The Pho Cookbook Review

The Pho Cookbook by Andrea Nguyen is a detailed and beautifully crafted guide dedicated entirely to Vietnam’s iconic noodle soup. This cookbook doesn’t just focus on recipes but also delves into the rich history, techniques, and cultural significance of pho. With Andrea’s expertise in Vietnamese cuisine, readers are invited to explore various pho styles, from the traditional beef pho to lighter, vegetable-based varieties. The book also covers homemade broths, essential garnishes, and even side dishes to complete a pho meal.

The Pho Cookbook by Andrea Nguyen
Published by Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed on February 7, 2017
Pages: 168

JAMES BEARD AWARD WINNER • With this comprehensive cookbook, Vietnam’s most beloved, aromatic comfort food—the broth and noodle soup known as pho—is now within your reach.

Author Andrea Nguyen first tasted pho in Vietnam as a child, sitting at a Saigon street stall with her parents. That experience sparked a lifelong love of the iconic noodle soup, long before it became a cult food item in the United States.

Here Andrea dives deep into pho’s lively past, visiting its birthplace and then teaching you how to successfully make it at home. Options range from quick weeknight cheats to impressive weekend feasts with broth and condiments from scratch, as well as other pho rice noodle favorites. Over fifty versatile recipes, including snacks, salads, companion dishes, and vegetarian and gluten-free options, welcome everyone to the pho table.

With a thoughtful guide on ingredients and techniques, plus evocative location photography and deep historical knowledge, The Pho Cookbook enables you to make this comforting classic your own.

Author

Andrea Nguyen is a well-known culinary expert and author specializing in Vietnamese and Asian cuisine. With several acclaimed cookbooks under her belt, such as Into the Vietnamese Kitchen and Asian Dumplings, she brings both depth and authenticity to her recipes. Her work has been featured in major publications, and she’s widely respected for her accessible approach to Asian cooking, blending traditional techniques with a practical, approachable style.

Audience

This cookbook is for anyone who loves pho, from the beginner wanting to try a simple broth to seasoned cooks looking to master complex, authentic pho recipes. The Pho Cookbook appeals to home cooks who enjoy exploring cultural cuisines and learning culinary techniques, and it offers options for a variety of diets with a good mix of meat-based and vegetarian recipes.

Mission

Nguyen’s mission with The Pho Cookbook is to bring the essence of Vietnam’s pho culture into readers’ kitchens. She provides step-by-step guidance to help readers recreate authentic Vietnamese flavors while encouraging them to make the recipes their own. The book is also a celebration of pho as a beloved, adaptable dish with a rich history, allowing readers to dive deep into both the origins and modern interpretations of this classic soup.

What I liked

I loved Nguyen’s personal storytelling, which brings a depth of Vietnamese culinary culture and traditions to the pages.
The variety of pho styles is also impressive, with recipes ranging from traditional beef pho to unique vegan options.
I liked learning about the insights into the cultural and historical significance of pho.
The detailed instructions for creating pho broths from scratch. A game changer for home cooking!

FAQ

Is The Pho Cookbook good for weeknight cooking?

There are some quick 1.5 hour recipes that would be good for weeknight cooking.

Does The Pho Cookbook focus on basics or more advanced techniques?

This cookbook goes very in-depth on a lot of dishes. While some of the recipes might be easy for beginners, it’s a lot of information that would overwhelm a new cook. Many of the recipes also take hours to make, which would be overwhelming for a beginner.

How is the picture quality and quantity in The Pho Cookbook?

The pictures are good in The Pho Cookbook. While not every recipe has a result photo, the about pho section at the beginning has a lot of great pictures on the prep steps, which is very useful.

Does The Pho Cookbook need unique tools or equipment?

Some quick recipes require a pressure cooker.

Does The Pho Cookbook need unique ingredients?

Yes, many recipes feature Vietnamese ingredients, assuming those are not pantry staples for you. If they aren’t, you can find most at an Asian store, Cost Plus World Market or Amazon.

How much time do the recipes take in The Pho Cookbook?

Mostly between an hour and five hours, depending on the recipe.

Does The Pho Cookbook provide nutritional information?

No, The Pho Cookbook does not provide nutritional information.

Are the recipes family-friendly in The Pho Cookbook?

Yes, assuming your family is willing to try new food and likes soups.

Is The Pho Cookbook part of a series?

No, The Pho Cookbook is not part of a series.

Can I read The Pho Cookbook like a book?

Yes. In fact, I think you have to in order to get the most out of the book. There is so much context and story around pho and how to really make it well.

Is The Pho Cookbook a keeper for the collection or a borrower from the library?

If you’re a fan of Pho, this book is a keeper. If you are unsure of love of Pho, check out it from the library and make a bowl.

Recipe Review

Recipes I’ve Tried

None yet.

Recipes I’m Excited to Try

Saigon-style Beef Pho. Quick Chicken Pho. Vegan “Beef” Pho.

Best Recipes for Different Occasions

Quick Weeknight Meal: Quick Chicken Pho
Weekend Project: Traditional Beef Pho with homemade broth
Family Gathering: DIY Pho Bar with toppings for customization

Check out all the recipes in the book here

Final Verdict: A Permanent Addition?

As a cookbook nerd and pho lover, this will stay in my collection unless I can find an even more in-depth yet accessible guide to cooking pho (I doubt it).