The 15 Best Sauces for Pho

Pho is a Vietnamese noodle soup that has become popular worldwide.

It’s a delicious and nutritious meal that can be enjoyed in many different ways.

But the one thing that makes pho truly special is its sauces – they give it an extra depth of flavor and texture that elevates the dish to new heights.

From hoisin sauce to sriracha, there are plenty of options when it comes to adding a little something extra to your pho.

But which ones should you choose?

In this article, I’ll be sharing my top 15 favorite sauces for pho so you can find the perfect accompaniment for your bowl of noodles!

Read Also:

• 15 Best Vegetables To Use In Pho
• What To Serve With Pho? 15 Best Side Dishes
• Pho Wine Pairing – The Best Wines for Pho

The 15 Best Sauces for Pho

Pho is a delicious Vietnamese dish, but it can be hard to find the perfect sauce for it.

Fortunately, there are many options that can give you the flavor and texture you’re looking for.

Here we look at fifteen sauces that will take your pho to the next level:

1. Sriracha

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When it comes to that extra kick of flavor in pho, sriracha is the MVP.

It packs some serious punch without overpowering other flavors or ruining the delicate taste balance.

Plus, its iconic rooster label and bright red color give your dish a zesty flair.

And let’s face it – we all love playing around with sauces at the table, right?

With sriracha, you can turn up the heat so your soup has plenty of flavor and just enough spice to keep things interesting until the last spoonful.

So go ahead: Splash on some sriracha to take your pho from good to great!

2. Hoisin Sauce

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Ahhh, hoisin sauce, the star of Vietnamese cuisine.

It’s that special ingredient that gives pho its distinct flavor and takes it to new heights.

As you’re slurping down your favorite bowl of noodles, the combination of savory and sweet from the hoisin sauce helps round out all the flavors in a truly remarkable way.

It’s also incredibly versatile; you can use it as a marinade for proteins, brush it on meats before grilling or roasting for extra flavor and deliciousness, or add an extra dollop into your bowl of pho if you’re feeling adventurous.

No matter how you choose to use it, adding some hoisin sauce into your meal will elevate those flavors like never before!

3. Fish Sauce

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Ah, fish sauce… it’s like the icing on the pho cake!

You can almost taste its distinctive umami flavor when you add a few drops of this magical elixir to your broth.

It adds an extra depth that makes it impossible to resist for even a second bite.

And let’s not forget about its texture either; there should be just enough fish sauce in your broth so that it coats your tongue and leaves you wanting more.

Fish sauce is truly the star of pho!

A good bowl isn’t complete without a generous helping of these sauces – they give it an unforgettable flavor and make all the difference in terms of elevating your dining experience.

Now, who said dinner can’t be delicious?

4. Chili Garlic Sauce

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Ahhh, chili garlic sauce — it’s the secret ingredient that makes pho special!

Think of it as a like a party for your taste buds; an explosion of flavor that’ll leave you wanting more.

Whether you’re using it on a classic beef pho or something more uncommon, like seafood pho, this sauce can really make all the difference.

The magic of chili garlic sauce is in its balance between spicy and garlicky flavors — there’s no way to resist it!

Plus, the texture adds an extra dimension of creaminess which heightens every mouthful.

5. Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce

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Let’s face it: Nuoc Cham dipping sauce is what makes pho truly special.

It’s like the finishing touch that takes a dish from good to next-level delicious.

Without this sweet and savory mixture of fish sauce, sugar, lime juice, garlic, and chili peppers, you’re missing out on sides of flavor and texture that elevate your pho experience.

That unique umami taste combined with just the right balance of sweet and spicy will have your taste buds tingling in delight!

And don’t be afraid to experiment–maybe add some more chili pepper for extra heat or turn up the sweetness for something a bit different.

No matter how you mix it up, Nuoc Cham has your back every step of the way.

6. Vietnamese Fermented Shrimp Sauce (Mam Tom)

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Mam Tom is the magical sauce that ties it all together and makes pho sing.

It’s like a symphony of flavor, with hints of sweetness and umami.

Made from fermented shrimp, this delightful condiment adds an undeniable complexity to the classic Vietnamese dish – one that you just can’t get any other way.

Mam Tom sets apart pho from so many other Asian dishes: it’s what elevates this delicious noodle soup to gourmet Levels.

A few spoonfuls of mam tom added at the end make alllllll the difference on your palate — and when you take that first bite, you’ll see why we consider this to be an essential part of any authentic bowl of pho!

7. Vietnamese Green Seafood Sauce (Muoi Ot Xanh)

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If you’re a fan of pho, then you know that the one thing that really makes it special is its sauces.

And when it comes to seafood dishes, nothing quite compares to Vietnamese green seafood sauce (Muoi Ot Xanh).

This magical condiment adds an extra depth of flavor and texture to your food that truly elevates the dish.

Think of Muoi Ot Xanh as taking your normally tasty plate and sprinkling it with pixie dust – but instead of giving you wings, it just takes everything up a notch in terms of deliciousness.

Sure, a pho bowl without this sauce might be good enough; but let’s be real – with some Muoi Ot Xanh added in, this feast will leave your taste buds dancing!

8. Vietnamese Ginger Fish Sauce

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Ah, yes. Vietnamese ginger fish sauce – the hidden gem of pho.

It’s hard to describe just how magical this delicate blend of sweet and savory can be, but trust us when we say you won’t regret adding it to your pho.

The way the sauces bring out the flavors of all that fresh cilantro and lime is like a scene from a modern-day fairy tale.

Ginger fish sauce isn’t overpowering – it has just enough flavor to complement those noodles and veggies without stealing the show.

Plus, you don’t need much for it to make an impact – a few tablespoons will take your bowl of pho from good to mind-blowing in just one pour!

9. Peanut Sauce

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When it comes to elevating a dish like pho, you can’t beat a little peanut sauce.

It’s the perfect combination of sweet and salty that takes the flavors of your favorite soup to new heights.

The deliciousness is unmatched!

Plus, the creamy texture and nutty flavor give each bite an extra layer of richness and complexity that turns your bowl of pho into a masterpiece.

And let’s not forget about its versatility!

Peanut sauce can be used in so many dishes from noodles to tacos.

Even mixed with some spices or hot sauce, you’ll have out-of-this-world flavor that will make everyone at your table happy.

10. Vegan Caramelized “Fish Sauce” (Kho Quẹt)

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Ah, vegan caramelized fish sauce (Kho Quẹt).

It’s an essential condiment for pho that takes it to a whole new level.

And while it may sound intimidating at first, making Kho Quẹt is actually easier than you think!

Simply simmer some shallots and garlic in oil before adding palm sugar and soy sauce.

Then mix in your vegan fish sauce and voila – you have a flavorful concoction that adds depth of flavor to any dish.

But the real magic comes when you let Kho Quẹt bubble away on low heat until everything caramelizes just right- creating an unbelievably delicious masterpiece that pairs perfectly with any type of vegetarian pho.

Whether you opt for beef, chicken or even mock duck, be sure to grab yourself a bottle of Kho Quẹt the next time you whip up some pho!

11. Kecap Manis – Indonesian Sweet Soy Sauce

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Ahhh, Kecap Manis. This Indonesian sweet soy sauce is the crowning touch of flavor on almost any dish, especially pho.

Not only does it add a hint of sweetness, but you also get notes of garlic and onion that helps to kick up the savory aspect of your meal.

Plus, its silky texture creates an even better balance in each bite you take.

The best part is that every sip and slurp with Kecap Manis will leave your taste buds singing!

Think a happy curry-esque melody that makes you want to dance in your seat as much as some fried rice would!

Nowhere else can you find such extraordinary culinary greatness except when this special sweet soy sauce joins the party.

12. Fermented Anchovy Sauce

If you haven’t tried a healthy dollop of fermented anchovy sauce with your pho, then you’re missing out on an unforgettable flavor experience.

Fermented anchovy sauce is like a secret ingredient that takes the broth in your bowl of noodles to the next level.

With every dip and spoonful, the salty fishiness gives an extra depth of flavour and texture that literally elevates your whole bowl to new heights.

But don’t be turned off by the funky smell – when it comes to fermentation, believe us when we say ‘the funkier, the better’.

13. Vietnamese Green Mango Sweet & Savory Dipping Sauce (Nước Mắm Chấm Xoài)

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Pho is already so good on its own, but when you add some Vietnamese green mango sweet and savory dipping sauce (Nước Mắm Chấm Xoài) to your bowl it’s truly elevated to a whole new level.

It adds an extra depth of flavor that gives the dish greater complexity and texture.

With notes of sweetness and slight tanginess, this sauce is the perfect complement for pho.

The best part about Nước Mắm Chấm Xoài?

You can use it with so many other dishes besides just pho.

Add a little bit to your seafood, salads or noodles for an instant upgrade in flavor!

No matter what you put it on, this special dipping sauce will bring an amazing new layer of yum to every bite – making each meal one to remember.

14. Laksa Paste

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You’ve heard of the saying ‘variety is the spice of life’, right?

Well, that’s exactly what Laksa paste can bring to your favorite pho dish.

This delicious combination of spices and aromatics give a special depth and complexity to the flavor profile that regular sauces just can’t match.

Just one taste will send you straight to foodie heaven!

Plus, laksa paste is also incredibly versatile – you can use it as a marinade for proteins or even as a base in soups or stews.

It truly adds something extra to make your meals stand out from the rest.

So, if you’re looking for an amazing new way to elevate your pho game, look no further than laksa paste!

15. Honey Garlic Sauce

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When it comes to pho, there’s no such thing as one-size-fits-all.

But the one thing that takes this hearty Vietnamese soup from good to great is its sauces — and honey garlic sauce is my absolute favorite!

This sweet, savory sauce adds amazing complexity with each spoonful, making it a must for any true pho connoisseur.

From grilled sandwiches to stir fries, honey garlic sauce has the ability to transform any dish into something truly special.

But when paired with noodles and herbs in a bowl of steaming hot pho?

Now you’re talking about comfort food at its finest.

And who doesn’t love being able to customize their dinner with a few extra swirls of flavor?

It just goes to show that sometimes all you need is the right condiment to put some pep in your step.