Disclosure: If you click on the affiliate links in this post, I might make a few cents from a sale. If I'm lucky, I will make enough to splurge on a bowl of pho by the end of next year.

Pho is one of the most fabulous soups in the world. Initially known as "pho bo" (beef pho), the dish gained popularity among Vietnamese locals and French colonists alike for its hearty yet delicate flavor profile. Over time, pho evolved to incorporate regional variations and adaptations, reflecting the diverse culinary traditions of Vietnam's different provinces.

This quintessential Vietnamese dish, is typically made from a slow cooked beef broth seasoned with spices. Boiling hot broth is poured over individual bowls of thinly sliced raw beef and rice noodles, then topped with beansprouts, fish sauce, and herbs.

Typical Ingredients

• Beef stock (beef, onions, ginger, cloves, star anise, black cardamom, coriander seeds, cinnamon stick)

• Thinly sliced beef

• Rice noodles (banh pho)

• Beansprouts

• Fish sauce

  Topping

• Red chilis

• Fish sauce

• Fresh mint leaves

• Fresh Thai basil leaves

• Fresh coriander leaves

How to make traditional pho at home

(we have no association with this youtube channel, but it is a good video on how pho is made)

Potential Allergens

• Gluten: In general, traditional pho does not include any gluten containing ingredients. Fish sauce is used in the stock rather than soy sauce. Similarly, rice noodles are used rather than wheat containing noodles.

  

  Our pho has tested gluten-free.

• Dairy: none

• Soy: traditional pho is made with fish sauce rather than soy sauce. Be sure that soy sauce is not added as a topping.

• Egg: none

• Nuts: traditional pho recipes do not include any peanuts, tree nuts, or sesame.

• Vegetarian & Vegan: Nope, pho contains both beef stock and fish sauce, thus is not vegetarian or vegan.

Tips For Finding Gluten-Free Pho

There are a few questions you should ask before ordering pho:

Is there any soy sauce in the broth? Fish sauce is a common ingredient in pho and soy sauce is generally not used, but it can occasionally sneak in.

Does the shop/stall offer any wheat based noodles? If they do, they are likely cooked in shared water with the rice noodles. Although most stalls only use rice noodles, a few places will offer a ramen noodle option.

Do any of the other ingredients contain gluten? As a rule of thumb, order with only fresh sliced beef and avoid beef balls.

Make Your Own Pho

Pho can be easily made at home. Making the stock from scratch takes several hours and is well worth the time. If you do not have time to make your own stock, try a premade gluten-free stock (see product links below).

Videos

Legit Vietnamese Pho At Home

PHO BO - Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup Recipe by Helen's Recipes

Recipe Links

Duck Pho by Commune Kitchen

Vietnamese Pho Recipe by RecipeTin Eats

Product Links

Simply Asia Vietnamese Inspired Pho Beef Broth

10 Quart Stainless Steel Stock Pot

Gluten-Free Resources

Singapore Travel Guide

Planning a trip to Singapore? Ensure a stress-free journey with The Gluten-Free Traveler's Guide to Navigating Singapore. This essential guide is packed with vital information you'll need before you arrive. Get your copy now and discover where gluten hides, empowering you to enjoy your travels to the fullest.

Gluten-Free Online Courses
Are you embarking on a gluten-free transformation and feeling a bit overwhelmed? We've been there and want to lend a hand! Introducing our Gluten-Free Made Easy online course – your ultimate guide to taking control of your kitchen and adapting to a gluten-free lifestyle with confidence. Let us empower you on this journey towards better health and wellness. Join us now and start your gluten-free life with ease!

Disclaimer

Please note that the information provided in this blog post is intended to be helpful and informative based on our understanding and experience as gluten-free educators living in Singapore.

However, ingredients and preparation methods may vary among different restaurants and regions. It is essential to exercise caution and conduct due diligence when ordering food, especially if you or your loved ones have specific dietary requirements such as celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

Always communicate your dietary needs clearly to restaurant staff and inquire about ingredients and potential cross-contamination risks.

While we strive to provide accurate information, we cannot guarantee the absolute safety of any dish, and individual experiences may vary. We encourage you to make informed decisions and prioritize your health and well-being when enjoying Singaporean cuisine.

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