By Rajlakshmi
December 5, 2025
Pho is a noodle dish that is popular across Vietnam, being served at both street food stalls and five-star restaurants. Even though the finished dish has a variety of distinctive aromas, it's actually quite simple to prepare at home.
8 cups vegetable broth 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons rice vinegar 2 tablespoons brown sugar 1 cinnamon stick 3 whole cloves 1 star anise 1 inch fresh ginger, sliced 3 garlic cloves, minced 1 pack rice noodles 1 cup bean sprouts 1 cup sliced mushrooms 1 cup sliced carrots ½ cup sliced scallions ¼ cup chopped cilantro ¼ cup chopped Thai basil 1 lime, cut into wedges
In a pot, combine vegetable broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, cinnamon stick, cloves, star anise, ginger, and garlic.
Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 30 minutes to allow the flavours to meld.
Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Once the broth has simmered, remove the cinnamon stick, cloves, star anise, and ginger slices from the pot.
Add mushrooms, carrots, and scallions to the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes until tender.
Divide cooked rice noodles among the preferred number of bowls. Ladle the hot broth and vegetables over the noodles.
On top, add the bean sprouts, chopped cilantro, and Thai basil. Squeeze a lime wedge over each bowl. Stir it. Serve hot.