Pho – King of Noodle Soup

If there is one dish that truly represents the soul of Vietnamese cuisine, it is Pho. Pho is more than just a bowl of noodle soup. It is a daily ritual, a comfort food, and a symbol of Vietnamese culture that has traveled far beyond its homeland.

Pho is Vietnam’s Most Iconic Noodle Soup (source: google)

The History of Pho: From Vietnam to the World

Pho first appeared in northern Vietnam in the early 1900s, during a time of social and cultural change. Most historians trace its roots to Nam Định and Hanoi, where traditional rice noodle dishes met new culinary influences brought by French colonial rule.

Before Pho, Vietnamese meals relied mostly on fish-based broths, and beef was rarely eaten. When cattle farming increased, resourceful cooks began simmering beef bones once considered scraps, creating a clear, deeply aromatic broth. Combined with flat rice noodles (bánh phở), fresh herbs, and warming spices like star anise and cinnamon, Pho was born.

By the 1930s, Pho had become a beloved street food in Hanoi – affordable, nourishing, and deeply comforting. After 1975, Vietnamese families carried Pho with them to the United States, France, Australia, and beyond. What began as small family kitchens slowly captured the world’s attention. 

Today, Pho is enjoyed everywhere and appears on food shows, travel programs, and Michelin-recognized menus.

What Makes Pho So Special?

Pho is built on a carefully crafted broth. Broth simmered for hours from beef bones or chicken bones and warm spices (cinnamon, star anise, cardamom, roasted ginger, and charred onions).

What sets pho apart from many other soups is its clarity and balance. The broth is never heavy or greasy. Instead, it is clean, naturally sweet from bones, and gently fragrant from herbs and spices. Each bowl of pho is the result of time, patience, and traditional cooking techniques.

Two Regions, Two Expressions of Pho

After Vietnam’s partition in 1954, Pho traveled south with migrating families and evolved. In Southern Vietnam, especially Saigon, Pho became slightly sweeter, more aromatic, served with generous herbs and garnishes, and accompanied by hoisin and chili sauces.

This gave rise to two iconic styles:

• Northern Pho (Pho Bắc): light, clear, elegant
• Southern Pho (Pho Nam): richer, bolder, customizable

Each bowl of pho is the result of time, patience, and traditional cooking techniques (source: freepik)

How Vietnamese People Eat Pho

In Vietnam, pho is a daily meal. Many locals enjoy pho early in the morning, sitting on small stools at street-side shops as the city wakes up. Every diner customizes their bowl with a squeeze of fresh lime for brightness, a little chili for heat, and extra herbs for freshness.

Traditionally, people first sip the broth on its own to appreciate its flavor, then gently mix in noodles, meat, and herbs. Pho is meant to be enjoyed slowly, allowing each layer of flavor to unfold.

Pho is meant to be enjoyed slowly, allowing each layer of flavor to unfold (source: bao thanh nien)

Why Pho Is So Loved In Vietnam and Around The World

For Vietnamese people, pho is deeply emotional. It is tied to childhood memories, family mornings, and familiar neighborhood shops. From north to south, pho reflects regional identity – subtle differences in broth, herbs, and preparation make each bowl unique while staying true to its roots.

For travelers visiting Vietnam, pho is often their first introduction to Vietnamese cuisine, and it rarely disappoints. International diners love this Vietnamese noodle soup because it is comforting, nutritious, and balanced. Pho consistently ranks as a “must-try” dish in global food guides.

Sonny Side enjoys pho (source: Sonny Side Youtube)

Authentic Vietnamese Pho at Somi’s

At Somi’s, our Beef Pho and Chicken Pho are inspired by Saigon-style Pho. Saigon-style Pho is generous by nature – a richer broth, gentle natural sweetness, and vibrant garnishes that bring the bowl to life. Every bowl is prepared and final-checked by a Vietnamese chef to maintain quality.

We carefully choose ingredients to make delicious bowls of pho for Naples residents. Fresh bones and meats are selected daily from local suppliers. Fresh herbs and vegetables are well-prepared every day.

Menu of Our Pho Bowls

Pho Dac Biet – House Special Beef Pho

A rich Saigon-style beef noodle soup with broth, slow-simmered with fresh beef bones and aromatic spices. Served with a generous selection of tender beef cuts, beef meatballs, fresh rice noodles, and garden-fresh herbs.

Pho Tai Bo Vien – Rare Beef & Beef Meatball Pho

Delicate slices of rare beef gently cooked in hot, fragrant broth, paired with savory house-made beef meatballs. Finished with fresh herbs and rice noodles for a perfectly balanced, flavorful bowl.

Pho Ga – Chicken Pho

A chicken noodle soup with clean, soothing broth simmered from fresh chicken and aromatic spices. Served with tender chicken, rice noodles, and fresh herbs – light, comforting, and deeply satisfying.

Authentic Vietnamese Pho Ga at Somi’s Kitchen

Visit Somi’s and enjoy the best pho restaurant in Florida. Or order online for delivery and bring the taste of Vietnam straight to your home. One bowl. One sip. And you’ll understand why pho has captured hearts around the world.