Pho Toppings & Garnishes
The complete guide to what goes in and alongside your bowl of pho
Fresh herbs, sauces, add-ins, sides, and how to use them
The Art of Dressing Your Pho
One of the most beautiful things about Vietnamese pho is that it arrives as an interactive meal. The hot broth, noodles, and meat are just the starting point. Every bowl comes with a separate plate of fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lime, and chili — and it is up to you to build the final flavour. This is what makes pho special: no two bowls are ever exactly the same.
At Pho By Night in Ottawa's ByWard Market, we serve every bowl of pho with a generous garnish plate and keep hoisin sauce, sriracha, and fish sauce at every table. Whether you are a pho regular or eating it for the first time, understanding the role of each topping will help you create your ideal bowl. This guide covers every garnish, herb, sauce, and side dish that pairs with pho.
The key principle is simple: add gradually and taste as you go. Start by tasting the pure broth — this is 12+ hours of slow simmering, and it deserves a moment of appreciation. Then add your herbs and garnishes one at a time, tasting between additions. Each ingredient shifts the flavour profile of the bowl, and finding your personal balance is part of the joy of eating pho.
Fresh Garnishes: The Herb Plate
These fresh ingredients come on a separate plate with every bowl of pho. Each one plays a specific role.
Thai Basil (Rau Que)
The most essential pho herb. Thai basil has purple stems and a distinctive sweet, slightly anise-like flavour that transforms the broth. Tear the leaves from the stem and add them to the hot broth — the heat releases the aromatic oils. Thai basil is what gives pho its signature fragrant quality.
Add early so the broth wilts the leaves and releases their aroma
Bean Sprouts (Gia)
Fresh mung bean sprouts add a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the soft noodles and tender meat. They also provide a clean, mild flavour that balances the rich broth. Some diners add them raw for maximum crunch; others let them sit in the hot broth briefly to soften slightly.
Add a generous handful — they cook down quickly in the hot broth
Lime Wedges
A squeeze of fresh lime adds brightness and acidity that cuts through the richness of beef broth. The citrus lifts the entire bowl and brings all the flavours into sharper focus. Lime also provides vitamin C and enhances the aromatic quality of the herbs.
Squeeze over the broth gradually — a little goes a long way
Sliced Chili Peppers
Fresh bird's eye chili or jalapeno slices add heat that builds gradually. The chili oils release into the broth, creating a warm, tingling sensation. Start with one or two slices and add more to taste — the heat intensifies as it sits in the hot broth.
Start with a small amount; you can always add more but cannot remove
Cilantro (Rau Mui)
Fresh cilantro leaves add a bright, citrusy, herbaceous note to pho. While some people have a genetic sensitivity that makes cilantro taste soapy, most find it adds a fresh dimension that complements the deep broth flavours. Cilantro is typically chopped and sprinkled on top.
If you do not enjoy cilantro, simply leave it out — pho is still delicious without it
Green Onions (Hanh La)
Thinly sliced green onions are typically already in your pho bowl when it arrives. They add a mild onion flavour and bright green colour. The white parts have a slightly sharper taste while the green tops are milder and more aromatic.
These are already in your bowl — stir them into the broth for even distribution
Table Sauces and Condiments
These sauces are available at every table at Pho By Night. Each one adds a different dimension.
Hoisin Sauce (Tuong Den)
A thick, sweet, slightly salty sauce made from fermented soybeans. It has a rich, complex flavour. Traditionalists pour a small amount into a dipping dish and dip individual pieces of meat into it, keeping the broth clear. Some diners add a spoonful directly to the broth for sweetness.
Use as a dipping sauce rather than stirring into the broth
Sriracha
The iconic red chili sauce adds a consistent, garlic-forward heat. Unlike fresh chili slices that add bright heat, sriracha provides a deeper, more uniform spiciness. A small squeeze goes a long way — start with a thin line across the surface of the broth.
Add a thin line across the broth and stir gently
Fish Sauce (Nuoc Mam)
A few drops of fish sauce add savoury depth (umami) to the broth. Fish sauce is the foundation of Vietnamese cuisine, providing a complex salty-sweet-umami character. Use sparingly — it is intensely flavoured and a little goes a long way.
Add just a few drops at a time and taste between additions
Step-by-Step: How to Build Your Perfect Bowl
Taste the Pure Broth
Take a spoonful of broth before adding anything. Appreciate the 12+ hours of slow simmering — this is the heart of pho.
Add Thai Basil
Tear the leaves from the stems and add them to the hot broth. The heat releases the aromatic oils immediately.
Add Bean Sprouts
Drop a generous handful into the bowl. They will begin to soften in the hot broth while keeping some crunch.
Squeeze Lime
Start with half a wedge. The acidity brightens the entire bowl and brings the flavours into focus.
Add Heat (Optional)
Drop in a few chili slices or add a thin line of sriracha. Start small — you can always add more.
Dip Meat in Hoisin
Pour a small amount of hoisin into a dipping dish. Dip meat pieces into it individually to keep the broth clean.
Eat, Adjust, Repeat
Take a few bites, then adjust. More lime? More heat? More basil? The bowl evolves with every addition.
What to Serve with Pho: Side Dishes and Drinks
These sides and beverages pair perfectly with a bowl of pho.
Spring Rolls (Goi Cuon)
Fresh rice paper rolls with shrimp, pork, vermicelli, and herbs served with peanut dipping sauce
Imperial Rolls (Cha Gio)
Crispy fried rolls with seasoned pork filling — the perfect crunchy contrast to the soupy pho
Vietnamese Iced Coffee
Strong drip coffee with sweetened condensed milk over ice — the classic Vietnamese beverage
Banh Mi Sandwich
Crispy baguette with grilled meat, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs — a full meal pairing
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about pho toppings, herbs, sauces, and sides.