How to Make Vegetarian Pho with a Flavorful Broth at home

Vegetarian pho is a light yet flavorful Vietnamese dish made with a naturally sweet broth from vegetables and mushrooms. Served with soft rice noodles, tofu, vegan ribs, mushrooms, and fresh herbs, this dish is suitable for Buddhist observances, family meals, or anyone who enjoys plant-based cuisine.

In this guide, Vô Úy Vegetarian Restaurant shares a detailed recipe for making vegetarian pho at home, together with practical tips for creating a clear, fragrant, and well-balanced broth.

What Makes Vegetarian Pho Special?

Vegetarian pho is a meat-free version of Vietnam’s traditional pho. Instead of animal bones, the broth is simmered with vegetables, mushrooms, roasted onion, ginger, cinnamon, and star anise.

The soft rice noodles pair well with fried tofu, vegan ribs, plant-based ham, straw mushrooms, bean sprouts, and fresh herbs. The result is a comforting bowl of pho with a delicate aroma, natural sweetness, and satisfying texture.

Vegetarian pho can be enjoyed by Buddhists, vegetarians, vegans, or anyone who wants to add more plant-based meals to their routine. The nutritional value depends on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.

A bowl of vegetarian pho with tofu, mushrooms, and fresh herbs
Vegetarian pho with a clear vegetable broth and flavorful toppings

Ingredients for Vegetarian Pho

This recipe makes approximately four servings.

For the Broth

  • 200 g carrots, cut into chunks
  • 200 g white radish, cut into chunks
  • 1 onion, halved
  • 50 g dried shiitake mushrooms, soaked until soft
  • 2 star anise
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 20 g fresh ginger
  • Approximately 2 liters of water

For the Noodles and Toppings

  • 600 g fresh rice noodles
  • 200 g tofu, fried until golden and cut into pieces
  • 50 g vegan ribs made from soy protein, soaked and sliced
  • 50 g vegan ham, thinly sliced
  • 100 g straw mushrooms
  • 100 g bean sprouts
  • 50 g fresh herbs, such as Thai basil, cilantro, or culantro
  • Lime, fresh chili, and black pepper for serving

Seasonings

  • 1 tablespoon vegetarian seasoning powder
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon rock sugar
  • A small amount of salt

You can adjust the toppings according to your preference. For a vegan beef-style pho, add soy-based vegan beef and extra mushrooms. For a vegan chicken-style version, use plant-based chicken and a small amount of turmeric for a golden color.

How to Make Vegetarian Pho Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Wash the carrots, white radish, straw mushrooms, and bean sprouts. Soak the dried shiitake mushrooms in warm water for about 20 minutes, then rinse and slice them.

Roast the ginger and onion until lightly charred. This step helps develop a deeper aroma in the broth. Fry the tofu until golden, then slice the vegan ribs and vegan ham into bite-sized pieces.

Blanch the fresh rice noodles in boiling water for approximately 30 seconds to 1 minute, then drain well. Avoid boiling the noodles for too long because they may become soft and break apart when served with hot broth.

Step 2: Simmer the Broth

Add the carrots, white radish, onion, shiitake mushrooms, star anise, cinnamon, and roasted ginger to a pot with 2 liters of water.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer gently for about 60 minutes. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface to help keep the broth clear.

Step 3: Strain and Season the Broth

When the vegetables have softened and the broth smells fragrant, strain it through a fine sieve. This removes vegetable pieces and small particles, leaving a clearer soup.

Return the broth to the pot and season with vegetarian seasoning powder, soy sauce, rock sugar, and a little salt. Taste and adjust the seasoning. The broth should be naturally sweet, lightly savory, and not overly salty.

Step 4: Prepare the Toppings

Fry the tofu until golden and crisp. Slice the vegan ribs and vegan ham into pieces of similar size. Clean the straw mushrooms and blanch them briefly if desired.

Wash the bean sprouts and fresh herbs, then drain thoroughly. Keeping the toppings dry helps maintain the texture of the noodles and prevents the bowl from becoming watery.

Step 5: Assemble the Bowl

Place the blanched rice noodles in a serving bowl. Arrange the fried tofu, vegan ribs, vegan ham, straw mushrooms, and bean sprouts on top.

Ladle the hot broth into the bowl, then add fresh herbs, lime, chili, and black pepper according to your taste. Vegetarian pho is best served immediately while the broth is hot and aromatic.

Step-by-step preparation of vegetarian pho
Preparing the broth, noodles, and toppings for vegetarian pho

Tips for Making a Clear and Fragrant Vegetarian Pho Broth

  • Roast the ginger and onion before simmering them to create a richer aroma.
  • Simmer the broth gently instead of boiling it vigorously.
  • Skim the foam regularly, especially during the first part of cooking.
  • Use cinnamon and star anise in moderation so they do not overpower the vegetables.
  • Add soy sauce and salt gradually, then taste before adding more.
  • Strain the broth once or twice if you want a clearer appearance.
  • Blanch the rice noodles briefly and drain them well before assembling the bowl.

Regional Variations of Vegetarian Pho

Northern-Style Vegetarian Pho

Northern-style vegetarian pho usually has a clear, delicate broth and simple toppings such as tofu, shiitake mushrooms, and scallions. The flavor focuses on the natural sweetness of vegetables and the gentle aroma of roasted ginger, onion, cinnamon, and star anise.

This version is suitable for a light family meal or a Buddhist observance. Simmering the broth slowly gives the dish a refined and balanced taste.

Southern-Style Vegetarian Pho

Southern-style vegetarian pho often has a slightly sweeter broth and more toppings. Vegan ham, soy-based ribs, bean sprouts, Thai basil, culantro, and other fresh herbs are commonly served on the side.

You can add a little more rock sugar for sweetness, or serve the pho with chili sauce for a stronger flavor. The exact seasoning can be adjusted to suit your family’s preference.

Enjoy Vegetarian Pho at Vô Úy Vegetarian Restaurant

If you do not have time to prepare the broth at home, you can enjoy vegetarian pho at Vô Úy Vegetarian Restaurant. The dish is served with a vegetable and mushroom broth, fried tofu, vegan ribs, straw mushrooms, and fresh herbs.

Vô Úy offers a calm, Zen-inspired setting with soft lighting and wooden details. It is suitable for family meals, small gatherings, or anyone looking for a peaceful place to enjoy plant-based Vietnamese cuisine.

You can also explore the Vô Úy vegetarian menu to discover more plant-based dishes.

Enjoying vegetarian pho at Vô Úy Vegetarian Restaurant
Enjoying vegetarian pho in a peaceful setting at Vô Úy

Frequently Asked Questions About Vegetarian Pho

Is vegetarian pho as flavorful as traditional pho?

Vegetarian pho has a different flavor profile, but it can still be fragrant and satisfying. The combination of vegetables, mushrooms, roasted ginger, onion, cinnamon, and star anise creates a naturally sweet and aromatic broth.

How long does it take to cook vegetarian pho?

Preparation usually takes about 15–20 minutes, while the broth needs approximately 60 minutes to simmer. The total cooking time is generally around 1–1.5 hours.

What can I add to vegetarian pho?

You can add tofu, vegan ribs, vegan ham, straw mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, bean sprouts, fresh herbs, or lotus seeds. Choose toppings that complement the broth without making the bowl too heavy.

When is vegetarian pho suitable to serve?

Vegetarian pho is suitable for the first and fifteenth days of the lunar month, Buddhist celebrations, family meals, or any day when you want a comforting plant-based dish.

Conclusion

Vegetarian pho is a comforting Vietnamese dish with a naturally sweet broth made from vegetables and mushrooms. With properly prepared noodles, flavorful toppings, and a few simple cooking techniques, you can make a clear and satisfying bowl of vegetarian pho at home.

If you would like to explore more plant-based dishes, visit the Vô Úy vegetarian menu or make a reservation to enjoy a relaxing meal at the restaurant.

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