How Many Calories Are In a Vietnamese Pho? A Detailed Nutritional Breakdown

November 29, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutrition data, a medium-sized bowl of Vietnamese pho typically contains between 350 and 500 calories, a satisfying meal that can be part of a healthy diet. The exact number of calories in a Vietnamese pho, however, depends heavily on the specific ingredients used, such as the protein source, amount of noodles, and overall portion size.

Quick Summary

The calorie count of a bowl of pho varies based on ingredients, protein choice, and portion size. While a medium bowl ranges from 350 to 500 calories, factors like noodle quantity and broth type can alter the total. Making simple adjustments can help manage caloric and sodium intake.

Key Points

Caloric Range: A medium bowl of Vietnamese pho typically contains 350 to 500 calories, while large restaurant bowls can be significantly higher.
Protein Matters: The type of protein impacts calories, with chicken and tofu being leaner choices than fatty beef cuts like brisket.
Noodle Control: Rice noodles contribute a large number of calories and carbs, so requesting fewer can help manage your intake.
Sodium Alert: Restaurant pho broth is often high in sodium, making it important to be mindful of broth and added sauce intake.
Nutrient-Dense: Despite caloric concerns, pho offers valuable protein, vitamins, and minerals, especially with added fresh vegetables and herbs.
Customization for Health: Personalizing your pho by adding extra vegetables and limiting sauces is an effective strategy for creating a healthier meal.

The Caloric Range of a Vietnamese Pho

Vietnamese pho is a beloved national dish, known for its aromatic broth, rice noodles, and savory protein. A standard-sized restaurant bowl often contains between 350 and 500 calories. However, some very large restaurant portions, especially those with fattier cuts of meat, can push the calorie count much higher, sometimes even exceeding 900 calories. At the other end of the spectrum, carefully prepared homemade or vegetarian versions can be lower in calories, sometimes falling around 300 kcal or less.

Factors Influencing Pho's Calorie Count

Several key components contribute to the final calorie count of your pho. By understanding these factors, you can make more informed choices whether dining out or cooking at home.

Protein Source: The type of meat or protein you choose has a significant impact. Leaner proteins like chicken breast or eye of round beef contain fewer calories and saturated fat than fattier cuts like brisket or flank steak. Vegan pho with tofu and vegetables is typically the lowest-calorie option.
Noodle Quantity: Rice noodles are the primary source of carbohydrates and a major contributor to the overall calorie load. Many restaurant portions include a very generous helping of noodles, which can be moderated if you are watching your calorie intake. Requesting fewer noodles or opting for alternatives like konjac noodles can significantly reduce the carb and calorie count.
Broth Composition: A traditional beef pho broth (phở bò) is often richer and contains more fat from the marrow bones used in simmering compared to a chicken broth (phở gà), though broth is generally low in calories overall. However, the sodium content in restaurant broths is often high and is a more significant nutritional concern for many people.
Added Sauces and Toppings: The extra sauces and toppings you add can quickly increase calories. For example, hoisin sauce and sriracha, while delicious, add sugar and sodium. Garnishes like fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and lime add flavor without many calories, while fried toppings can increase fat content.

Comparison of Different Pho Types

To help visualize the difference, here is a comparison of typical caloric content for various types of pho. Note that these are averages and can vary greatly based on restaurant and portion size.


Type of Pho	Average Calories (Medium Bowl)	Average Protein (g)	Average Fat (g)
Beef Pho (Phở bò)	450–500	30–35	5–10
Chicken Pho (Phở gà)	350–450	25–30	2–5
Vegetarian Pho (Phở chay)	300–400	15–20	4–6

How to Enjoy a Healthier Bowl of Pho

If you're calorie-conscious but don't want to miss out on this flavorful dish, here are some practical tips to make your next pho healthier:

Load up on vegetables: Ask for extra bean sprouts, fresh basil, and other herbs. This adds volume, fiber, and nutrients without significant calories.
Choose leaner protein: Opt for chicken breast or a lean cut of beef. You can also increase the protein with extra tofu in a vegetarian version.
Watch the noodles: Request a smaller portion of rice noodles to reduce your carb and calorie intake.
Limit sauces: Use hoisin and sriracha sparingly. Squeeze a fresh lime wedge into your bowl for a tangy flavor boost instead.
Consider a side of broth: If you are at a restaurant, you might ask for a smaller portion of the broth or get a side of a low-sodium version if available.

Beyond Calories: Other Nutritional Aspects

While calories are a major consideration for many, it's important to look at the whole nutritional picture. Pho is more than just calories; it offers a balanced mix of nutrients that provide health benefits.

High in Protein: A bowl of pho provides a significant amount of protein, essential for muscle repair and satiety. Beef pho often has the highest protein content.
Hydration: The broth in pho is primarily water-based, making it an excellent way to hydrate while enjoying a flavorful meal.
Vitamins and Minerals: The fresh herbs and vegetables added to pho, such as cilantro, basil, and jalapenos, contribute vitamins and antioxidants. The bone broth itself also contains minerals.
Sodium: One of the biggest drawbacks of restaurant pho is its high sodium content, which can reach or exceed the daily recommended limit in a single bowl. Choosing a low-sodium broth or making your own can help manage this.
Carbohydrates: The rice noodles provide a quick energy source, but they are refined carbohydrates. A balanced bowl with plenty of protein and vegetables is key.

Conclusion

In summary, the number of calories in a Vietnamese pho can vary significantly, ranging from approximately 350 to over 900 calories, depending on the ingredients, portion size, and preparation method. A medium bowl with a leaner protein like chicken is a moderate option, while a large beef brisket pho can be very calorie-dense. By making conscious choices about your protein, noodle quantity, and use of sauces, you can easily control the calorie count while still enjoying the rich and complex flavors of this traditional Vietnamese noodle soup. For further information on healthy eating and nutrition guidelines, you can consult the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Frequently Asked Questions

A medium-sized bowl of pho is generally considered a moderate-calorie meal, with most standard portions containing between 350 and 500 calories. However, a large restaurant bowl with fatty beef cuts can be high in calories.

Yes, beef pho (phở bò) generally has more calories than chicken pho (phở gà) because beef broth is often richer and the cuts of beef can be higher in fat compared to lean chicken breast.

To reduce calories, you can request fewer rice noodles, choose a leaner protein like chicken or tofu, load up on fresh vegetables and herbs, and use hoisin and sriracha sauces sparingly.

Yes, vegetarian or vegan pho is typically lower in calories than meat-based versions, averaging around 300 to 400 calories per bowl.

Some instant pho products might be lower in calories, but this is not a guarantee. Some instant chicken pho packages list calories around 239 kcal, but it depends on the brand and how it's prepared.

The main contributors to the calorie count in pho are the rice noodles and the protein source. A large portion of rice noodles or a fatty cut of beef will significantly increase the total calories.

The broth itself is generally low in calories, but it is often very high in sodium, especially in restaurant versions. The calories mainly come from the other ingredients, not the broth.