What To Serve With Pho? 16 BEST Side Dishes

Pho is a flavorful and comforting Vietnamese noodle soup that's perfect for any occasion. But when it comes to rounding out your meal, you might wonder what goes best with this delicious bowl of goodness.

Here you can find 16 amazing side dishes that go excellently with pho.

Looking for a quick answer?

The best side dishes to serve with pho are potstickers, spring rolls, steamed dumplings, beef ramen, edamame, chicken pad krapow, Hong Kong noodles, mango kani salad, bok choy, egg roll in a bowl, tofu stir-fry, vegetable tempura, pickled daikon, spicy green bean stir-fry, garlic butter shrimp, and Thai basil chicken.

Now, let's get cooking!

1. Potstickers

Potstickers are like little pockets of joy. Stuffed with meat or vegetables and pan-fried to perfection, they offer a different texture that complements the smooth, silky pho broth. Plus, you can dip them in the same sauce you're using for your pho, tying the whole meal together.

2. Spring Rolls

Spring rolls are a no-brainer when it comes to pairing with Vietnamese pho. Fresh veggies and optional shrimp or lean meat wrapped in rice paper offer a light and refreshing contrast to the hot, savory broth. Don't forget the peanut or hoisin sauce for dipping!

3. Steamed Dumplings

Steamed dumplings, whether filled with meat or vegetables, bring a comforting and hearty element to the table. They're like little parcels of flavor that you can either dunk into your pho or enjoy with a side of soy sauce.

4. Beef Ramen

If you're in the mood for an all-out noodle extravaganza, consider adding a bowl of beef ramen to the mix. The rich flavors of the ramen broth offer a delightful contrast to the more delicate pho, and let's be honest—can you ever have too many noodles?

5. Edamame

Steamed and lightly salted, edamame beans are the perfect finger food to nibble on while you're enjoying your Vietnamese pho. They're not just tasty but also packed with protein and fiber, making them a healthy addition to your meal.

6. Chicken Pad Krapow

Adding some Thai flair to your meal, Chicken Pad Krapow is a spicy chicken stir-fry dish with holy basil. It adds a touch of heat and a whole lot of flavor, balancing out the richness of the pho. The combination of the spicy chicken with the aromatic basil creates an exotic flavor profile that complements the complexity of the pho. Plus, it's a great way to add some protein to your meal.

7. Hong Kong Noodles

Hong Kong Noodles bring a different noodle experience to the table. These are often stir-fried with a medley of vegetables and a savory sauce. The chewy texture and rich flavor of Hong Kong noodles make them a filling and satisfying addition to the meal. They offer a contrast to the lighter, more aromatic pho, making for a well-rounded dining experience.

8. Mango Kani Salad

For something refreshing and light, Mango Kani Salad is a delightful choice. This dish combines sweet mango slices with imitation crab meat and a creamy mayo-based dressing. The sweetness of the mango cuts through the savory depth of the pho, offering a refreshing palate cleanser. It's like a tropical vacation in a side dish, bringing brightness and zest to your meal.

9. Bok Choy

Don't underestimate the power of greens, especially bok choy. This leafy vegetable sautéed in garlic and a dash of soy sauce adds a healthy and colorful element to your pho meal. The slight bitterness of the bok choy greens pairs well with the savory notes of the soup, while the crunchy stems offer a contrasting texture.

10. Egg Roll in a Bowl

Think of all the deliciousness of an egg roll, but without the wrapper. This dish deconstructs the classic egg roll, bringing you all the savory meat and crisp veggies directly in a bowl. It's like having a stir-fry on the side, but with all the flavors you'd expect from a traditional egg roll.

11. Tofu Stir-Fry

Looking for a vegetarian option? Tofu stir-fry is a great choice. Seasoned with soy sauce, garlic, and your choice of vegetables, it adds a protein-packed, flavorful dimension to the pho. It's a dish that stands on its own but also complements the deep flavors of your noodle soup.

12. Vegetable Tempura

For something crispy and delightful, try some vegetable tempura. Lightly battered and deep-fried veggies offer a crunchy counterpart to the soft noodles and tender meat in the Vietnamese pho. Plus, the tempura dipping sauce adds an extra layer of flavor.

13. Pickled Daikon

If you're up for a tangy, crunchy addition, pickled daikon could be just the thing. This pickled radish is a staple in many Asian cuisines and adds a zesty touch that can help cleanse the palate between spoonfuls of rich, savory pho.

14. Spicy Green Bean Stir-Fry

A bit of spice never hurt anybody, right? Spicy green bean stir-fry brings heat and flavor to your meal. The green beans are cooked just enough to remain crisp, while a spicy sauce adds some kick.

15. Garlic Butter Shrimp

Garlic Butter Shrimp is a side dish that can steal the show. Plump, juicy shrimp are sautéed in a rich sauce made from butter, garlic, and a splash of lemon juice, offering a symphony of flavors that's hard to resist. The garlicky aroma and buttery richness of the shrimp contrast beautifully with the complex flavors of pho. It's a high-protein option that adds an indulgent touch to your meal.

16. Thai Basil Chicken

Last but not least, consider adding some Thai Basil Chicken to the mix. This dish bursts with the flavors of garlic, Thai basil, and chilies. It's a little spicy, a little sweet, and very satisfying. It pairs especially well if you’re enjoying a chicken-based pho.