The ultimate comfort food and the national dish of Vietnam is Phở (fuh) a beef noodle soup. This dish was heavily influenced by both Chinese and French cooking. Rice noodle and spices were imported from China; the French popularized the eating of red meat. In fact, it is believed that "phở" is derived from "pot au feu" a French soup. Vietnamese cooks blended the Chinese, French and native influences to make a dish that is uniquely Vietnamese.

Pho is sold from numerous food stalls and small restaurants in city streets.

The success of this dish depends on the full-flavored stock, for which there is no quick substitute. Even though it takes a long time to cook, it is well worth the effort. The stock can be made in advance and frozen, making it easy to put the dish together when required.