How is pho made in Toronto?

Healthy and filling, there are a lot of variations on pho. How pho is made doesn’t vary much ironically. Pho is all based in the broth. Some families spend an entire day getting their broth exceptional. This isn’t just any noodle soup, though some Canadians may see it as such. From curating a herb-infused broth to using traditional rice flour noodles, pho also comprises of vegetables and two or more meats.

Is pho Vietnam’s favourite food?

If you really want to dig into what Vietnamese cuisine is, pho is the food to start with. Pho is important to the culture for a lot of reasons, including family. Families can work together in preparing various aspects of the meal. Then, come dinnertime, the broth is set on the stovetop and the family comes around the dinner table, each person with their own bowl reaping the rewards of what’s a labour-intensive, culturally important, and inexpensive meal.

Why is warm food so good in winter?

Even if you’re used to the sort of Canadian winters we have here in Toronto, every year, the snowstorms and chills make it so that we clamor for warmth wherever we can find it.

Why we appreciate warm food more in winter is because after you’ve been out in the cold for a large amount of time, your temperature and body is thrown out of equilibrium. A little bit of warmth’s required to get you back to feeling like yourself.

When you sip on a meal like pho, it enters the body slowly and gently warms from the inside. The warmth is carried through your circulatory system and ultimately produces a very pleasurable sensation as you gradually balance out.

What does pho taste like?

Pho’s taste is influenced by how the broth is made and selected meats. Chicken, beef, pork, shrimp, and tofu are popular choices in protein. That said, if you want to know what Vietnamese pho tastes like, look to the spices used. Cinnamon, star anise, cardamom, and cloves are traditional Vietnamese staples. You may also find some onion and garlic thrown in there as well for additional flavoring. All of this is what gives pho its unique, unforgettable taste.

Why is pho best enjoyed in winter?

Though it’s a fine summertime food, pho arguably tastes its best in winter. Why is because temperature-wise, it hits the mark but also, what it contains is healthy. In it, you’re getting a filling meal without it weighing you down. So if you’re mid-commute, on your way home after work, have to shovel the sidewalk out, or have more work to get done in winter, in pho you’re getting carbs, protein, nutrients, the benefits of select herbs, and a lot of warmth.

Is pho healthy?

Not surprisingly, yes pho is very healthy. You have high nutrient content, high protein content, usually contains some anti-inflammatory components, and more. That said, there are some varieties which can come with high calorie content and high sodium. This is worth reminding yourself of when it comes to order your preferred variety. As a part of a well-balanced diet, Vietnamese pho can prove to be as healthy as it is tasty.

Why are there so many variations of pho?

Pho is a food that’s a century old in Vietnamese culture. In that time, many cultural changes transpired and families have changed the ingredients several times over. The modern customizations you see on the menu at your favourite Vietnamese restaurant in Toronto also reflects contemporary trends in dining – such as vegan and vegetarian options. Anyone can decide on a pho for them, depending on what they prefer.

How do you pronounce pho?

A common question we receive is how to pronounce pho. ‘Pho’ is pronounced as ‘fuh’, admittedly something that’s left to a lot of puns and comedy around how it’s said. Anyone ordering pho at a restaurant though, don’t be embarrassed if you pronounce it incorrectly. Everyone does. Even some of us who come from Vietnam will come to calling it by a mispronunciation, just as a help to those around us.

Where can I find pho in Toronto?

Unless you want to chance your own recipe, the best and easiest place to get pho in Toronto or the GTA is TorontoPHO. You can choose from dozens of varieties and it’s very affordable for a family meal out. You don’t have to get dressed up, either. Just stop on by this winter and let us provide you with warmth you only get from a home-cooked meal. Having taken Vietnamese street food and some of our own family recipes, as well as combining them with a Canadian influence, the result is everything you see at TorontoPHO.

Any time this winter, keep yourself cozy and warm around a table at TorontoPHO. Come in from the winter winds and instead of scrounging for a blanket, sit down and enjoy a hot meal. Deliciously put together, it’s pho is the perfect winter comfort food. Visit TorontoPHO today to devour your bowl.