Pho uses bánh phở , which are flat rice noodles made from rice flour and water. They can be sold fresh or dried, and they’re usually soft with a light chew so they soak up the broth well.

Quick Scoop

  • Main noodle: flat rice noodles, called bánh phở.
  • Common forms: fresh or dried.
  • Texture: tender, slightly chewy, and neutral in flavor.

A simple way to picture it: pho is the broth, herbs, and meat, while the noodles are the soft base that carries all the flavor.