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Phở 101 · A first-timer's guide

First time eating phở?

Phở (say “fuh”) is Vietnam's beloved noodle soup: rice noodles and meat in a clear, aromatic broth that's slow-simmered. Here's how to enjoy your first bowl like a regular.

A bowl of rare steak pho from above

How to eat phở, in six steps

  1. 1

    Taste the broth first

    Before you add anything, take a sip on its own. Our broths are simmered low and slow, and they're the heart of the bowl.

  2. 2

    Sink the rare steak

    If your bowl has rare steak (tái), push the pink slices under the hot broth. They cook in seconds and stay tender.

  3. 3

    Add the herb plate (optional)

    Most of our bowls come with bean sprouts, Thai basil and lime on the side. It's up to you: tear in some basil, add a handful of sprouts and a squeeze of lime, or enjoy the broth just as it is.

  4. 4

    Spice it up your way

    Try mixing a spoonful of our homemade chili oil into the broth. Sriracha, hoisin and chili garlic paste are great options too.

  5. 5

    Chopsticks and spoon

    Chopsticks in one hand for noodles, spoon in the other for broth. Build a little bite of noodles, meat and broth on the spoon. Slurping is welcome.

  6. 6

    Finish the broth

    The last sips are the best part. Lift the bowl if you like. Nobody's judging.

Know your cuts

Phở menus are written in Vietnamese shorthand. Combine any of these beef cuts and our Build-a-Bowl will tell you the number to order.

TáiRare steak
Thin slices of raw beef that cook in the hot broth.
ChínBrisket
Well-done, tender sliced brisket.
NạmFlank
Lean, well-done flank with a gentle chew.
Vè dònCrunchy flank
Flank with a springy, crunchy bite.
GânTendon
Simmered until soft and silky.
SáchTripe
Thin, frilly book tripe. Crisp-tender.
Bò viênBeef balls
Bouncy Vietnamese beef meatballs.

Beyond the classic bowl

Our specialty soups, each with its own broth.

  • No. 23

    Phở Gà

    Chicken Pho

    Hand-shredded Vietnamese style chicken noodle soup in a chicken broth.

  • No. 24

    Bún Bò Huế

    Spicy Beef & Pork Noodle Soup

    Rare steak, brisket, and pork ham slices with thick round rice noodles in a spicy lemongrass beef broth. Contains fermented shrimp paste as well as our house made Sa Tế Chili Oil. Thick, aromatic, and bold.

  • No. 25

    Phở Saté

    Peanut Satay Pho with Rare Steak

    A rich, sweet, and spicy vegetarian peanut broth, topped with crushed peanuts.

  • No. 26

    Phở Bò Kho

    Beef Stew Pho

    A hearty, fragrant beef stew noodle soup with braised chunks of beef and carrots.

  • No. 27

    Phở Đồ Biển

    Seafood Pho

    Shrimp, squid, fish balls, and imitation crab in a chicken broth.

  • No. 28

    Phở Đồ Biển Chua Cay

    Hot & Sour Seafood Pho

    Shrimp, squid, fish balls, and imitation crab in a tom yum style broth.

  • No. 29

    Hoành Thánh Mì

    Wonton Egg Noodle Soup

    Homemade pork wontons and broccoli in a chicken broth, served with egg noodles.

  • No. 30

    Hoành Thánh Soup

    Wonton Soup (10 pcs)

    A regular-sized portion of pork wontons and broccoli in a chicken broth, just for you. No noodles. Garnished with scallions.

Good questions

Phở FAQ

Where can I get pho in South Edmonton?

Love Pho is a family-owned pho restaurant at 652 Parsons Road SW in Ellerslie Crossing, on Edmonton's south side. We've been serving slow-simmered beef broth and Vietnamese noodle soups since 2018.

What are Love Pho's hours?

Wednesday to Monday · 10:30am – 9pm. Closed Tuesday. The kitchen takes its last orders at 8:45pm.

Do you have takeout and delivery?

Yes. For takeout, call us at (780) 807-8107 and pick it up at the counter. For delivery, order through our own online ordering page (powered by DoorDash), SkipTheDishes or Uber Eats.

Is there vegetarian pho?

Yes. Our peanut satay broth is vegetarian, so the Peanut Satay Pho (No. 25) can be fully vegetarian: ask us to swap the steak for veggies or fried tofu. We also make vegetable spring rolls, stir-fried vegetables and a vegetarian curry.

What comes in the Love Pho Special?

Rare steak, flank, tendon, and tripe. Our house special bowl. It's served in our slow-simmered beef broth with rice noodles, onions and scallions, plus bean sprouts, Thai basil and lime on the side.

What sizes does the pho come in?

Regular $14.75, Large $15.75, Extra Large $17.50. Regular is dine-in only.

Is bún bò Huế spicy?

Yes. Bún bò Huế (No. 24) is a spicy lemongrass beef broth with rare steak, brisket and pork ham over thick round rice noodles. It contains fermented shrimp paste.

Can I make my pho spicier?

Add a spoonful of our homemade chili oil, a customer favourite. Sriracha, chili garlic paste and hoisin are also available on the side.

Does your pho contain MSG?

Yes. Our phở broth contains MSG. If you have allergies or dietary needs, please tell our staff before you order.

Do you have gluten-free options?

Rice noodles are made from rice, but some sauces and broths can contain gluten. Please tell our staff about any allergies or dietary needs before you order and we'll guide you.