Traditional Vietnamese Pho Recipe from Hoi An | Authentic & Delicious 2025

A Taste of Hoi An: Traditional Vietnamese Pho Recipe

During a moonlit stroll through Hoi An’s lantern-lit alleys, our family stumbled upon a hidden gem—a modest stall where the air was thick with the intoxicating aroma of simmering Pho. This UNESCO World Heritage town, with its vibrant markets and culinary artistry, gifted us a bowl of Traditional Vietnamese Pho that redefined comfort food. The delicate balance of fragrant broth, tender beef, and fresh herbs was a revelation, inspiring us to recreate this magic at home. Our **Traditional Vietnamese Pho recipe from Hoi An**, crafted with insights from local chefs and infused with a *Mangoes and Palm Trees* tropical twist, brings Vietnam’s soul to your kitchen. Join us on this culinary journey and savor the authentic flavors of Hoi An. For more comforting soups, explore our Chicken Noodle Soup or House Special Soup.

Experience Hoi An’s Pho: Watch Our Video

Immerse yourself in Hoi An’s vibrant culinary scene and learn the art of crafting authentic Pho with our exclusive video.

Unveiling Pho: Vietnam’s Culinary Gem

Pho, pronounced “fuh,” is Vietnam’s cherished noodle soup, a harmonious blend of aromatic broth, silky rice noodles, tender meat, and vibrant herbs. Born in northern Vietnam in the early 20th century, Pho has captivated palates worldwide with its comforting warmth and intricate flavors. The secret lies in its broth—a labor of love simmered for hours with bones, charred aromatics, and spices like star anise and cinnamon, creating a clear, soulful base. In Hoi An, Pho embodies the town’s refined culinary heritage, balancing delicate spices with abundant fresh herbs. Packed with protein (~20g per serving) and vitamins from greens, it’s a wholesome meal (Real Simple). Dive deeper into Pho’s origins at Viet World Kitchen.

Hoi An’s Unique Pho Signature

Nestled along Vietnam’s central coast, Hoi An infuses Pho with a distinctive flair, blending Chinese, Japanese, and French influences. Unlike the robust northern Pho or sweeter southern versions, Hoi An’s Pho boasts a lighter, aromatic broth enriched with local herbs like Thai basil and mint. The town’s bustling markets provide crisp bean sprouts and fragrant greens, elevating the dish’s freshness. Our recipe captures this Hoi An essence, offering a refined yet approachable take on Vietnam’s iconic soup, perfect for home cooks seeking authenticity. For another Asian-inspired delight, try our House Special Soup.

Our Exclusive Hoi An Pho Recipe

Inspired by that unforgettable Hoi An night, our family perfected this **Hoi An Pho recipe** with guidance from local chefs, blending tradition with a *Mangoes and Palm Trees* tropical flair. This authentic recipe delivers a fragrant broth, tender beef, and vibrant toppings, making it accessible yet true to its roots. Below, we share the ingredients, step-by-step guide, and exclusive tips to craft this culinary masterpiece at home.

Ingredients

For the Broth:

Ingredient	Quantity	Preparation
Beef bones (marrow and knuckle)	2 lbs	Rinsed
Beef brisket	1 lb	-
Large onion	1	Halved
Ginger	4-inch piece	Sliced
Star anise	5 pods	-
Cinnamon stick	1 (3-inch)	-
Cloves	3	-
Coriander seeds	1 tbsp	-
Fennel seeds	1 tbsp	-
Salt	1 tbsp	-
Fish sauce	2 tbsp	-
Sugar	1 tbsp	-
Water	6 quarts	-

For the Soup:

Ingredient	Quantity	Preparation
Flat rice noodles (banh pho)	1 lb	-
Beef sirloin	½ lb	Thinly sliced
Green onions	1 bunch	Chopped
Cilantro	1 bunch	Chopped
Thai basil	1 bunch	Leaves only
Mint	1 bunch	Leaves only
Bean sprouts	2 cups	-
Limes	2	Cut into wedges
Hoisin sauce	To taste	-
Sriracha sauce	To taste	-
Fish sauce	To taste	Optional

Tropical Garnish (Optional):

Ingredient	Quantity	Preparation
Mango	1/4 cup	Diced finely
Lime juice	1 tsp	Freshly squeezed
Cilantro	1 tsp	Chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Craft the Fragrant Broth

1. Place 2 lbs beef bones and 1 lb brisket in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil for 5 minutes to remove impurities.
2. Drain, rinse bones and brisket under cold water to clean thoroughly, and return to the pot with 6 quarts fresh water.
3. Char 1 halved onion and 4-inch sliced ginger over an open flame or under a broiler until deeply blackened, about 5 minutes, for smoky depth.
4. Add charred onion and ginger to the pot, bringing the water to a gentle simmer.
5. In a dry skillet, toast 5 star anise pods, 1 cinnamon stick, 3 cloves, 1 tbsp coriander seeds, and 1 tbsp fennel seeds over medium heat for 2 minutes until aromatic.
6. Add toasted spices to the broth, simmering gently for 4 hours, skimming foam to keep the broth clear.
7. Remove brisket after 4 hours, set aside to cool, and continue simmering broth for 2 more hours (total 6 hours).
8. Strain broth through a fine-mesh sieve, discarding solids, and season with 1 tbsp salt, 2 tbsp fish sauce, and 1 tbsp sugar, adjusting to taste.

Step 2: Prepare Noodles and Toppings

1. Soak 1 lb rice noodles in warm water for 30 minutes, then drain.
2. Boil a pot of water, cook noodles for 3-5 minutes until tender, then drain and rinse under cold water to prevent sticking.
3. Thinly slice the cooled brisket and ½ lb raw sirloin; freeze sirloin briefly (15 minutes) for easier slicing.
4. Prepare a platter with 1 bunch chopped green onions, 1 bunch chopped cilantro, 1 bunch Thai basil leaves, 1 bunch mint leaves, 2 cups bean sprouts, and 2 limes cut into wedges.
5. For the tropical garnish, mix 1/4 cup diced mango, 1 tsp lime juice, and 1 tsp chopped cilantro in a small bowl.

Step 3: Assemble the Pho

1. Divide cooked noodles evenly among six bowls.
2. Arrange slices of brisket and raw sirloin over the noodles in each bowl.
3. Ladle piping hot broth over the meat and noodles, allowing the heat to gently cook the raw sirloin.
4. Serve with the platter of toppings, hoisin sauce, sriracha, optional fish sauce, and tropical mango garnish, letting each person customize their bowl.

Secrets to Authentic Hoi An Pho

Crafting Hoi An’s iconic Pho at home requires finesse. Our exclusive tips, inspired by local chefs, ensure perfection:

• Deep Charring: Char the onion and ginger until nearly burnt to infuse the broth with Hoi An’s signature smoky depth.
• Spice Mastery: Toast spices until they release a warm, nutty aroma, amplifying the broth’s complexity.
• Patient Simmering: Maintain a gentle 6-hour simmer to extract rich flavors from bones, skimming regularly for clarity.
• Freshness First: Source crisp herbs and bean sprouts from local markets for Hoi An’s vibrant, fresh profile.
• Thin Slicing: Slice sirloin paper-thin after a brief freeze to ensure it cooks instantly in the hot broth.
• Tropical Touch: Add our *Mangoes and Palm Trees* mango garnish for a subtle, tropical sweetness that elevates the dish.

For additional Pho insights, explore Toronto Pho or Inspired Taste.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Pho steaming hot to capture its aromatic essence, accompanied by a vibrant platter of herbs, bean sprouts, lime wedges, and sauces. Diners can personalize their bowls, adding hoisin for sweetness, sriracha for heat, or our tropical mango garnish for a *Mangoes and Palm Trees* twist. Pair with Vietnamese iced coffee or a crisp lager for an authentic Hoi An vibe. Complement with our Spicy Chicken Soup or Chicken and Cabbage Soup for a soup-centric feast.

Health Benefits of Hoi An Pho

This Pho is as nourishing as it is flavorful, offering a balanced meal (~350 kcal per serving):

• High Protein: Beef provides ~20g protein per serving, supporting muscle repair and satiety.
• Vitamin-Rich: Herbs and sprouts deliver vitamins A, C, and K, boosting immunity and digestion (Vifon).
• Low Fat: Lean beef and minimal oil keep fat content low, ideal for heart health.

Explore more wholesome recipes in our Healthy Meal Plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Makes Hoi An Pho Unique?

Hoi An Pho features a lighter, aromatic broth and abundant fresh herbs, blending Chinese, Japanese, and French influences.

How Long Does It Take to Make Pho Broth?

About 6 hours of gentle simmering to extract rich flavors from bones and spices.

Can I Use Chicken Instead of Beef?

Yes, substitute beef with chicken bones and breast for a lighter Pho Ga; adjust simmering time to 4 hours.

How Do I Store Leftover Pho?

Refrigerate broth, noodles, and toppings separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days; freeze broth for up to 3 months.

What Herbs Are Essential for Pho?

Thai basil, mint, cilantro, and green onions are key for Hoi An’s vibrant flavor profile.

Conclusion

Our **Traditional Vietnamese Pho recipe from Hoi An** transports you to the lantern-lit streets of this UNESCO gem, where every bowl tells a story of culinary artistry. With its fragrant broth, tender beef, and fresh herbs, this authentic Pho, enhanced with a *Mangoes and Palm Trees* tropical mango garnish, is a celebration of Vietnam’s soul. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, it’s a dish to savor and share. Tried our Pho? Share your experience on Facebook with #MangoesPalmTrees! Dive into more soup recipes like our Chicken Velvet Soup or Butternut Squash Soup Pairings, or have fun with our Personality Quiz Hub. Happy cooking!