Tiếng ViệtFresh pho noodles are the delicate, chewy meal that gives the beloved Vietnamese soup pho its iconic texture and flavor. While dried noodles work in a pinch, using fresh banh pho noodles is key to achieving an authentic, restaurant-quality bowl at home.
This article covers everything you need to know about sourcing, preparing, and cooking these pho noodles perfectly.
What are fresh pho noodles?
Fresh pho noodles are the traditional rice noodles used in the Vietnamese soup pho. Made simply from rice flour and water, they have a smooth, chewy texture when cooked.
Fresh pho noodles cook quickly and become translucent, readily absorbing the flavorful pho broth. Their tender, slippery texture is essential for achieving the perfect pho noodle.
Fresh pho noodles
More information: Pho Spices: The secret ingredients in Vietnamese pho broth
Types of fresh pho noodles
Fresh pho noodles come in various sizes based on their width and thickness:
- Extra thin
The most common size for pho
1/16 inch (1.5mm) in diameter
Soft and slippery when cooked
Extra thin fresh noodles
- Thin
Round noodles slightly thicker, 1/8 inch (3mm) diameter
Still soft but with a little more chew
Thin fresh noodles
- Medium
Flat, wide noodles around 1/4 inch (6mm) wide
Medium fresh noodles
- Wide
Very wide, flat noodles over 1/2 inch (12mm) across
Thick and very chewy, dense texture
Wide fresh noodles
Where to buy fresh pho noodles
Buy fresh pho noodles
- Asian supermarkets
Head to the refrigerated or freezer section of large Asian supermarkets. Look for brands like Lee’s, Vinh Phat, or Mei Lin.
Ethnic Vietnamese, Chinese, or Thai markets are your best bets for finding fresh pho noodles.
- Local Vietnamese restaurants
Many Vietnamese pho restaurants will sell their fresh pho noodles to customers to take home.
Ask the restaurant if they can sell you fresh pho noodles.
- Online sources
There are online retailers like Amazon and Vietnamese food websites that sell fresh or frozen pho noodles and ship them.
Popular brands available online include Mama Pho, Nan Pho, and Pho Bac.
More information: Pho consomme: The clear, flavorful soul of Vietnamese cuisine
Cooking perfect fresh pho noodles
Tips
- Cooking times and methods for fresh pho noodles
Fresh pho noodles cook very quickly, usually 5-15 seconds in boiling water or hot broth.
For best texture, cook the noodles separately from the broth and add to bowls just before serving.
You can blanch them in a pot of boiling water or quickly dip them in the hot pho broth.
Cooking
Avoid overcooking, which can make them gummy. Cook just until tender but still retaining a slight chew.
For chewier noodles, let sit for 1-2 minutes in the hot liquid off the heat after cooking.
- Common mistakes to avoid when cooking pho noodles
Not using enough water – the noodles need ample water to move freely without sticking.
Soaking too long before cooking can cause them to get mushy and fall apart.
Avoid Overcooking
Adding cold noodles directly to hot broth – this shocks the noodles and makes them gummy. Cook them separately.
Avoid using older dried-out noodles – fresh is best for pho’s signature slippery texture.
Avoid mistake
Serving suggestions for fresh pho noodles
- Traditional toppings and garnishes for pho
Thinly sliced cooked beef, chicken or meatballs
Fresh herbs including Thai basil, cilantro, mint, etc.
Bean sprouts
Lime wedges
Sliced chilies or chili sauce
Thinly sliced onions
Sawtooth herb
Fried shallots
Toppings and garnishes
- Creative serving ideas to enhance your pho experience
Set out a variety of fresh toppings for diners to customize their bowls
Creative serving with pho paper rolls with herbs and vegetables, using broth as a dipping sauce
Use the noodles as a taco filling with pho broth as the sauce
Fry pho noodles until crispy to use as a garnish
Stuff steamed bao buns with pho noodles, protein and broth for dipping
Make savory fritters using the pho noodles
Delicious recipes using fresh pho noodles
- Classic beef pho recipe
Beef pho
Broth:
4 lbs beef bones (knuckle, marrow bones)
2 lbs beef brisket
1 onion, halved
4″ piece ginger, sliced
5 whole star anise
6 whole cloves
1 cinnamon stick
1 tbsp coriander seeds
1 tbsp fennel seeds
2 tsp salt
2 tbsp fish sauce
Toppings:
Fresh banh pho noodles
Bean sprouts
Thai basil
Lime wedges
Sliced chilies
Thinly sliced onion
Instructions:
Roast bones and spices at 400°F for 1 hour. Transfer to pot, add water and brisket. Simmer for 6-8 hours, skimming fat occasionally.
After removing the brisket, employ a sharp knife to achieve thin, precise slices. Strain broth.
Cook noodles separately in boiling water for 10-15 seconds until tender. Drain.
Add cooked noodles to bowls, top with brisket slices, broth and garnishes.
- Chicken pho recipe
Chicken pho
Broth:
1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs)
1 onion, halved
4″ ginger, sliced
1 tbsp coriander seeds
5 whole star anise
5 whole cloves
2 tbsp fish sauce
Salt to taste
Toppings:
Fresh banh pho noodles
Shredded chicken meat
Green onions
Cilantro
Lime wedges
Sliced chilies
Instructions:
In a sizable pot, submerge the chicken completely in water. Add aromatics and simmer for 1.5 hours, skimming fat.
Remove chicken, debone and shred meat.
Return bones to pot and simmer for 2 more hours.
Strain broth, season with fish sauce and salt.
Cook noodles in boiling water for 10 seconds. Drain and place in bowls.
Top with shredded chicken, broth and garnishes.
- Vegetarian pho
Vegetarian pho
Broth:
8 cups vegetable or mushroom broth
1 onion, halved
4″ ginger, sliced
2 tsp coriander seeds
4 whole star anise
2 cinnamon sticks
2 tbsp soy sauce
Toppings:
Fresh banh pho noodles
8 oz shiitake mushrooms, sliced
8 oz oyster mushrooms, sliced
Fried tofu puffs
Baby bok choy
Thai basil, mint
Bean sprouts
Lime wedges
Instructions:
Simmer broth with aromatics for 30 mins. Strain out solids.
Cook noodles in broth for 10 seconds until tender. Remove with a slotted spoon.
Add mushrooms and bok choy to the broth and cook for 2 mins.
Place noodles in bowls and top with mushrooms, bok choy, tofu and fresh herbs.
Conclusion
Fresh pho noodles
Fresh pho noodles are a true delicacy and the heart of any excellen Vietnamese pho noodle soup. The tender yet chewy texture and ability to soak up flavorful broths, they elevate pho from good to incredible. While dried noodles can work in a pinch, taking the time to source and properly cook fresh banh pho noodles makes all the difference.
For any inquiries, please feel free to reach out to us through the following channels:
Anh Kim Food Production Joint Stock Company (AK FOOD)
Phone number: +84 28 3815 9696
Email: contact@akfood.com.vn
Address: Lot III – 1B, Street 1, Tan Binh Industrial Park, Tan Phu District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam