Phở is a savory noodle dish with a wide variety of options in terms of ingredients. It’s made up of a delicious broth containing flat rice noodles, some form of meat, and spices. This traditional Vietnamese food can now be found all over the world. Learn where phở came from and how it’s served today.

Phở Origin Stories

The origins of phở, like some other traditional foods, are somewhat murky. Most people agree it originated in Northern Vietnam, but that is where the myths differ. Some think it was created to satisfy the mix of Vietnamese and French residents, with the Vietnamese contributing rice noodles and the French contributing beef. Others think this Vietnamese food was created by people in the Nam Định province and sold to the residents of Hanoi to make a living, a city 50 miles away.

Originally, street vendors sold phở cooked using equipment they carried around on their shoulders. They’d set up shop in the streets in the early morning and cook each bowl to order. This practice fell out of favor in the 1940s, giving way to serving phở in restaurants.

When Vietnam separated into two sections in 1954, the chefs that moved to the south started experimenting with new spices, flavorings, and ingredients. These included rare beef, brisket, tendon, and even chicken. This is where the variety of current phở comes from.

Phở spread worldwide after the Vietnam War when many Vietnamese residents fled to other countries as refugees. They brought their traditional Vietnamese food recipes with them.

Phở Today

While some ingredients have changed, a lot of phở remains the same. Current chefs still use a savory broth, noodles, and some cut of meat. However, now you can find variations like phở noodle rolls and new ingredients like truffle oil.

Some restaurants will even offer a vegetarian or vegan phở, made with a vegetable-based broth and tofu instead of meat. Phở has become popular worldwide thanks to its delicious flavor and versatility.

For delicious phở in Pennsylvania, head to Me Lyng Restaurant in West Homestead, PA. This restaurant offers a wide variety of dishes, from old favorites like phở to new discoveries. They serve Chinese food, including fried rice, for lunch and dinner or takeout. Their welcoming atmosphere makes you feel at home right away. Call them at (412) 464-1477, or check out their menu on their website.