered the traditional way. Simple ingredients, treated with care, transform into something extraordinary.
