Pho, a beloved Vietnamese noodle soup, has won hearts worldwide with its aromatic broth, tender meats, and vibrant herbs. Among the many places serving this iconic dish, What The Pho stands out for its innovative approach to traditional flavors.
The menu at What The Pho offers an exciting blend of classic options and creative twists that cater to both purists and adventurous diners alike. Whether you’re craving a comforting bowl of beef pho or eager to explore unique combinations, the menu delivers an array of choices that showcase the versatility of Vietnamese cuisine.
Beyond just pho, the menu introduces guests to a rich tapestry of Vietnamese culinary delights, from fresh spring rolls to crispy banh mi sandwiches. Each dish reflects a commitment to authentic ingredients and bold flavors, ensuring a memorable dining experience.
The attention to detail in every offering, combined with a welcoming ambiance, makes What The Pho more than just a restaurant—it’s a destination for anyone passionate about Vietnamese food.
Exploring the What The Pho menu reveals a thoughtful balance of tradition and innovation, designed to delight every palate. From hearty mains to refreshing appetizers, the menu invites diners on a flavorful journey full of texture, spice, and freshness.
Signature Pho Bowls
The centerpiece of the What The Pho menu is undoubtedly its signature pho bowls. These bowls feature rich, slow-simmered broths paired with fresh noodles and a variety of proteins.
Each bowl is crafted to highlight the delicate balance of flavors that define authentic pho.
Traditional pho options include the classic beef broth with thinly sliced brisket, flank, and meatballs. For those seeking something different, the menu offers innovative takes such as spicy lemongrass chicken pho and vegetarian pho with mushroom broth.
What The Pho ensures every bowl is garnished with fresh herbs, lime, and bean sprouts, allowing guests to customize their flavor profile.
The broth is the star of the show, simmered for hours with beef bones, charred onions, and spices like star anise and cinnamon. This process results in a deeply flavorful and aromatic base that warms and comforts.
The noodles used are flat rice noodles, cooked to a perfect al dente texture, providing a satisfying bite.
Varieties of Pho
- Classic Beef Pho: Brisket, flank, tendon, and meatballs in a clear, fragrant broth.
- Spicy Lemongrass Chicken Pho: Tender chicken with a hint of spice and citrus notes.
- Vegetarian Pho: Mushroom broth with tofu and seasonal vegetables, garnished with fresh herbs.
- Duck Pho: Slow-cooked duck leg served with a savory broth and fresh noodles.
“A perfect bowl of pho is an orchestra of fresh ingredients and slow-cooked patience. What The Pho masters this harmony with every serving.” – Culinary Review
Appetizers and Small Plates
What The Pho’s appetizers provide a delightful prelude to the main dishes, offering a variety of textures and flavors. These small plates are ideal for sharing or enjoying as a light snack.
They showcase the vibrant and fresh elements of Vietnamese cuisine, from crisp vegetables to savory meats.
Popular appetizers include fresh spring rolls filled with shrimp or tofu and herbs, as well as crispy egg rolls bursting with savory pork and vegetables. The menu also features unique options like grilled lemongrass beef skewers and bánh xèo, a savory Vietnamese pancake with shrimp and bean sprouts.
Each appetizer is designed to complement the main pho dishes, balancing freshness with rich, bold flavors. Dipping sauces, such as hoisin-peanut and spicy chili, enhance the experience, adding layers of complexity and heat.
Recommended Starters
- Fresh Spring Rolls: Rice paper rolls packed with shrimp, mint, and vermicelli, served with a tangy peanut sauce.
- Crispy Egg Rolls: Golden-fried rolls with ground pork, mushrooms, and cabbage, accompanied by a sweet chili dip.
- Lemongrass Beef Skewers: Tender beef marinated in lemongrass and grilled to perfection.
- Bánh Xèo: Savory pancakes with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, served with lettuce and herbs.
“Every bite of the appetizers bursts with authentic Vietnamese flavors, setting the tone for a memorable meal ahead.” – Food Enthusiast Magazine
Bánh Mì and Sandwiches
In addition to pho, What The Pho offers a selection of bánh mì sandwiches, combining French baguettes with Vietnamese fillings. These sandwiches are a perfect blend of crunchy bread, savory proteins, and fresh vegetables, delivering a satisfying and portable meal option.
The bánh mì menu features traditional options like grilled pork and pate, as well as creative variations such as lemongrass tofu and spicy chicken. Each sandwich is layered with pickled carrots and daikon, cilantro, cucumber, and a touch of mayonnaise, providing a harmonious mix of textures and flavors.
What The Pho’s commitment to quality is evident in the use of freshly baked baguettes sourced locally or made in-house. The crusty exterior and soft interior are ideal for holding the flavorful fillings without becoming soggy.
Popular Bánh Mì Choices
- Classic Pork Bánh Mì: Grilled pork, pate, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs.
- Spicy Chicken Bánh Mì: Marinated chicken with chili sauce and crisp veggies.
- Lemongrass Tofu Bánh Mì: A vegetarian option with lemongrass-marinated tofu and pickled vegetables.
- Meatball Bánh Mì: Juicy pork meatballs with traditional Vietnamese seasonings.
| Bánh Mì Type | Main Protein | Spice Level | Vegetarian Friendly |
| Classic Pork | Grilled Pork | Medium | No |
| Spicy Chicken | Chicken | High | No |
| Lemongrass Tofu | Tofu | Low | Yes |
| Meatball | Pork Meatballs | Medium | No |
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
What The Pho takes pride in offering a diverse range of vegetarian and vegan dishes that do not compromise on flavor or authenticity. These options cater to plant-based diners seeking traditional Vietnamese tastes without animal products.
The vegetarian pho is a highlight, featuring a deeply savory mushroom broth enriched with herbs and spices. Tofu replaces meat, and seasonal vegetables add texture and color.
Other vegan-friendly dishes include fresh spring rolls with tofu and lemongrass tofu bánh mì sandwiches.
Attention to detail ensures that all vegetarian dishes avoid animal-based broths or sauces, relying instead on rich, plant-based ingredients to deliver depth and umami. This inclusive menu section reflects What The Pho’s commitment to accommodating various dietary preferences.
Key Vegetarian Dishes
- Mushroom Pho: Clear broth made with shiitake and oyster mushrooms, tofu, and fresh herbs.
- Vegetarian Spring Rolls: Filled with tofu, vermicelli, and fresh vegetables, served with a tangy dipping sauce.
- Lemongrass Tofu Bánh Mì: Marinated tofu with pickled vegetables and vegan mayo on a fresh baguette.
- Vegetable Stir-Fry: Seasonal vegetables sautéed with garlic and soy sauce.
“The vegetarian offerings at What The Pho prove that plant-based dishes can be just as vibrant and satisfying as traditional meat options.” – Vegan Food Journal
Broth and Noodle Details
The foundation of every great pho bowl lies in its broth and noodles, and What The Pho pays meticulous attention to these elements. The broths are simmered for many hours to extract maximum flavor from bones, spices, and aromatics.
This slow-cooking process creates a rich, clear broth that is both comforting and complex.
Noodles are another critical component. The restaurant uses fresh flat rice noodles that are cooked to order, ensuring perfect texture.
These noodles absorb the flavors of the broth without becoming mushy, providing a pleasing chew that complements the tender meats and herbs.
Customization is encouraged, allowing guests to select noodle thickness or opt for extra noodles or broth as desired. This flexibility enhances the dining experience, making each bowl personal and satisfying.
Broth Varieties
| Broth Type | Main Ingredients | Flavor Profile |
| Beef Bone Broth | Beef bones, charred onion, ginger, star anise, cinnamon | Rich, aromatic, savory |
| Chicken Broth | Chicken bones, lemongrass, ginger, garlic | Light, citrusy, fragrant |
| Mushroom Broth | Shiitake, oyster mushrooms, soy sauce, herbs | Earthy, umami, mild |
“The broth is the soul of pho, and What The Pho’s dedication to crafting the perfect broth is evident in every spoonful.”
Side Dishes and Extras
To complement the main dishes, What The Pho offers an array of side dishes and extras that enhance the overall meal. These include fresh herbs, lime wedges, bean sprouts, and chili peppers, allowing guests to tailor their pho experience.
Other sides include steamed rice, pickled vegetables, and house-made dipping sauces that add depth and contrast to the flavors on the plate. These additions provide balance and complexity, ensuring that every bite is layered with taste and texture.
For those looking to try something different, the menu features unique sides such as Vietnamese iced coffee and sweet desserts like che, a traditional Vietnamese sweet soup. These options round out the meal, offering a satisfying conclusion to the dining experience.
Popular Sides and Condiments
- Fresh Herbs: Basil, cilantro, mint to add brightness to pho.
- Bean Sprouts: Provide crunch and freshness.
- Lime Wedges: Add acidity and balance richness.
- Chili Peppers: For those who enjoy a spicy kick.
- Vietnamese Iced Coffee: Strong coffee with sweetened condensed milk, served cold.
- Che (Sweet Soup): A dessert featuring beans, jellies, and coconut milk.
“The thoughtful selection of sides and extras at What The Pho allows diners to perfectly customize their meal to their liking.”
Beverages and Drinks
The beverage menu at What The Pho complements the food with traditional Vietnamese drinks and popular refreshments. From aromatic teas to flavorful sodas, the drink options are designed to refresh and enhance the dining experience.
Signature drinks include jasmine tea, iced green tea, and Vietnamese iced coffee, which is known for its strong, sweet, and creamy profile. Additionally, the menu offers bottled sodas such as sodas infused with Asian flavors like lychee and calamansi, providing a unique twist on familiar favorites.
For those seeking non-caffeinated options, fresh fruit juices and sparkling waters are available. The variety ensures there’s something for everyone to enjoy alongside their meal, whether looking to cleanse the palate or add a sweet finish.
Drink Highlights
- Vietnamese Iced Coffee: Brewed strong and sweetened with condensed milk.
- Jasmine Tea: Light, floral, and served hot or iced.
- Lychee Soda: Refreshing and subtly sweet soda with lychee flavor.
- Fresh Fruit Juices: Seasonal options like mango, passion fruit, and calamansi.
| Beverage | Flavor Profile | Best Paired With |
| Vietnamese Iced Coffee | Strong, sweet, creamy | Spicy dishes, desserts |
| Jasmine Tea | Floral, light | All pho varieties |
| Lychee Soda | Sweet, fruity | Appetizers, bánh mì |
| Fresh Mango Juice | Sweet, tropical | Vegetarian dishes |
“Pairing the right drink with your meal elevates the flavors, and What The Pho’s beverage selection is curated with this in mind.”
Conclusion
Exploring the What The Pho menu reveals a culinary landscape rich in tradition and creativity. Each dish, from the signature pho bowls to the fresh appetizers and bánh mì sandwiches, reflects a deep respect for Vietnamese flavors and a passion for quality ingredients.
The menu caters to a wide range of tastes, including vegetarian and vegan options, ensuring that every diner can find something to savor.
The meticulous preparation of broths, the freshness of herbs, and the careful balance of spices make every bite at What The Pho a celebration of Vietnamese cuisine. The thoughtfully curated sides, drinks, and desserts further enhance the dining experience, offering layers of flavor and texture that invite repeat visits.
Ultimately, What The Pho is more than a place to eat; it’s a destination where tradition meets innovation, and where every element on the menu serves to delight and satisfy. Whether you’re a pho aficionado or new to Vietnamese food, the menu promises an unforgettable journey of taste and culture.
