How to Cook Delicious Vegetarian Pho in Northern & Southern Style for Full Moon Days

Vegetarian pho is a light yet flavorful dish, perfect for Buddhist full moon days or cozy family gatherings. With a naturally sweet broth made from vegetables, combined with tofu, vegan ribs, and fresh herbs, this pho is not only tasty but also nourishing. In this article, Vo Uy Vegetarian Restaurant will guide you step by step on how to cook vegetarian pho at home. Let’s get started to create a meaningful and healthy vegan meal!

Vegetarian Pho – A Perfect Dish for Full Moon Days

Vegetarian pho is the meat-free version of Vietnam’s traditional pho, made with a rich broth simmered from vegetables and mushrooms instead of animal bones. The dish combines soft rice noodles with fried tofu, vegan ribs, plant-based ham, and aromatic herbs, bringing a delicate yet satisfying flavor.

Beyond taste, vegetarian pho also carries spiritual meaning, as it avoids harming animals and nurtures compassion, especially on Buddhist full moon days. This dish is suitable for Buddhists, vegetarians, or anyone looking to enjoy healthy plant-based cuisine. With simple ingredients and an easy recipe, you can cook authentic vegetarian pho right at home.

Vegetarian pho offers multiple benefits for health, the soul, and even the environment. From a nutritional perspective, the dish provides fiber from vegetables and protein from tofu and vegan ribs, supporting digestion and helping reduce cholesterol levels.

Simple Ingredients for Cooking Vegetarian Pho at Home

To cook vegetarian pho for 4 servings, you’ll need:

Broth Ingredients:

• 200g carrots, cut into chunks

• 200g white radish, cut into chunks

• 1 onion, halved

• 50g dried shiitake mushrooms, soaked until soft

• 2 star anise, 1 cinnamon stick, 20g roasted ginger (for 2 liters of water)

Rice Noodles:

• 600g fresh rice noodles

Toppings:

• 200g tofu, deep-fried until golden and cut into pieces

• 50g vegan ribs (soy protein), soaked and sliced

• 50g vegan ham, thinly sliced

• 100g straw mushrooms, cleaned

• 100g bean sprouts, 50g fresh herbs (basil, culantro)

Seasonings:

• 1 tbsp vegetarian seasoning powder

• 2 tbsp soy sauce

• A pinch of salt

• 1 tsp rock sugar

You can customize vegetarian pho according to your taste or regional style. For a “beef-style vegetarian pho,” add soy-based vegan beef and shiitake mushrooms for a bolder flavor. For a “chicken-style vegetarian pho,” use gluten-based vegan chicken and add turmeric for a beautiful golden broth.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Authentic Vegetarian Pho

Preparing Ingredients

Before cooking, prepare everything carefully to ensure the pho turns out aromatic and delicious. Wash the carrots, white radish, straw mushrooms, and bean sprouts. Roast the ginger and onion until slightly charred to enhance the broth’s aroma. Soak dried shiitake mushrooms in warm water for 20 minutes, then slice. Deep-fry tofu until golden, slice vegan ribs and vegan ham into bite-sized pieces. Blanch fresh rice noodles in boiling water for 1 minute, then drain. This prep step takes about 15 minutes but is essential for the perfect pho.

Cooking Vegetarian Pho

The process takes about 1–1.5 hours for 4 servings:

1. Simmer the broth: Add carrots, white radish, onion, shiitake mushrooms, star anise, cinnamon, and roasted ginger into 2 liters of water. Simmer on low heat for 1 hour so the vegetables release their natural sweetness. Skim foam regularly to keep the broth clear.

2. Strain and season: Strain the broth through a sieve to remove residue, keeping only the clear soup. Season with 1 tbsp vegetarian seasoning powder, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp rock sugar, and a pinch of salt. Adjust the taste to be light and balanced.

3. Prepare toppings: Fry tofu until crispy, slice vegan ribs and vegan ham. Blanch straw mushrooms briefly, rinse bean sprouts, and chop fresh herbs such as basil and culantro.

4. Assemble the bowl: Place rice noodles in a bowl, add tofu, vegan ribs, vegan ham, straw mushrooms, and bean sprouts. Arrange toppings neatly for an appetizing look.

5. Finish the pho: Ladle hot broth over the bowl, sprinkle fresh herbs, and serve with lime and chili to taste. Pho should be enjoyed hot to fully savor its aroma.

Tips for a Flavorful Vegetarian Pho Broth

To achieve the best vegetarian pho broth:

• Simmer gently on low heat for about 1 hour so vegetables and mushrooms release natural sweetness.

• Roast ginger and onion until slightly charred before adding them for a signature aroma.

• Season lightly with soy sauce and salt to maintain a clean, delicate flavor that doesn’t overpower the vegetables.

• If the broth becomes cloudy, strain it twice through a sieve for a clear and visually appealing soup.

These simple tips will help you create a vegetarian pho that is not only delicious but also beautiful in presentation.

Regional Variations of Vegetarian Pho

Northern-Style Vegetarian Pho

Northern vegetarian pho is known for its clear, delicate broth and simple toppings such as tofu and shiitake mushrooms. A sprinkle of scallions is enough to keep its traditional flavor. To enhance the aroma, simmer the broth longer with roasted ginger and charred onion. This refined and light version of vegetarian pho is perfect for family meals or Buddhist full moon days. In just about 1 hour, you can enjoy a wholesome and elegant bowl of pho.

Southern-Style Vegetarian Pho

Southern vegetarian pho features a naturally sweeter broth and more diverse toppings, including vegan ham, soy-based ribs, and a variety of herbs such as basil, culantro, and rice paddy herb. To achieve the signature Southern taste, add rock sugar and fresh pineapple for a balance of sweet and sour, and a bit of chili satay for a mild spicy kick. This rich and flavorful version is ideal for vegan feasts or Buddhist celebrations, taking around 1.5 hours to cook. Its vibrant taste can easily please everyone at the table.

Enjoy Vegetarian Pho at Vo Uy Vegetarian Restaurant

Vo Uy Vegetarian Restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy authentic vegetarian pho in a serene atmosphere. The pho here is prepared with a slow-simmered vegetable and mushroom broth, creating a naturally sweet and savory base. It’s topped with golden fried tofu, vegan ribs, straw mushrooms, and fresh herbs for a complete, flavorful experience.

The restaurant’s interior reflects a Zen-inspired design, with soft lighting and wooden décor that bring a sense of peace and mindfulness. It’s a wonderful setting for family gatherings or Buddhist holidays. On top of that, the friendly and professional staff will ensure your dining experience is warm and fulfilling.

For a truly delicious vegetarian dining experience, you can make a reservation at Vo Uy:

• Address: 47 Street No. 3, CityLand Park Hills, Ward 10, Go Vap District, Ho Chi Minh City
• Hotline: 0902 353 527
• Website: https://nhahangvouy.com/
• Fanpage: facebook.com/nhahangchayvouy
• Google Maps: Link Google Maps

Frequently Asked Questions About Cooking Vegetarian Pho

Is vegetarian pho as delicious as traditional pho?

Yes. Vegetarian pho is flavorful thanks to a broth made from vegetables and mushrooms. It preserves the authentic taste of Vietnamese pho while being lighter and more wholesome.

How long does it take to cook vegetarian pho at home?

Cooking vegetarian pho at home usually takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, and the recipe is simple enough for anyone to try.

What can I add to make vegetarian pho more nutritious?

You can add tofu, vegan ribs, straw mushrooms, or lotus seeds to increase protein and essential nutrients in the dish.

On which occasions is vegetarian pho most suitable?

Vegetarian pho is perfect for Buddhist full moon days, the first day of the lunar month, Buddhist celebrations, or anyone following a vegetarian lifestyle.

Conclusion

Vegetarian pho is a simple yet delicious dish with a broth simmered from vegetables, vegan ribs, and tofu. You can try making a mixed vegetarian pho at home or visit Vo Uy Vegetarian Restaurant to enjoy an authentic bowl of pho in a peaceful setting. Share this recipe with your friends and explore more healthy vegetarian dishes!