Why Is Pho So Good When You're Sick?
The science and tradition behind pho as the ultimate healing soup
Hot broth, ginger, fresh herbs, and generations of Vietnamese wisdom
Pho: The Original Comfort Soup
In Western culture, chicken soup is the go-to meal when someone is feeling under the weather. In Vietnamese culture, that role belongs to chicken pho (pho ga). For generations, Vietnamese mothers and grandmothers have prepared steaming bowls of ginger-infused chicken pho for family members battling colds, flu, and general malaise. It is not just tradition — there is real science behind why pho makes you feel better when you are sick.
A bowl of chicken pho combines almost everything your body needs when it is fighting illness: hydration from hot broth, anti-inflammatory compounds from ginger and star anise, lean protein from chicken to maintain energy, vitamins and antioxidants from fresh herbs, and the simple comfort of a warm, aromatic meal that soothes both body and spirit. The steam rising from the bowl even helps ease nasal congestion, making it easier to breathe.
At Pho By Night in Ottawa's ByWard Market, our chicken pho is made with the same care and authenticity that Vietnamese families have practised for generations. Our broth is slow-simmered with halal-certified chicken, fresh ginger, and traditional spices. It is not just soup — it is medicine for the soul, served with love and 26 years of family tradition.
Whether you are recovering from a cold, dealing with flu symptoms, or simply need something warm and nourishing on a difficult day, pho is the perfect meal. And if you are too sick to leave home, you can order our chicken pho for delivery across Ottawa through order.phobynight.com.
The Healing Properties of Pho
Here is why every ingredient in a bowl of pho contributes to helping you feel better.
Hydrating Hot Broth
When you are sick, staying hydrated is essential. Hot pho broth not only hydrates but also provides electrolytes and minerals extracted from real bones during 12+ hours of slow simmering. The warmth helps raise body temperature and promotes comfort.
Ginger: Natural Anti-Inflammatory
Ginger is a cornerstone of chicken pho and has been used in Asian medicine for centuries. It reduces nausea, eases inflammation, aids digestion, and has warming properties that help when you are feeling cold and achy.
Steam for Congestion Relief
The rising steam from a hot bowl of pho can help open nasal passages and ease sinus congestion. Leaning over a steaming bowl and breathing deeply is a simple, natural way to find temporary relief from a stuffy nose.
Immune-Supporting Nutrients
Bone broth contains amino acids like glycine and proline that support immune function and gut health. Fresh herbs add antioxidants, and lime provides vitamin C — all contributing to your body's natural defences.
Gentle and Easy to Digest
When your appetite is low and your stomach is sensitive, pho is an ideal meal. The clear broth is light and non-greasy, rice noodles are easier to digest than wheat, and you can adjust the amount of noodles and toppings to match your appetite.
Fresh Herbs with Real Benefits
Thai basil contains eugenol, which has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Cilantro supports digestion and provides vitamins A, C, and K. Bean sprouts add fibre and vitamin C. These are not just garnishes — they are functional ingredients.
Pho vs Chicken Soup: Two Healing Traditions
Western chicken soup and Vietnamese chicken pho share the same fundamental idea — warm, nourishing broth made from real chicken to comfort and heal. But pho takes this concept further. The addition of ginger provides powerful anti-inflammatory benefits that plain chicken soup often lacks. The aromatic spices — star anise, cinnamon, and cloves — add warming properties that help from the inside out. And the fresh herbs served with pho provide vitamins and antioxidants that support immune recovery.
Think of chicken pho as the enhanced version of chicken soup — all the comfort you know and love, plus centuries of Vietnamese medicinal food wisdom. At Pho By Night, our chicken pho represents this tradition at its finest: slow-simmered broth, halal-certified chicken, fresh ginger, and the care of a family that has been making this exact recipe for over 26 years. Learn more about pho's rich history in our Pho 101 guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about pho, illness, and comfort food.
Feel Better with a Bowl of Pho
Whether you visit us at 309 Dalhousie St in Ottawa's ByWard Market or order for delivery, our chicken pho is made with the same care and tradition that Vietnamese families have relied on for generations. Slow-simmered broth, fresh ginger, and halal-certified chicken — comfort in every spoonful.