Another thing sometimes in pho which can be a concern are bean sprouts. The US Food and Drug Administration have said it’s not safe for pregnant women to eat bean sprouts however only if they’re raw. In their raw form, bean sprouts can carry things like salmonella, listeria, and other bacteria. Thankfully, in pho, the bean sprouts are cooked thoroughly. If you’re uneasy about having bean sprouts in your diet at all though, you can ask for them not to be included in your bowl. Also, if you’re unsure about having meat in your pho, swap it out for tofu or choose not to include it.
Those two concerns aside, pho is very safe to eat during pregnancy. You have nothing to worry about, if you’ve had pho or are thinking about having it. That said, when you’re going to a Vietnamese pho restaurant, ensure they’re cooking everything through and through. Although meats will generally cook in pho broth when sliced thin enough, it doesn’t hurt to play it safe and ensure they’re left cooking in the broth a little bit longer. For some pregnant women, this gives them peace of mind as any sort of uncooked seafood, undercooked beef, or uncooked poultry can potentially be contaminated with bacteria.
To a large degree, pho is extremely healthy for pregnant women – remember this. Not only is it delicious but it packs a heck of a punch which can help settle your tummy and reduce inflammation. It’s been enjoyed for over 100 years in Vietnam, consumed by pregnant women and families with no issue. Just like you would with an American soup or Canadian soup, pho’s very easy to eat and can help provide comfort which can be hard to come by. This is in part what’s made it so popular all over the world, with pho restaurants and Vietnamese-style cooking continuing to see a surge in interest.
If you’re looking for pho in the GTA, visit Toronto Pho. It’s what we’ve come to be known for. Our noodle soup is unlike anything else you’ve tasted in Toronto and is culled together by various recipes that have been passed down through the generations. From Vietnam to Canada, enjoy warm bowls of classic pho and variations on it. If you are pregnant and have special requests to make for your bowl, don’t hesitate to mention them! Visit Toronto Pho today.
