what type of food is pho

Pho is a Vietnamese soup dish consisting of broth, rice noodles, and thinly sliced meat, usually beef, but it can also be made with chicken or as a vegetarian option. It is a popular food in Vietnam, where it is served in households, street-stalls, and restaurants country-wide. Pho is a restorative food that can be enjoyed year-round and any time of day. In Vietnam, it is a popular breakfast dish. The dish is served in a bowl with a specific cut of flat rice noodles in clear beef broth, with thin cuts of beef, such as steak, fatty flank, lean flank, or brisket. Variations feature slow-cooked tendon, tripe, or meatballs in southern Vietnam. The broth is made from bones and meat, and it is flavored with spices such as star anise, cardamom, fennel seeds, and cinnamon. The soup is usually topped with mix-and-match toppings such as bean sprouts, fresh herbs like basil and cilantro, and chilies. Fish sauce is a common ingredient in pho, which adds saltiness to the broth.