Here are some basic pronunciations that are worth remembering. They’re all relatively easy to remember and are a great starter for understanding more about Vietnamese cuisine.
? Pho is pronounced ‘fuh’
? Pho rice noodles is banh pho which is pronounced as ‘bahn fuh’
? Beef pho is pho bo which is pronounced as ‘fuh bah’
? Chicken pho is pho ga which is pronounced as ‘fuh gah’
? Vegetarian pho is pho chay which is pronounced as ‘fuh chai’
Beef pho
Beef pho is one of the most popular phos in Canada, appealing to Torontonians and Vietnamese-Canadian families alike. It’s simple, classic, and cozy. Beef pho is available at any Vietnamese pho restaurant however even it has some varieties to pull from. Cooked beef, referred to as ‘chinn’, are slices of chewy tender beef simmered in the broth bring out its ultimate flavor. Rare steak, known as ‘tie’, are thinly sliced beefsteaks cooked in hot broth. These are typically very lean, perfect for customers who like rare prepared beef. There’s also meatballs, or ‘bah vee’en’, which are usually halved or quartered for easy retrieval in a bowl of pho.
Common pho garnishes, herbs, and spices
Pho lovers or prospective pho lovers may see a wide array of pho garnishes employed in their bowls. These are just a few of them and how they’re pronounced on the average Vietnamese menu.
? A garnish plate is dia rau song, pronounced as ‘de-ah rao soong’
? Chile is ot, pronounced as ‘uht’
? Cilantro is ngo gai, pronounced as ‘n’gaw guy’
? Rice paddy herb is ngo om, pronounced as ‘ngaw ohm’
? Fish sauce is nuoc mam, pronounced as ‘nook mahm’
? Bean sprouts are ‘gia’, pronounced as ‘zah’
? Lime is chang, pronounced as ‘chahn’
? Hoisin is tuong an pho, pronounced as ‘toong ahng fuhh’
? Mint is hung, pronounced as ‘hoong’
? Chile sauce is tuong ot, pronounced as ‘toong uht’
? Spicy mint is hung cay, pronounced as ‘hoong kay’
? Thai basic is hung que, pronounced as ‘hoong quay’
Varieties in bowl size
Pho also has different bowl sizes. A small bowl is to nho, pronounced as ‘toe n’yaw’, and is snack size. A medium bowl is to vua, pronounced as ‘toe vuh’ah’, and is what you’d expect for a satisfying serving of pho at breakfast, lunch or dinner. A large bowl is to lon, pronounced as ‘toe luhn’, is for Canadians who are very, very hungry.
Find authentically prepared Vietnamese food 7 days a week at Toronto Pho. Bowls of pho are just where our menu starts. See a range of classic East Asian foods prepared in generous portions at affordable prices!
