Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup (Pho Ga): Authentic Recipe

Updated at: 06/01/2025

Pho Ga, Vietnam's iconic chicken noodle soup, is more than just a meal; it's a cultural experience. Its fragrant broth, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked rice noodles create a symphony of flavors that awaken the senses. From bustling street food stalls to family kitchens, the comforting warmth of Pho Ga unites generations and offers a taste of Vietnamese heritage. The rich depth of its flavor comes from a carefully balanced broth, simmered for hours with aromatic spices and herbs, resulting in a truly unforgettable culinary journey.

This recipe will guide you through creating your own authentic bowl of Pho Ga, from preparing the flavorful broth to assembling the perfect garnish. Get ready to unlock the secrets to this beloved dish and learn how to replicate the magic of a Hanoi street food stall in your own kitchen. Follow our step-by-step instructions and prepare to be amazed by the simplicity and deliciousness of homemade Pho Ga.

Tools Needed

  • pot
  • tea bags or cheesecloth
  • chopping board
  • knife
  • stove
  • serving bowl

Ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Preparing the Broth and Chicken

  • Rinse the chicken, sprinkle with salt, and rub to remove odor. Rinse again under cold running water.
  • Stuff the chicken cavity with one spring onion and two slices of ginger.
  • Add the chicken to a pot with water, salt, and chicken stock. Boil, constantly skimming the foam.
  • Add one whole onion. Lower heat to medium and cook for 30-60 minutes.
Rinse the chicken, sprinkle with salt, and rub to remove odor. Rinse again under cold running water.Stuff the chicken cavity with one spring onion and two slices of ginger.Add the chicken to a pot with water, salt, and chicken stock. Boil, constantly skimming the foam.Add one whole onion. Lower heat to medium and cook for 30-60 minutes.
Preparing the Broth and Chicken
  • Grill ginger, shallots, cinnamon, star anise, and coriander roots until charred. Rinse and slightly scrape the char.
  • Wrap the grilled elements in tea bags or cheesecloth. Add to the soup 30 minutes before serving.
  • Check if the chicken is cooked (no red water when pierced). Rinse under cold water, cool, and debone.
Grill ginger, shallots, cinnamon, star anise, and coriander roots until charred. Rinse and slightly scrape the char.Wrap the grilled elements in tea bags or cheesecloth. Add to the soup 30 minutes before serving.Check if the chicken is cooked (no red water when pierced). Rinse under cold water, cool, and debone.
Preparing the Broth and Chicken

Step 2. Preparing the Ingredients

  • Cook rice noodles according to package instructions. Rinse under cold water, then hot water to prevent sticking.
  • Shred or slice the chicken. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Thinly slice a shallot and soak in cold water to remove strong odor. Chop spring onion leaves and lightly smash the white stems.
Cook rice noodles according to package instructions. Rinse under cold water, then hot water to prevent sticking.Shred or slice the chicken. Season with salt and pepper.Thinly slice a shallot and soak in cold water to remove strong odor. Chop spring onion leaves and lightly smash the white stems.
Preparing the Ingredients

Step 3. Assembling the Pho Ga

  • Add noodles, chicken, shallot, and spring onion to a bowl. Briefly blanch the smashed spring onion stems. Ladle the hot broth over the noodles.
Assemble the soup: Add noodles, chicken, shallot, and spring onion to a bowl. Briefly blanch the smashed spring onion stems. Ladle the hot broth over the noodles.
Assembling the Pho Ga

Step 4. Garnishing and Serving

  • Garnish with lime leaves, herbs, and optionally bean sprouts, Hoisin, and Sriracha. Add lime juice to taste.
Garnish with lime leaves, herbs, and optionally bean sprouts, Hoisin, and Sriracha. Add lime juice to taste.
Garnishing and Serving

Read more: Quick & Easy Dry Chicken Noodle Pho Recipe

Tips

  • Skimming the foam is crucial for a clear broth.
  • Grilling the aromatics enhances their flavor.
  • Add the aromatic element 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
  • Rinse noodles with hot water after cold water to keep them separated.
  • Lime leaves enhance the chicken flavor.

Nutrition

  • N/A

FAQs

1. Can I use bone-in or boneless chicken for Pho Ga?

Bone-in chicken creates a richer broth, but boneless is faster and easier. Choose what suits your time and preference.

2. How long can I store leftover Pho Ga?

Leftover Pho Ga can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.

3. What if I don't have all the spices listed?

Don't worry! The most important spices are star anise, cinnamon, and cloves. You can still make a delicious Pho Ga even if you're missing a few.


So there you have it – your own bowl of authentic Pho Ga, brimming with flavor and warmth. Enjoy the rewarding experience of creating this Vietnamese classic, and savor each comforting spoonful. Now go forth and impress your friends and family with your newfound culinary skills!