Phở is the Vietnamese noodle soup traditionally made with beef or chicken.
Its broth is usually prepared by simmering bones, meat, onions, and spices such as star anise, cinnamon, and cloves. Flat rice noodles are added with sliced beef or chicken, then the bowl is finished with herbs and condiments. Beef phở is called phở bò, while chicken phở is phở gà.
Phở developed in northern Vietnam, especially around Hanoi, in the early twentieth century. It later became a national dish and an internationally recognized symbol of Vietnamese food. Regional styles differ: northern phở is often relatively restrained, while southern versions commonly offer more herbs and sauces.
Phở is sometimes confused with bún bò Huế, but that soup uses round noodles and a distinct spicy broth. Cao lầu is also a noodle dish, yet it is associated with Hội An and has a different preparation.