How Many Calories Are in Cooked Pho? A Nutritional Breakdown

December 28, 2025 •

4 min read

Typically, a medium-sized bowl of cooked pho contains between 350 and 500 calories, but the exact number can vary significantly. This traditional Vietnamese noodle soup is celebrated for its aromatic broth and flavorful combination of meat, noodles, and fresh herbs, making it a delicious and hearty meal option.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for cooked pho fluctuates based on the broth, protein, noodle quantity, and toppings. Beef pho generally has more calories than chicken or vegetarian versions. Reducing noodles, choosing lean protein, and using low-sodium broth are effective strategies for lowering the calorie content of your bowl.

Key Points

Medium Pho Varies: A medium bowl of cooked pho typically contains 350–500 calories, but restaurant-sized and ingredient variations can push this range higher.
Protein Affects Calories: Your choice of protein is a major calorie factor; fatty beef cuts increase calories, while leaner chicken or tofu options decrease them.
Noodles are Carb-Heavy: Rice noodles are a primary source of carbohydrates and calories, so reducing your portion size is an effective way to lower the total count.
Condiments Add Calories: Be mindful of added sauces like hoisin and Sriracha, as they contain hidden calories and significant amounts of sodium.
Healthy Modifications: Customizing your bowl with extra vegetables, lean protein, and less noodles allows you to enjoy a flavorful and healthy pho meal.

The Core Components That Determine Pho Calories

The final calorie count of cooked pho is a sum of its individual components. These can be customized to suit dietary needs. By understanding the calorie contributions of each element, you can make informed choices to create a more or less calorie-dense meal.

Broth

The broth is a significant factor in the overall calorie count. A traditional beef pho (Phở Bò) broth is made by simmering beef bones, charred onions, and ginger for hours, resulting in a rich, flavorful, and slightly fatty base. A cup of beef pho broth can contain around 50 calories. In contrast, a chicken pho (Phở Gà) broth tends to be lighter, and a vegetarian broth can be lighter still, though this depends on the use of added oils.

Protein

The choice of protein has a direct and significant impact on the calorie count. Fatty cuts of beef will naturally increase the calorie total, while leaner options will keep it lower. Here's a quick look at how different proteins compare:

Beef (Phở Bò): A standard bowl with cuts like rare steak (tái), flank steak (nạm), or brisket (gầu) can push the total calorie count higher due to the fat content. A large restaurant bowl can range from 700 to 1,200 calories depending on the amount and cut of meat.
Chicken (Phở Gà): Made with lean chicken breast, this is a lighter option. A bowl of chicken pho is often in the 350-450 calorie range.
Tofu or Vegetarian: Tofu is an excellent, low-fat source of protein that significantly reduces the overall calories. Vegetarian pho bowls, which also omit the meat-based broth, often fall between 300 and 400 calories.

Noodles

The rice noodles (bánh phở) provide the bulk of the carbohydrates and, therefore, a substantial portion of the calories. A standard portion of rice noodles can contain 150-200 calories or more. Restaurant portions can be generous, and requesting fewer noodles is one of the easiest ways to reduce the overall calorie load of your pho bowl. Some low-carb alternatives, like shirataki or kelp noodles, can be used for a keto-friendly version with almost zero calories.

Toppings and Sauces

The condiments and garnishes are where hidden calories can accumulate. While fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and lime are low in calories and add flavor, sauces can add a significant amount of sugar and sodium. For instance, hoisin sauce and Sriracha can easily add 20-40 calories per tablespoon. Fried ingredients, like fried shallots or garlic, also increase fat and calorie intake.

A Comparison of Pho Varieties

Here is a comparison of the typical calories found in different types of pho. Note that these are average estimates, and restaurant portion sizes or home preparation methods can cause these numbers to vary.


Pho Type	Average Calories	Fat (g)	Protein (g)	Key Differentiators
Beef Pho (Medium)	400–500	5–10	20–30	Rich, fatty broth; beef cuts add protein and fat
Chicken Pho (Medium)	350–450	2–5	20–30	Lean chicken breast; lighter, less fatty broth
Vegetarian/Tofu Pho (Medium)	300–400	4–6	15–25	Vegetable broth; uses tofu or other plant-based protein
Large Restaurant Beef Pho	700–1,200+	15–25	30–50+	Significantly larger portions; higher noodle and fat content

How to Make Pho Healthier and Lower in Calories

Enjoying a flavorful bowl of pho doesn't have to mean sacrificing your calorie goals. Here are some simple adjustments you can make:

Ask for extra vegetables and herbs: Requesting more bean sprouts, cilantro, basil, and chilies adds bulk, fiber, and nutrients without adding many calories.
Choose lean protein: Opt for lean cuts of beef, such as eye of round, or stick with chicken breast or tofu instead of fatty brisket.
Reduce noodles: Ask for half the portion of noodles or use a smaller amount when cooking at home. You can also substitute with vegetable spirals or low-carb shirataki noodles.
Limit sauces and condiments: Use hoisin and Sriracha sparingly. Instead, rely on fresh lime juice, chili, and herbs to enhance the flavor.
Control the portion size: When dining out, consider ordering a smaller bowl or splitting a larger one. This is one of the most effective ways to manage your calorie intake.

Conclusion: A Delicious Meal with Controllable Calories

Cooked pho is a versatile dish with a calorie count that can range widely, from a light and healthy meal to a substantial, filling feast. By paying attention to ingredient choices—specifically the protein, noodle portion, and sauces—it is easy to tailor the dish to fit dietary needs. Lean chicken or tofu versions with extra vegetables and limited noodles are lower-calorie options, while larger beef pho bowls with richer broth and ample noodles will be higher. Whether making it at home or ordering at a restaurant, the power to control pho's nutritional profile is in your hands, allowing you to savor this beloved Vietnamese classic guilt-free. For a deeper look at healthier versions, consider exploring recipes from sources like Simply Recipes that offer modified versions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Beef pho is generally higher in calories than chicken pho. The beef broth tends to be fattier due to the beef bones used in simmering, and the fatty cuts of beef commonly included contribute more fat and calories than lean chicken breast.

To reduce calories, ask for a smaller portion, request fewer noodles, choose a lean protein like chicken breast or eye of round steak, and load up on fresh vegetable garnishes and herbs instead of relying on high-calorie sauces.

Yes, the rice noodles are a major contributor to the overall calorie count of pho, providing most of the carbohydrates. A typical serving of noodles can contain 150-200 calories, so reducing the portion size can significantly lower the total.

The broth itself is relatively low in calories compared to the meat and noodles, but its calorie content depends on the type. A beef broth will have more fat and calories from the bone marrow than a chicken or vegetable broth.

Yes, pho can be a good option for weight loss when customized. By choosing lean protein, limiting noodles, and adding extra vegetables, it becomes a filling and nutritious meal with a lower calorie count.

Yes, vegetarian pho, often made with a vegetable-based broth and tofu or other plant-based protein, is typically lower in calories than its meat-based counterparts, averaging 300-400 calories per bowl.

Fresh herbs, lime, and bean sprouts add very few calories and can boost nutrients. However, fatty add-ins and sauces like hoisin and Sriracha can add significant calories and sodium, so use them in moderation.