Pho broth is usually made from beef bones simmered for hours with aromatic spices like star anise, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, and sometimes cardamom, plus onion, ginger, fish sauce, salt, and a little sugar for balance. Some versions use chicken instead of beef, but the classic beef pho broth is built on slow-cooked bones and spices.

Quick scoop

  • Base: beef bones, often marrow and knuckle bones.
  • Flavor: onion and ginger, usually charred or roasted first.
  • Aroma: star anise, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, fennel, and sometimes black cardamom.
  • Seasoning: fish sauce, salt, and rock sugar or sugar.

In one line

Pho broth is basically a long-simmered bone broth infused with warm spices and savory seasoning.

If you want, I can also give you a simple homemade pho broth recipe or explain the difference between beef pho and chicken pho broth.