Nutrition Diet: How many calories are in one large bowl of pho?

October 20, 2025 •

4 min read

The calorie count of a large bowl of pho can vary dramatically, ranging anywhere from 700 to over 1,200 calories depending on the ingredients and restaurant. While this aromatic Vietnamese soup is celebrated for its fresh ingredients, understanding the factors that influence its nutritional value is key for a balanced diet, especially if you want to know how many calories are in one large bowl of pho.

Quick Summary

A large bowl of pho can have a widely variable calorie count, influenced by the type and quantity of protein, noodles, and added sauces. Customizing your ingredients, like choosing leaner meat and limiting noodles, is key for a healthier meal.

Key Points

Wide Calorie Range: A large restaurant bowl of pho can contain 700-1,200 or more calories, highly dependent on preparation.
Protein Matters: Beef pho is often the highest in calories due to fattier cuts, while chicken or vegetarian options are leaner.
Noodles Add Up: A significant portion of pho's calories and carbs comes from the large serving of rice noodles.
Hidden Calories in Sauces: Hoisin and sriracha, while flavorful, add extra calories and sugar that can significantly impact the total.
High Sodium Content: Most restaurant pho is very high in sodium, sometimes containing more than half of the daily recommended intake in a single bowl.
Customization for Health: For a lighter meal, ask for less noodles, more vegetables, and choose lean protein.

The Calorie Breakdown of a Large Bowl of Pho

A large bowl of pho from a restaurant typically falls within a broad calorie range, primarily due to inconsistent portion sizes and ingredients across different establishments. The key components contributing to the total calorie count are the broth, noodles, protein, and any added sauces or toppings. While the broth itself is relatively low in calories, the bulk of the calories comes from the noodles and meat.

Factors Influencing Pho's Caloric Content

Serving Size: A medium bowl might contain 350–500 calories, but a large, extra-large, or 'special' bowl can easily double or triple that amount, sometimes exceeding 1,200 calories.
Protein Choice: Leaner proteins like chicken breast or eye-of-round beef will result in a lower calorie and fat count than fattier cuts such as brisket or fatty flank steak. Vegetarian pho with tofu is often the lowest-calorie option.
Noodles: Rice noodles are a significant source of carbohydrates and, therefore, calories. The amount of noodles can dramatically impact the final count. A 20-ounce bowl of beef pho can contain over 100 grams of carbs, mostly from the rice noodles.
Sauces and Toppings: Condiments like hoisin and sriracha add flavor but also contribute a surprising amount of extra calories and sodium. Fried shallots, extra oil in the broth, or fatty proteins are also contributing factors.

Customizing Your Pho for a Lighter Meal

For those watching their calorie intake, you can still enjoy a delicious bowl of pho by making a few simple modifications. These adjustments focus on managing macronutrients and reducing high-calorie additions.

Choose Lean Protein: Opt for lean chicken breast (pho ga), lean steak (pho tai), or tofu for a substantial protein boost with less fat.
Reduce Noodles: Ask for less rice noodles or request a half-portion. You can also substitute some noodles with extra bean sprouts to maintain a feeling of fullness.
Load Up on Veggies: Request extra fresh herbs and vegetables like basil, mint, bean sprouts, and bok choy to increase fiber and micronutrients with minimal added calories.
Control the Sauces: Use hoisin and sriracha sparingly. Instead, use fresh lime juice, chili, or extra herbs to enhance the flavor without the extra sugar and sodium.
Manage Portion Size: If eating at a restaurant, order a smaller bowl or share a large one. This is one of the most effective ways to control your calorie intake.

The Health Considerations Beyond Calories

While calories are a key metric for weight management, the overall nutritional profile of pho is also important. The most significant health concern associated with restaurant-prepared pho is its high sodium content.

A single bowl of restaurant pho can contain over 1,000 mg of sodium, sometimes reaching more than 2,000 mg, which is a substantial portion of the 2,300 mg daily limit recommended for healthy adults. High sodium intake can contribute to increased blood pressure and cardiovascular issues. To combat this, making pho at home allows for better control over the salt added to the broth.

For additional fiber and vitamins, consider adding extra vegetables and herbs to your bowl. The broth itself contains beneficial nutrients and collagen from the slow-simmered bones, but the other ingredients are needed for a truly balanced meal.

A Comparison of Pho Calories


Type of Pho	Approximate Calories (Large Bowl)	Macronutrient Profile	Primary Calorie Source
Beef (Pho Bo)	700 - 1200+	Higher fat and protein	Fatty beef cuts, large noodle portions, sauces
Chicken (Pho Ga)	500 - 800	Lower fat, lean protein	Lean chicken breast, noodles
Vegetarian	400 - 600	Lowest fat and protein	Tofu, noodles, vegetables
Broth only	50 - 150	Negligible fat and protein	Spices, herbs, minor ingredients

Conclusion: Enjoying Pho Mindfully

In summary, knowing precisely how many calories are in one large bowl of pho is challenging due to the high variability of restaurant preparation. A large serving can contain anywhere from 700 to well over 1,000 calories, with beef versions generally being higher in calories than chicken or vegetarian options. Key factors influencing the calorie count are the type of protein, the amount of rice noodles, and the addition of high-sodium sauces like hoisin and sriracha.

However, this does not mean pho is an unhealthy meal. By making mindful choices, such as selecting leaner proteins, reducing the amount of noodles, and focusing on fresh vegetables and herbs, you can create a satisfying and nutritious meal that fits within your dietary goals. Paying attention to the high sodium content is also crucial for overall health. With a little customization, pho can be a warm, flavorful, and healthy addition to your diet.

For more detailed nutritional information and daily recommendations, consult authoritative resources such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) food database.

USDA FoodData Central

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, pho can be good for weight loss when consumed as part of a balanced diet. It is high in protein and can be customized with leaner proteins and more vegetables to keep calorie counts low while remaining filling.

You can reduce the calories by choosing a lean protein like chicken breast or tofu, asking for fewer rice noodles, adding extra fresh vegetables and herbs, and limiting high-calorie sauces like hoisin.

The broth itself is relatively low in calories. Most of the calories in pho come from the rice noodles, meat, and added sauces, not the broth.

Beef pho generally has a higher calorie count than chicken pho, primarily because fattier cuts of beef are often used. Chicken pho, especially with lean breast meat, is typically a lighter option.

Restaurant pho broth is typically simmered with spices and seasonings that lead to a high sodium content. Condiments like fish sauce, hoisin, and sriracha also add to the high sodium levels.

Pho noodles (rice noodles) are a source of refined carbohydrates, which provide energy but offer minimal fiber. To improve the nutritional profile, you can reduce the noodle portion and add more vegetables.

Vegetarian pho, especially with a vegetable broth and tofu, is often lower in calories and fat compared to meat-based versions. It can also contain more vegetables, boosting fiber and nutrient intake.