pho
Pho is a traditional Vietnamese noodle soup consisting of a fragrant, clear broth, rice noodles, fresh herbs, and thinly sliced meat, typically beef or chicken. It is a comforting dish that is widely considered the national dish of Vietnam, celebrated for its complex, aromatic blend of spices like star anise, cinnamon, and ginger. The word is used to describe both the dish itself and the specialty restaurants that serve it. In casual English conversation, it is frequently associated with healthy, soul-warming meals, often served in large bowls with customizable toppings like bean sprouts, lime, and chili sauce on the side.
In conversation
Lunch planning
I'm freezing, let's grab some lunch.
I'm freezing, let's grab some lunch.
How about that new pho place on Main Street?
How about that new pho place on Main Street?
Perfect, a hot bowl of soup sounds amazing.
Perfect, a hot bowl of soup sounds amazing.
Used here to refer to a specific type of restaurant.
Ordering at a restaurant
Would you like your pho with beef or chicken?
Would you like your pho with beef or chicken?
I'll have the beef pho, please.
I'll have the beef pho, please.
Coming right up.
Coming right up.
Standard way to order the dish by specifying the protein.
Examples
I love eating pho for lunch.
I love eating pho for lunch.
Nothing beats a steaming bowl of beef pho on a rainy day.
Nothing beats a steaming bowl of beef pho on a rainy day.
The depth of flavor in the broth is what defines a truly authentic bowl of pho.
The depth of flavor in the broth is what defines a truly authentic bowl of pho.
