Indianapolis boasts a vibrant culinary scene, and among its standout offerings is the beloved Vietnamese eatery, What The Phở. Known for delivering authentic flavors with a modern twist, this restaurant has captured the hearts and palates of food lovers across the city.
The menu at What The Phở is a celebration of traditional Vietnamese dishes, emphasizing fresh ingredients, bold spices, and comforting broths. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Vietnamese cuisine or just beginning to explore its delights, the variety and depth of What The Phở’s menu promise an unforgettable dining experience.
From the aromatic bowls of phở to creative appetizers and refreshing beverages, every item reflects a commitment to quality and authenticity. The menu is thoughtfully curated to offer something for everyone, including vegetarian and gluten-free options, ensuring all guests can enjoy the rich culinary heritage Vietnam has to offer.
What The Phở takes pride in balancing traditional recipes with innovative touches, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking an exceptional meal in Indianapolis.
Exploring the What The Phở menu is like embarking on a flavorful journey, where every dish tells a story of culture, passion, and culinary craftsmanship. The atmosphere of the restaurant complements the menu perfectly, making it a destination for casual lunches, family dinners, or even a quick snack.
With an emphasis on fresh, made-to-order dishes, What The Phở invites diners to savor each bite and discover the essence of Vietnamese cooking right in the heart of Indianapolis.
Signature Phở Bowls
The cornerstone of What The Phở’s menu is its collection of signature phở bowls. These hearty, aromatic soups are crafted with care, offering a perfect balance of broth, noodles, herbs, and tender proteins.
Each bowl is a testament to the rich culinary tradition of northern Vietnam, where phở originated as a beloved street food.
The broth, simmered for hours with beef bones, spices, and herbs, provides a deep and complex flavor that forms the base for all phở dishes. Customers can choose from various proteins including rare beef, brisket, meatballs, chicken, and even vegetarian options.
The inclusion of fresh garnishes such as Thai basil, bean sprouts, lime, and jalapeño peppers allows each diner to customize their bowl to suit their taste preferences.
What sets What The Phở apart is the attention to detail in every bowl. The noodles are perfectly cooked to maintain their springy texture, while the meat selections are sliced thinly to absorb the broth’s essence.
For those seeking a rich experience, the house special phở combines multiple meats, creating a multi-layered taste sensation.
Popular Phở Varieties
- Phở Đặc Biệt: A delightful combination of rare steak, brisket, tendon, and meatballs.
- Phở Gà: A lighter, comforting chicken phở with tender chicken slices and fragrant broth.
- Phở Chay: A vegetarian option featuring tofu and mushrooms in a vegetable-based broth.
“The key to a perfect phở is in the broth – clear, flavorful, and simmered to perfection.” – Chef Nguyen, What The Phở
Appetizers and Small Plates
What The Phở’s appetizer menu offers a tempting array of small plates that introduce diners to the vibrant flavors of Vietnamese cuisine. These starters are perfect for sharing or as a light accompaniment to the main dishes.
The appetizers focus on fresh herbs, crispy textures, and bold seasoning, showcasing the diversity of Vietnamese culinary traditions.
The spring rolls, both fresh and fried, are a crowd favorite, bursting with fresh vegetables, herbs, and savory fillings. The menu also features bánh mì sliders, which put a creative spin on the classic Vietnamese sandwich.
Each appetizer emphasizes balance—combining savory, sweet, tangy, and spicy elements to awaken the palate.
For those interested in something heartier, the crispy calamari and lemongrass chicken wings provide satisfying crunch and vibrant flavors. These dishes are crafted with the same dedication to freshness and quality as the main courses, ensuring a consistently excellent dining experience.
Highlighted Appetizers
- Gỏi Cuốn (Fresh Spring Rolls): Rice paper rolls filled with shrimp, herbs, vermicelli, and served with peanut dipping sauce.
- Chả Giò (Fried Spring Rolls): Crispy rolls stuffed with pork, mushrooms, and vegetables.
- Bánh Mì Sliders: Mini sandwiches with pickled vegetables, cilantro, and your choice of pork or tofu.
Specialty Bowls and Rice Dishes
Beyond the iconic phở, What The Phở’s menu impresses with its variety of specialty bowls and rice dishes. These offerings provide an alternative for those who might want a different texture or a more substantial meal.
Each dish is thoughtfully prepared to highlight unique flavors and ingredients, reflecting regional Vietnamese recipes.
The specialty bowls often combine rice, protein, and fresh vegetables, topped with flavorful sauces that enhance every bite. Popular choices include the bún bò Huế, a spicy beef noodle soup from central Vietnam, and cơm tấm, a broken rice dish served with grilled pork and pickled vegetables.
These dishes are hearty yet balanced, catering to those who appreciate complex flavors and satisfying portions.
Vegetarian diners will find several enticing options here as well, with tofu-based dishes and vegetable stir-fries that maintain the authentic taste of Vietnamese cuisine without compromising on flavor or nutrition.
Comparison of Specialty Bowls
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Flavor Profile | Spice Level |
| Bún Bò Huế | Beef, lemongrass, rice noodles | Spicy, savory, aromatic | Medium-High |
| Cơm Tấm | Broken rice, grilled pork, pickled vegetables | Sweet, tangy, savory | Low |
| Vegetarian Tofu Bowl | Tofu, mixed vegetables, rice | Light, fresh, umami | Low |
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Recognizing the growing demand for plant-based dishes, What The Phở offers a dedicated selection of vegetarian and vegan items that do not compromise on taste or authenticity. These dishes are thoughtfully crafted to highlight fresh produce, herbs, and plant-based proteins, making them a great choice for health-conscious diners or those with dietary restrictions.
The vegetarian phở bowl replaces traditional beef broth with a rich vegetable stock, infused with shiitake mushrooms and spices to maintain depth of flavor. Tofu and a variety of seasonal vegetables provide satisfying texture and substance.
Additionally, the menu includes vegan banh mi sandwiches, spring rolls, and salads, all prepared with care to avoid animal products.
What The Phở’s commitment to inclusivity is evident in the kitchen’s ability to adapt recipes while preserving the essence of Vietnamese cuisine. This approach ensures that everyone can enjoy a delicious and fulfilling meal, no matter their diet.
Popular Vegetarian Selections
- Phở Chay: Vegetarian noodle soup with vegetable broth and tofu.
- Vegan Bánh Mì: Sandwich with marinated tofu, pickled vegetables, and vegan mayo.
- Vegetarian Gỏi Cuốn: Fresh spring rolls with tofu and herbs.
“Creating vegetarian dishes that honor traditional flavors is a passion of ours, ensuring no one misses out on authentic Vietnamese taste.” – Kitchen Manager, What The Phở
Beverages and Fresh Juices
Complementing the rich flavors of the dishes, What The Phở’s beverage menu offers a thoughtfully curated selection of drinks designed to refresh and enhance the meal. From traditional Vietnamese teas to freshly squeezed juices, the beverage options reflect the same commitment to quality and authenticity found in the food.
Vietnamese iced coffee, known for its strong brew and sweetened condensed milk, is a must-try for coffee lovers. For those seeking something lighter, jasmine tea and lotus tea provide soothing, aromatic experiences.
The fresh juices, made daily from seasonal fruits, offer a natural burst of sweetness and are perfect for balancing the savory and spicy elements of the cuisine.
What The Phở also features specialty sodas and creative mocktails that incorporate flavors like lychee, passion fruit, and ginger, providing unique options that go beyond the typical beverage offerings.
Popular Beverage Choices
- Vietnamese Iced Coffee (Cà Phê Sữa Đá): Strong coffee with sweetened condensed milk over ice.
- Jasmine Tea: Light, fragrant tea served hot or cold.
- Fresh Lime Juice: Refreshing citrus juice made with fresh limes.
- Lychee Mocktail: Sweet and floral, made with lychee syrup and soda water.
Desserts and Sweet Treats
No meal at What The Phở is complete without sampling the dessert offerings, which showcase traditional Vietnamese sweets alongside inventive modern treats. The dessert menu provides a perfect conclusion to the meal, balancing sweetness with lightness and familiar flavors with new textures.
One standout dessert is the chè, a sweet Vietnamese pudding made with beans, coconut milk, and tapioca pearls. This dish is both comforting and refreshing, offering a delightful contrast to the savory main courses.
Other favorites include pandan-flavored cakes and tropical fruit plates that highlight the freshness and natural sweetness of Vietnam’s produce.
The desserts are crafted with attention to detail, often incorporating ingredients like coconut, mung beans, and pandan leaves to maintain authenticity while appealing to a range of tastes and preferences.
Whether you prefer something rich or light, the dessert menu provides satisfying options to end the meal on a high note.
Popular Desserts
- Chè Ba Màu (Three-Color Dessert): A layered pudding with beans, jelly, and coconut milk.
- Pandan Cake: Light and fragrant cake flavored with pandan leaf extract.
- Mango with Sticky Rice: Sweet mango served with glutinous rice and coconut sauce.
Tips for Ordering and Dining Experience
To make the most of your visit to What The Phở, it helps to be familiar with the menu and some insider tips. The staff is knowledgeable and eager to assist, ensuring each guest finds dishes that suit their preferences and dietary needs.
Whether you’re dining alone or with a group, the menu’s diversity offers plenty of options to explore.
Ordering phở can be a personalized experience. Don’t hesitate to request extra herbs or adjust the spice level to your liking.
The restaurant encourages customization to enhance your enjoyment. Sharing appetizers before the main course is a great way to sample different flavors and textures, making the meal more interactive and fun.
What The Phở also offers takeout and delivery services, perfect for those who want to enjoy Vietnamese cuisine from the comfort of home. The packaging ensures dishes arrive fresh and ready to be enjoyed without compromising quality.
Helpful Ordering Tips
- Customize Your Phở: Add extra jalapeños or lime for a personal touch.
- Try Sharing: Order multiple appetizers to share with friends or family.
- Ask About Specials: Seasonal dishes or chef’s recommendations are often available.
- Consider Dietary Needs: Inform staff of allergies or preferences – they’re happy to accommodate.
“Our goal is to make every guest feel at home, whether it’s their first visit or their tenth.” – Front of House Manager, What The Phở
What The Phở in Indianapolis offers a rich and diverse menu that delivers authentic Vietnamese flavors with a welcoming and modern touch. The carefully crafted phở bowls, vibrant appetizers, and thoughtful beverage selections come together to create a dining experience that is both satisfying and memorable.
With options for every palate, including vegetarian and vegan dishes, What The Phở stands out as a culinary gem in the city.
From the moment you step inside, the inviting aromas and friendly service set the tone for a meal that celebrates tradition and innovation. Whether you’re craving a comforting bowl of phở, a shareable appetizer, or a refreshing drink, the menu caters to diverse preferences and dietary needs.
The attention to detail in preparation and presentation reflects a deep respect for Vietnamese culinary heritage.
For those seeking a taste of Vietnam in Indianapolis, What The Phở is a destination that promises authenticity, quality, and exceptional flavors. Its dynamic menu ensures that each visit offers new discoveries and delights, making it a go-to spot for casual meals, special occasions, or simply a flavorful escape.
Embrace the opportunity to explore the richness of Vietnamese cuisine through the thoughtfully curated offerings at What The Phở, where every dish is a celebration of culture and craftsmanship.
