Pho garnish
Pho garnish refers to the fresh herbs and accompaniments served alongside Vietnamese pho soup, allowing diners to customize their bowl. It typically includes Thai basil, cilantro, bean sprouts, lime wedges, and sliced chilies, with optional additions like sawtooth herb or culantro. This garnish platter is a signature element of pho culture, originating from Vietnam.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
Pho garnish is very low in calories, fat, and protein, contributing primarily fiber, vitamins (like vitamin K and C), and antioxidants. A typical serving adds roughly 10-20 calories to the meal, making it a nutrient-dense, low-energy addition.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 35 kcal |
| Protein | 2.5 g |
| Carbs | 6 g |
| Fat | 0.5 g |
| Fiber | 1.5 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 20 mg |
| Vitamin C | 15 mg |
| Vitamin K | 45 mcg |
| Vitamin A | 2000 IU |
| Folate | 30 mcg |
| Potassium | 250 mg |
| Calcium | 30 mg |
| Iron | 1.0 mg |
| Manganese | 0.3 mg |
Per 1 cup (approx. 150 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
The garnish platter is culturally significant as it embodies the Vietnamese principle of balancing flavors and textures—freshness, heat, and acidity—to cut through the rich broth. Nutritionally, the raw herbs provide enzymes and phytonutrients that can aid digestion and enhance the bioavailability of nutrients from the soup.
