While it started as a popular Vietnamese street food, pho has found its way to the Western world. This traditional soup typically consists of clear broth, a protein, fresh herbs, and vegetables. Pho’ Vietnam—the premier Asian restaurant in Anchorage, AK— knows that this delicious dish offers a unique dining experience. Below, they answer a few common questions to help you understand what to expect from your meal.

Asian Restaurant’s Guide to Pho

How Did Pho Originate?

Pho originated in the early part of the 20^th century. While some people believe this dish got its start with Chinese immigrants selling broad rice noodles on the street, it is not entirely known if this is true. Most people can agree, however, that it began in Hanoi, with early recipes including turnips, carrots, roasted onions, ginger, cardamom, and fennel.  

How Do You Order It?

When ordering pho, the first thing you’ll need to decide is what kind of broth you want: chicken or beef. Next, you choose what meat you prefer, as options vary from thinly sliced steak to tendon, tripe, and brisket. Finally, you’ll have a choice of vegetables that you can add to the broth.

How Should It Be Eaten?

People around the world eat pho in their own way. However, the following is the most common approach. First, you should hold chopsticks in your dominant hand and a spoon in the other. This allows you to sip the broth with the spoon and use the chopsticks to grasp the noodles. After the noodles are gone, you can even sip directly from the bowl without being impolite.

Is Pho Gluten Free?

Depending on the restaurant, pho can be gluten-free. This is because the meal typically uses rice noodles. As a result, you won’t be eating foods made from a wheat ingredient. Keep in mind that hoisin sauce and plum sauce may contain some wheat, so leave these options out if you’re gluten-intolerant. 

Whether you’ve been eating pho for years or want to try it for the first time, you can visit Pho’ Vietnam in Anchorage for a delicious meal. Offering everything from Vietnamese-style crepes to seafood salads, this Asian restaurant’s menu has something for everyone. They even offer vegetarian options for lunch and dinner and a complete carry-out menu. To make a reservation, give them a call today at (907) 929-9938. You can also learn more about their dishes online.