Pho + Sweet Coffee

AI Gourmet Analysis

Pho and Sweet Coffee at Ben Thanh Market, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Pho (Phở) is a representative Vietnamese dish—a noodle soup made from rice noodles, believed to have originated in the northern city of Hanoi. Some studies suggest that pho in its current form was established in the early 20th century during the French colonial period, when the use of beef became widespread. Nowadays, pho is served throughout Vietnam and worldwide, featuring local variations in soup and toppings depending on the region.
In Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), the Southern style of pho is characterized by a wider variety of herbs and vegetables, and often a sweeter broth. At places like Ben Thanh Market, as well as food courts and street stalls across the city, locals and tourists alike enjoy pho casually. Toppings often include beef (pho bo), chicken (pho ga), and sometimes fish or other animal proteins.

Preparation and Flavor Characteristics of Pho

The main components of pho are flat rice noodles (banh pho), a clear broth made from beef or chicken bones, and various toppings. The broth, simmered for hours, acquires a distinctive flavor from the meat, bones, onions, ginger, and occasionally spices like cinnamon and cloves.
Herbs such as cilantro, basil, and mint, as well as lime, chili, hoisin sauce, and chili sauce, are served alongside, allowing diners to season the dish according to their taste—these play an essential supporting role in the pho experience.

Characteristics of Pho at Ben Thanh Market

Ben Thanh Market, located in the center of Ho Chi Minh City, is a nostalgic place for both tourists and locals. The market boasts a rich variety of dishes, from traditional pho to creative adaptations, and its lively vendors and bustling atmosphere are part of its unique charm. Pho in the market often features locally distinctive ingredients and seasonings, showcasing the individuality of the region.

Vietnamese Coffee Culture and "Sweet Coffee"

Vietnam is one of Asia’s largest coffee-producing countries, with a history tracing back to the 19th-century French colonial era. Robusta beans are especially abundant, giving Vietnamese coffee its robust, bitter, and deep flavor.
Vietnamese iced coffee (ca phe sua da) is typically served sweet, made with generous amounts of sweetened condensed milk and ice. Coffee enjoyed at markets and cafes is rich and sweet, perfectly suited to the hot climate and standing as a symbol of Vietnam’s unique tastes.
Moreover, the use of the drip coffee filter known as a "ca phe phin (Phin)" is distinctive—each cup is brewed individually, and coffee served alongside meals reveals the significance of cafe culture within Vietnamese culinary traditions.

Travelers and the Food Experience at Ben Thanh Market

Dining at the market often offers a glimpse into local daily life and a sense of “chaos.” Its vibrant, bustling space and the unpretentious yet unique flavors create an experience that is distinctly Vietnamese. Pho and sweet coffee are among the most beloved pairings for travelers in Vietnam and are popular among visitors from around the world.