Have you ever heard about pho or especially stone pho from Vietnam? 

In this article, we will introduce an authentic Vietnamese culinary tradition originating from northern regions like Hanoi. 

What is pho?

Pho (pronounced “fuh”) is a beloved Vietnamese noodle soup consisting of a rich, aromatic broth made by simmering beef bones and spices for hours. 

It features rice noodles with thinly sliced meats (usually beef or chicken), and fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, bean sprouts, and lime wedges. 

The customizable combination of savory broth, slurpable noodles, tender meat, and fresh herbs makes pho a comforting and iconic Vietnamese culinary delight enjoyed worldwide.

More infomation: Vegetarian Pho: A Flavorful Adventure

Pho from Vietnam

Pho from Vietnam

What is stone pho?

“Phở thố đá” or “stone pho” refers to the classic Vietnamese noodle soup pho served in heated stone bowls or crocks, allowing the broth and noodles to retain their optimal hot temperature throughout the meal. 

This regional variation originated in northern Vietnam, particularly Hanoi, and provides an authentic way to enjoy pho’s flavors.

Stone pho

Stone pho

What makes stone pho unique?

What makes it unique is the use of the heated stone bowl or crock to serve the pho. This traditional way of serving pho offers several special benefits:

  • Retains heat

The stone bowl has excellent heat retention properties, keeping the broth and noodles piping hot from the first bite to the last.

Retain heat in the hot stone bowl

Retain heat in the hot stone pho bowl

  • Continued simmering

When you eat, the broth gently simmers in the hot stone vessel, enhancing the aroma and flavor development throughout the meal.

  • Authentic experience

Serving pho in stone bowls is an authentic northern Vietnamese tradition, particularly in Hanoi. It provides a culturally immersive dining experience.

  • Texture enhancement

The continued gentle simmering can sometimes lead to a more velvety, rich texture in the broth over time.

  • Temperature control

Diners can control the temperature by leaving the stone bowl on the heating source or removing it as desired.

Control temperature

Control temperature of stone pho

More information: Lang ta beef Pho – Instant Beef Pho

The ingredients of stone pho

The ingredients for stone pho are the same as the classic Vietnamese pho noodle soup, with the key difference being served in  a heated stone bowl. These are the ingredients commonly used:

Ingredients of stone pho

Ingredients of stone pho

  • Broth

Beef bones (knuckle and leg)

Spices (star anise, cinnamon, fennel seeds, cloves, cardamom)

Aromatics (yellow onion, ginger, rock sugar)

Pho spices

Stone pho spices

  • Noodles

Fresh or dried pho rice noodles

  • Proteins

Thinly sliced rare beef (brisket, eye of round)

Beef meatballs (optional)

  • Herbs and Garnishes

Thai basil

Cilantro

Bean sprouts

Lime wedges

Sliced green onions

Sliced chilies (optional)

  • Condiments

Fish sauce

Hoisin sauce

Sriracha or chili sauce

Stone Pho-making process

Here is the typical process for making stone pho:

  • Prepare the broth

Blanch the beef bones in boiling water to remove impurities.

In a large pot, add the blanched bones, spices (star anise, cinnamon, fennel, cloves, cardamom), and aromatics (onion, ginger, rock sugar).

Cover with water and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 6-8 hours, skimming off any foam or fat that rises to the surface.

Filter the broth with a fine-mesh strainer to eliminate the solid components.

Pho broth

Stone pho broth

  • Cook the noodles

Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the banh pho rice noodles according to package instructions until al dente.

Halt the cooking process by draining the noodles and rinsing them under cold water.

Cook the noodles

Cook the noodles

  • Prepare the toppings

Thinly slice the beef (brisket or eye of round) against the grain.

Make beef meatballs, if desired.

Prepare the garnishes like Thai basil, cilantro, bean sprouts, lime wedges, and sliced green onions.

Toppings of pho

Toppings of stone pho

  • Heat the stone bowls

Place the stone bowls or crocks in the oven or on a stovetop burner to heat them thoroughly.

  • Assemble the boulder pho

Place a portion of cooked noodles in each hot stone bowl.

Top with sliced rare beef and any other desired proteins like meatballs.

Ladle the piping hot broth over the noodles and meat.

Garnish with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lime wedges, and sliced green onions.

Boulder pho bowl

Boulder pho bowl

  • Serve and enjoy

Serve the sizzling hot stone pho immediately, providing condiments like fish sauce, hoisin sauce, and chili sauce on the side.

The stone bowl will keep the broth and noodles hot throughout the meal, allowing continuous gentle simmer and flavor development.

Enjoy stone pho

Enjoy stone pho

More information: Homemade pork pho: How to create Vietnamese dish

The stone pho bowls serving experience

The stone pho bowl serving experience is uniquely immersive and enhances the enjoyment of this iconic Vietnamese noodle soup. Key aspects include:

  • The sizzling arrival of the piping-hot stone bowl releases enticing aromas
  • Continuous gentle simmering in the heat-retaining stone vessel
  • Evolving aromas and potential texture enhancement as you eat
  • Interactive temperature control by removing/replacing the bowl
  • Ability to customize with fresh herbs and condiments

Experience in serving stone pho

Experience in serving stone pho

Customizing your Boulder pho experience

  • Personalizing boulder pho with various toppings and condiments

Herbs: Thai basil, culantro, cilantro, mint, etc.

Vegetables: Bean sprouts, lime wedges, sliced chilies, shredded cabbage

Proteins: Thinly sliced rare beef, chicken, shrimp, beef meatballs

Condiments: Fish sauce, hoisin sauce, Sriracha, chili oil, lime juice

Customize boulder pho

Customize boulder pho

  • Vegetarian and vegan adaptations of rock pho

For vegetarians, the broth can be made with vegetable stock and seasoned with aromatics like star anise, cinnamon, and ginger. Protein options include fried or sautéed tofu, seitan, or plant-based meatballs.

Vegans can enjoy a similar experience with a broth made from vegetable or mushroom stock, seasoned with aromatics and soy sauce. Toppings can include sautéed mushrooms, bok choy, and other fresh vegetables.

  • Allergen-friendly options for rock pho lovers

Gluten-free: Use gluten-free rice noodles and ensure broth and toppings are gluten-free.

Nut-free: Omit any nut-based garnishes or seasonings.

Soy-free: Use alternative condiments like coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

More information: Lang ta chicken pho

Conclusion 

Hot rock pho bowl

Hot stone pho bowl

In conclusion, stone pho provides an authentic and immersive way to experience this iconic Vietnamese noodle soup. Served sizzling in a heat-retaining stone bowl, it allows the broth and noodles to maintain optimal temperature and flavors throughout the meal. 

This northern Vietnamese tradition offers endless customization with herbs, proteins, and condiments, including vegetarian and allergy-friendly options.

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

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