Pho is a staple of Vietnamese food and a rising star in the international dining scene. However, if it’s your first time ordering this broth-based noodle dish, the combinations and menu choices can leave your head spinning. Use these three tips to look and feel like a seasoned foodie the next time you visit a Vietnamese restaurant.

Steps to Ordering Pho

1. Decide How Hungry You Are

Pho is a hearty meal, and it usually comes in two sizes: small and large. Don’t make the mistake of assuming a small bowl is a children’s serving; it’s often much closer to an adult-sized bowl. Depending on the restaurant, the “large” dish can be downright massive. Before you even begin thinking about ingredients, decide how much pho you can handle. If it’s your first time visiting the restaurant, ask how large the portions are before you place your order.

2. Decide Between Pho Ga & Pho Bo

In traditional Vietnamese food, there are two types of pho: pho ga and pho bo. Pho ga is served with chicken and in a chicken-based broth, while pho bo features beef. It’s rare that you’ll find seafood-based broths. Pho ga typically contains pieces of white chicken and doesn’t require much customization. If you’re ordering pho bo, you’ll need to decide between beef meat cuts. You can choose from well-done brisket, flanks, tendons, beef meatballs, and usually a few more options. Don’t be afraid to ask for an option without meat if that’s what you’d prefer.

3. Choose Your Garnishes

Pho usually contains several garnishes to add flavor, including green onions, chili peppers, ginger, Thai basil, coriander, and bean sprouts. This can alter the blend of sweet, sour, spicy, and savory flavors. If it’s your first time ordering pho or Vietnamese food, you may want to take a conservative approach to garnishes or avoid them altogether. Once you become a pho expert, you can begin mixing and matching to take your order to the next level.

If you want to try pho and other mouth-watering Vietnamese food in Anchorage, AK, Pho’ Vietnam has a delicious menu to explore. With four convenient locations throughout Anchorage, they pride themselves on serving authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Their dishes are perfect for lunch, dinner, or carry-out, and you’ll always arrive to a relaxed environment if you decide to dine in. Call (907) 929-9938 to place an order and visit their website to view their menu.