Garnish for Pho
Garnish for Pho is a vibrant, fresh assembly of herbs and vegetables served alongside the iconic Vietnamese noodle soup. Typically including Thai basil, bean sprouts, lime wedges, sliced jalapeños, and sometimes sawtooth herb or cilantro, it allows diners to customize their bowl with aromatic, crunchy, and tangy elements. This tradition of fresh accompaniments is a hallmark of Vietnamese cuisine, enhancing the rich, savory broth with bright, contrasting flavors.
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🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
These garnishes are very low in calories and fat, providing essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber without adding significant carbs or protein. A typical serving adds roughly 10-20 calories and is rich in vitamin K, vitamin C, and antioxidants from the fresh herbs and vegetables.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 25 kcal |
| Protein | 1.5 g |
| Carbs | 5 g |
| Fat | 0.3 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 15 mg |
| Vitamin K | 90 mcg |
| Vitamin C | 15 mg |
| Vitamin A | 200 mcg |
| Folate | 40 mcg |
| Potassium | 250 mg |
| Manganese | 0.3 mg |
| Iron | 0.5 mg |
| Calcium | 40 mg |
Per 1 cup (about 100 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, the garnish plate embodies the Vietnamese principle of balance, allowing each person to tailor their pho to their personal taste for freshness and heat. Nutritionally, the raw herbs and sprouts add a potent dose of phytonutrients and enzymes that complement the cooked components of the soup.
