Tiếng ViệtPho noodles are the quintessential ingredient in Vietnam’s iconic noodle soup dish.
This guide covers everything you need to know about pho noodles package – from fresh vs dried varieties and gluten-free options, to achieving perfect texture and properly storing packages for maximum freshness.
Learn how to select, prepare, and maintain the perfect pho noodles for recreating this beloved dish at home.
What are pho noodles?
- Definition
Pho noodles, called banh pho, are fresh flat rice noodles that are the signature noodles used in the Vietnamese noodle soup pho.
They are made simply from rice flour and water, creating thin, chewy strands around 1/8 inch wide. The rice noodles must be adequately cooked to achieve the ideal chewy yet tender texture in the hot pho broth – overcooking makes them mushy.
Pho noodles
The right fresh or rehydrated dried banh pho noodles are essential for an authentic pho experience.
- The role of pho noodles in Vietnamese cuisine
Pho noodles are a quintessential part of Vietnam’s iconic pho noodle soup dish, considered a national cultural symbol.
Pho
These simple rice noodles’ chewy, slippery texture is critical for an authentic pho experience, acting as a vehicle for the rich broth.
Regional noodle variations reflect Vietnam’s culinary diversity.
Pho noodles
More information: Pho Spices: The secret ingredients in Vietnamese pho broth
What is a pho noodles package?
A pho noodles package contains the signature flat, thin banh pho rice noodles specifically for making the Vietnamese pho noodle soup dish.
It may contain dried or fresh noodles that require different methods of preparation.
Common brands are labeled as “pho noodles” to ensure you get the ideal chewy noodle texture and width for authentic pho.
Pho noodles package
Types of pho noodle packages
- Fresh pho noodles vs dried pho noodles
Fresh: Refrigerated, made from just rice flour and water. Preferred for best texture and maybe coiled nests or loose bundles.
Fresh pho noodles package
Dried: Dehydrated flat rice noodle bundles. These ingredients necessitate rehydration as a preliminary step before cooking longer shelf life.
Dried pho noodles package
- Gluten-free and whole-grain options
Traditional pho noodles are gluten-free and made from rice.
Some brands offer whole-grain brown rice noodle varieties.
Other gluten-free options include noodles made from rice flour blends with corn/tapioca starches.
Pho noodles
- Sizes and shapes available in packages
Small 8-16 oz packages for 2-4 servings
Large 1-2 lb bags/packages for families or meal prep
Varying widths from thin to broad flat noodles
Woven bundles, loose nests or straight noodle piles
Pho noodles
How to choose the best pho noodles package
- Factors to consider
- Texture
For the most authentic pho texture, look for packages labeled “banh pho” noodles
Avoid thicker rice noodles or those made for pad thai, as the texture won’t be ideal
Fresh noodles provide the ideal chewy, slippery texture if used soon
Dried noodles need proper rehydration but can work well too
The texture of pho noodles in the package
- Ingredients
Rice flour and water
Avoid using additives, preservatives, or unneeded starches
Whole-grain brown rice noodles can add extra fiber
- Shelf life
Fresh noodles have a short 1-2 week refrigerated shelf life
Dried/dehydrated noodles can last 6 – 12 months when stored properly
Shelf life of pho noodles package
- Reading labels and understanding nutritional information
Compare sodium levels if watching salt intake
Look for higher fiber/protein if prioritizing those nutrients
Check for any potential allergens like wheat/gluten
Preparing your pho noodles package
- Step-by-step guide on how to prepare pho noodles from a package
For fresh pho noodles:
Remove noodles from the package and untangle/separate noodle strands.
Fill a pot with water, bring it to a rolling boil, and then introduce a small amount of salt.
Gently add noodles and stir to prevent sticking.
Cook for 5-10 seconds only to heat through – overcooking will make them mushy.
After thoroughly draining the noodles, distribute them evenly among serving bowls. Cover with hot pho broth.
Cook fresh pho noodles
For dried/dehydrated pho noodles:
Fill a bowl with hot water and soak the noodle bundle for 15-20 minutes until pliable.
Fill a pot with water, add a small amount of salt, and then heat it until it reaches a rolling boil.
Carefully add the noodles to the boiling water, ensuring they have been adequately soaked and drained beforehand. Cook for 30-60 seconds until just tender.
Drain noodles thoroughly and portion into bowls.
Cover with piping hot pho broth to continue cooking noodles.
Cook the dried pho noodles
- Common mistakes to avoid
Not separating noodle strands before cooking
Overcooking noodles until mushy
Not soaking dried noodles before boiling
- Tips for achieving the perfect texture
Cook noodles just until tender with a pleasant chew
Adjust cook time as dried noodles can vary in thickness
Finish cooking noodles in the hot broth to achieve the desired texture
Add a drizzle of noodle-soaking liquid to the broth for extra starch
The perfect texture of pho noodles
Storing your pho noodles package
- Best practices for storage
Fresh pho noodles:
Store unopened packages refrigerated at 32-40°F
Use within 7 to 10 days of purchase
Once opened, consume within 3 to 5 days
Can freeze for 2-3 months and defrost it before cooking
Dried pho noodles:
Store in a cool, dry pantry area away from moisture and heat
Keep packages tightly sealed once opened
Check package dates, but generally last 6-12 months unopened
For longer shelf life, store below 70°F
Store the pho noodles package
- Shelf life of different pho noodle packages
Fresh: 7-10 days refrigerated
Dried: 6-12 months pantry stored
Frozen fresh: 2-3 months frozen
More information: Instant pho: Shortcut to Vietnamese noodle bliss
Conclusion
Pho noodles
Choosing and preparing the right pho noodles package is crucial for an authentic, delicious bowl of Vietnamese pho noodle soup.
Whether opting for fresh or dried varieties, paying attention to ingredients, texture preferences, and proper cooking techniques can elevate your pho to new levels.
By understanding package and labeling, storage guidelines, and following expert preparation tips, you can consistently achieve that signature chewy, slippery noodle texture that makes pho so uniquely satisfying.
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