History of Pho: The story behind Vietnam’s beloved dish

Contents

1. A glance at the history of Pho

The history of Pho is still a topic of debate. One theory suggests it was inspired by the Chinese dish Ngưu nhục phấn (beef with rice noodles), while another points to the French Pot-au-feu, a beef stew brought over to Vietnam during the colonial era. However, neither fully aligns with the nature of Pho as we know it – a light, fragrant broth with delicate rice noodles and fresh herbs.

The most convincing theory today is that Pho evolved from a humble Vietnamese dish known as xáo trâu – stewed buffalo meat with rice noodles – which was commonly eaten by the working class. When the French introduced beef to Vietnamese markets, local cooks began using beef bones to create broths. This adaptation marked the birth of Pho as a creative culinary innovation.

Many food historians have debated the true origins in the history of Pho noodle soup (Source: Collected)

Explore some must-try Vietnamese noodles!

2. How old is Vietnamese Pho?

Pho may seem like a time-honored classic steeped in ancient tradition. However, it is actually a relatively young dish. The word Pho made its first official appearance in the Vietnamese Dictionary published in 1930 by the Hanoi-based Khai Tri Tien Duc Association. Yet, its actual origins likely predate that. Most agree that Pho was created in the late 19th-early 20th century period, during a dynamic time of cultural fusion in northern Vietnam. While there are no precise historical records pinpointing the moment Pho was created, some historical figures helped paint a clearer picture.

Renowned writer Nguyen Cong Hoan (1903-1977) recalled eating Pho as early as in 1913, describing late-night Pho stalls in Hanoi where a bowl cost between 2 and 5 cents. Similarly, scholar Nguyen Van Vinh (1882-1936) referenced Pho in a letter written in 1906 from Paris, reminiscing about early morning Pho vendors in Vietnam. Adding further weight to Pho’s early 20th-century emergence, French researcher G. Dumoutier confirmed that “Pho never appeared in Vietnam before 1907.” His comment aligned with a growing body of evidence placing the dish’s birth in the early 1900s.

Another compelling clue comes from the art world. French artist Maurice Salge’s 1913 painting, Gánh phở rong trong Hà Nội (Pho Vendor in Hanoi’s Old Quarter), vividly captures the scene of a street-side Pho vendor. The painting not only illustrates the dish’s popularity but also reflects how deeply Pho had already become embedded in the local culture.

The history of Pho traces back to the early 20th century in northern Vietnam (Source: Collected)

Read more: What does Pho taste like? A deep dive into its rich flavors

3. Development of Pho variations

Exploring Vietnamese Pho history reveals a fascinating blend of cultural influences. It has evolved into a big family of variations beyond the traditional beef Pho or chicken Pho. 

On hot days, Phở trộn (mixed Pho) and Phở cuốn (Pho rolls) are refreshing alternatives. Phở xào (stir-fried Pho) and Phở chiên (fried Pho) are perfect for cooler weather. Regional specialties like Phở hai tô (dry Pho served with a side of broth) from Gia Lai and Phở chua (sour Pho) from northern mountainous areas bring unique ingredients. Meanwhile, Phở tíu stands out as a mixed Pho variation with char siu pork and a sweet-sour sauce. 

Different regions also reflect culinary contrasts. In the North, Pho Hanoi stays true to its roots with a clear, savory broth, minimal garnishes, and a focus on the essence of simmered bones and spices. In contrast, Pho Saigon in the South is characterized by a sweeter, richer broth and an abundance of accompaniments like fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lime, hoisin sauce, and chili.

No matter the variation, the rich, fragrant broth remains a signature achievement in the history of Pho.

Understanding the history of Pho helps you appreciate every spoonful (Source: Collected)

Don’t forget to savor Pho rolls during your holiday in Vietnam!

4. The global journey of Pho

​The history of Vietnamese Pho shows how a humble street food became a global phenomenon. Initially introduced to international audiences by Vietnamese immigrants, Pho began appearing in small eateries across countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia. By the 2000s, it had gained significant popularity, with Pho restaurants in the U.S. generating substantial annual revenues. 

The dish’s international profile was further elevated when “Pho” was added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2007. The international recognition continued with Japan establishing “Pho Day” in 2016 and cookbooks like Andrea Nguyen’s Pho Cookbook winning the prestigious James Beard Award in 2018. In recent years, Pho has received numerous accolades from international culinary platforms:​

• January 2025: Beef Pho ranked 93rd in TasteAtlas’s list of the 100 best dishes globally.​
• May 2024: TasteAtlas named Pho tron the best mixed dish worldwide.​
• November 2023: TasteAtlas ranked beef Pho 3rd among the world’s best meat broths, with rare beef Pho from northern Vietnam placing 5th.
• August 2022: CNN included Pho in its list of the top 50 most attractive street foods in Asia.​
• 2022: CNN also ranked Pho among the top 20 most delicious soups globally.

These recognitions underscore Pho’s status as a global culinary icon, reflecting its widespread appeal and the rich cultural tapestry it represents.

The global popularity of Vietnamese cuisine owes much to the history of Pho (Source: Collected)

Discover Vietnamese traditional foods for your food tour!

5. What day is Pho celebrated on?

Every year on December 12, Vietnamese people and Pho lovers around the world celebrate “Pho Day” – a day dedicated to honoring Vietnam’s beloved dish. Officially initiated in 2017, this special occasion has since become a key event promoting Vietnam’s culinary culture. Pho Day not only celebrates the heritage of Vietnamese Pho but also plays a vital role in elevating the country’s cuisine on the global stage. Pho Day is a reminder of the pride and passion behind this flavorful bowl that has won hearts worldwide.

The history of Pho is a beautiful blend of cultural tradition, resilience, and pride. From its quiet roots in northern Vietnam to its prominent place on the global culinary map, Pho has become more than just a comfort food – it is a flavorful ambassador of Vietnamese heritage. As Pho continues to win hearts around the world, it proudly carries with it the story of a nation and the spirit of its people.

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