By BOBBY HUEN
How To Eat A Bowl Of Pho Like You Know What You're Doing
Pho is a popular Vietnamese soup consisting of noodles, broth, and toppings. By eating the elements in the correct sequence, you’ll enhance the pho’s flavor and avoid a faux pas.
The key to enjoying pho is to remember three words: sip, season, and dip. Start by sipping the broth, ensuring you savor its flavor before adding condiments and seasoning.
Then, explore the toppings, which usually include herbs, chilis, bean sprouts, and lime. Use these to personalize and enhance the pho’s flavor.
Meatballs, meat slices, or other proteins in your pho are next. Lift each piece out of the soup and dip it into the small dishes of sauces, which are usually hoisin and sriracha.
You’ll be relieved to know that you can eat the noodles throughout the process. Even better, after all the solids are finished, you can tip the bowl and drink the remaining broth.
Having mastered the art of eating pho, you can enjoy experimenting with regional variations, such as the clear broth of northern pho and the sweeter, cloudier southern version.