What makes Pho By Night different from other pho restaurants?

We have been family-owned and operated in ByWard Market since 2000. Our broth is slow-simmered for over 12 hours using the same traditional recipe we started with, and we source halal-certified beef and chicken. Many of our customers have been coming back for two decades.

Is the pho at Pho By Night halal?

Yes. Our beef and chicken are sourced from halal-certified suppliers. We have proudly served Ottawa's Muslim community since we first opened, and our halal-friendly dishes are among our most popular items.

Do you have vegan or vegetarian options?

We do. Our vegan menu includes plant-based pho with mushroom broth, tofu vermicelli bowls, vegetable spring rolls, and vegan banh mi. Vegan dishes are prepared separately to avoid cross-contamination.

What are your hours of operation?

We are open Sunday through Thursday from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM, and Friday and Saturday from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM. We are one of the few spots in ByWard Market open for late-night dining on weekends.

Can I order for delivery or pickup?

Yes. You can place an order through our online system at order.phobynight.com for both delivery and pickup. Our delivery covers Ottawa and surrounding areas.

Do you offer catering for events?

We do. Our catering packages include pho stations, banh mi platters, spring roll trays, and vermicelli bowls — perfect for corporate events, weddings, and private gatherings. Call us at 613-789-8885 or visit our catering page for details.

How do I make a reservation?

You can book a table online at phobynight.com/reservations. Online booking is available for groups of 4 to 6 guests with at least 3 hours advance notice. For parties of 7 or more, please call us directly at 613-789-8885.

Where are you located?

We are at 309 Dalhousie St, Ottawa, ON K1N 7E8 — right in the heart of ByWard Market, downtown Ottawa. We are easy to reach by public transit and there is nearby street parking.

How many calories are in a bowl of pho compared to ramen?

A typical bowl of beef pho contains around 350 to 500 calories, while a bowl of tonkotsu ramen can range from 500 to 800 calories or more. The difference comes mainly from the broth — pho broth is clear and lighter, while ramen broth is often made with rendered pork fat and other rich ingredients.

Which has more sodium, pho or ramen?

Ramen generally contains more sodium than pho. A serving of ramen can have 1,500 to 2,500 mg of sodium, while pho typically contains 1,000 to 1,500 mg. At Pho By Night, our broth is slow-simmered with real bones and spices rather than concentrated flavour bases, which naturally keeps sodium levels in a better range.

Is pho broth better for you than ramen broth?

Pho broth is generally lighter and lower in fat. It is slow-simmered with beef or chicken bones, star anise, cinnamon, and ginger, producing a clear and aromatic soup. Ramen broth, especially tonkotsu, is boiled vigorously to emulsify fat and collagen, creating a rich, creamy texture that is higher in calories and fat.

Can I eat pho on a diet?

Yes. Pho can be a good option for health-conscious diners. It is naturally high in protein, low in fat, and served with fresh vegetables and herbs. You can customize your bowl by choosing chicken pho for a lighter option, adding extra vegetables, and going easy on sauces.

Traditional pho uses rice noodles, which are naturally gluten-free. Ramen noodles are made from wheat flour and contain gluten. If you have gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, pho is generally the safer choice. Always confirm with the restaurant about cross-contamination if you have a severe allergy.

Which has more protein, pho or ramen?

Both pho and ramen can be good sources of protein. Pho typically features lean cuts of beef or chicken breast, while ramen often includes chashu pork belly, soft-boiled eggs, and other protein-rich toppings. The protein content depends on the specific toppings you choose.

Where can I get healthy authentic pho in Ottawa?

Pho By Night at 309 Dalhousie St in Ottawa's ByWard Market serves authentic Vietnamese pho made with a 12-hour slow-simmered broth. Our pho is made from real bones and traditional spices — no instant bases, no shortcuts. We also offer vegan pho and halal-friendly options.

Is Vietnamese food healthier than Japanese food?

Both Vietnamese and Japanese cuisines emphasize fresh ingredients and balanced flavours. Vietnamese food tends to use more fresh herbs, lighter broths, and less fried food. Japanese cuisine features fish, fermented ingredients, and seaweed. Both can be very healthy depending on what you choose to eat.

Nutrition Comparison

Is Pho Healthier Than Ramen?

A side-by-side look at calories, sodium, fat, and nutrition

Discover why Vietnamese pho is often considered the lighter, healthier noodle soup

Pho vs Ramen: Which Noodle Soup Is Healthier?

Pho and ramen are two of the most popular noodle soups in the world, but when it comes to nutrition and health, they are quite different. Vietnamese pho is known for its clear, aromatic broth, fresh herbs, and lighter flavour profile. Japanese ramen, by contrast, often features a rich, creamy broth made from pork bones, butter, or miso, with heartier toppings and wheat-based noodles.

If you are watching your calorie intake, managing sodium, or simply looking for a lighter and more refreshing noodle soup, pho is often the better choice. A typical bowl of Vietnamese pho contains 350 to 500 calories with a clear broth that is low in fat. Ramen, especially popular styles like tonkotsu or miso ramen, can easily exceed 600 to 800 calories per bowl due to its emulsified fatty broth and heavier toppings.

At Pho By Night in Ottawa's ByWard Market, our pho broth is slow-simmered for over 12 hours using real beef bones and traditional Vietnamese spices — no instant bases, no added MSG, and no shortcuts. This traditional preparation results in a broth that is naturally rich in flavour without being heavy in fat or sodium. Paired with fresh Thai basil, bean sprouts, lime, and cilantro, our pho offers a balanced, nourishing meal that is both satisfying and health-conscious.

That said, both pho and ramen have their place. Ramen is a comforting, indulgent bowl that delivers deep umami satisfaction, and many people enjoy it for exactly that richness. The goal of this comparison is not to declare one the ultimate winner, but to help you make an informed choice based on your dietary preferences and health goals.

Nutrition Comparison: Pho vs Ramen

Here is how a typical bowl of Vietnamese pho stacks up against a bowl of Japanese ramen in key nutritional categories.

Pho

350-500

Calories (per bowl)

Ramen

500-800+

Pho

5-10g

Fat

Ramen

15-30g

Pho

1,000-1,500mg

Sodium

Ramen

1,500-2,500mg

Pho

25-35g

Protein

Ramen

20-35g

Pho

Served fresh

Fresh Herbs

Ramen

Minimal

Pho

Rice (gluten-free)

Noodle Type

Ramen

Wheat (contains gluten)

Why Pho Is Generally the Lighter Choice

Clear, Low-Fat Broth

Pho broth is gently simmered and carefully skimmed to remove excess fat, resulting in a clear soup that is rich in flavour without being heavy. Ramen broth is often boiled aggressively to emulsify fat and collagen.

Fresh Herbs and Vegetables

Every bowl of pho is served with a plate of fresh Thai basil, bean sprouts, lime, and cilantro. These add vitamins, antioxidants, and brightness without extra calories.

Lower Sodium Content

Authentic pho broth made from real bones and spices naturally contains less sodium than ramen, which often relies on soy sauce, miso paste, or concentrated tare for its flavour.

Gluten-Free Rice Noodles

Pho uses rice noodles that are naturally gluten-free, making it accessible for guests with gluten sensitivity. Ramen noodles are made from wheat flour and contain gluten.

Worth noting: Both pho and ramen can be made healthier or less healthy depending on how they are prepared. At Pho By Night, we use traditional slow-cooking methods with real bones and fresh spices to deliver a broth that is naturally flavourful and light.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about the health differences between pho and ramen.

Explore More at Pho By Night

Full Menu

Browse all our Vietnamese dishes

Pho 101 Guide

Learn how to eat pho the right way

Best Pho in Ottawa

Why we are Ottawa's top-rated pho

Halal-Friendly Pho

Halal-certified meat options

Vegan Menu

Plant-based Vietnamese dishes

Book a Table

Reserve for your visit

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Taste the Healthier Noodle Soup

Visit Pho By Night at 309 Dalhousie St in Ottawa's ByWard Market. Our 12-hour slow-simmered pho broth is made with real bones and traditional spices — lighter, cleaner, and naturally flavourful. Come see why Ottawa chooses pho.

Is Pho Healthier Than Ramen?

Pho vs Ramen: Which Noodle Soup Is Healthier?

Nutrition Comparison: Pho vs Ramen

Why Pho Is Generally the Lighter Choice

Clear, Low-Fat Broth

Fresh Herbs and Vegetables

Lower Sodium Content

Gluten-Free Rice Noodles

Frequently Asked Questions