What sweet and savory sauce is often added to pho?

What sweet and savory sauce is often added to pho? Hoisin sauce is the answer.

Hoisin sauce, called tương đen in Vietnamese, is a thick, dark condiment with a sweet, salty, savory profile. Its exact recipe varies, but commercial versions commonly include fermented soybean paste, sugar, garlic, vinegar, sesame, and spices. The fermentation supplies much of its deep umami flavor.

Hoisin is especially associated with Southern Vietnamese pho, where diners may add it at the table or use it as a dipping sauce for slices of beef. It is not normally the foundation of the broth: the broth gets its main savory character from bones, meat, fish sauce, onions, ginger, and spices. Northern-style pho is generally served with fewer table condiments.

A common mix-up is fish sauce. Fish sauce is also important in Vietnamese cooking and may season pho broth, but it is thin, salty, and pungent rather than thick and sweet. Soy sauce is another possible substitute in some adaptations, but it is not the classic pho condiment.