Phở is the Vietnamese noodle soup made with rice noodles, broth, herbs and meat, especially beef or chicken.
The dish is built around bánh phở, flat rice noodles served in a clear or richly seasoned broth. Beef phở, or phở bò, and chicken phở, or phở gà, are the two best-known versions. Common accompaniments include herbs, bean sprouts, lime and sliced chili.
Phở developed in northern Vietnam and became internationally prominent during the 20th century. Its precise origin is debated, but historians commonly connect its development with northern Vietnamese foodways and the colonial-era availability of beef. The dish spread widely after the mid-20th-century migration of Vietnamese communities.
Phở is sometimes confused with bún bò Huế, another famous Vietnamese noodle soup. Bún bò Huế generally uses round rice noodles and a broth associated with Huế, while phở is defined by its flat noodles and characteristic broth. Recipes vary considerably by region and restaurant.