Pho and ramen are two incredibly popular dishes, but many people don’t actually know the difference between them! They are both soupy noodle dishes from Asia, and that is often as far as our knowledge extends.
However, if you ever get to taste these dishes side by side, you will notice a number of differences between them immediately. If you would like to learn the difference between pho and ramen, just keep reading!
We will cover everything you need to know in the sections below.
Where Do These Dishes Come From?
Both dishes are from Asia – but there are 48 countries in Asia! Let’s take a look at which countries these dishes come from, and how they got there.
Pho
Pho (pronounced fuh), came to fruition in northern Vietnam sometime between 1900 and 1907. At this point in time, there were various cultures within the country that coexisted together, including Chinese immigrants and the French colonists.
The French brought the beef, and the Chinese brought the delicious rice noodles. When the ingredients were put together, pho was created, and has stuck around ever since.
Ramen
Ramen, on the other hand, was also a creation that evolved in Japan. It is thought that this dish was originally brought over by the Chinese under the name of Iamian, and over the years, the Japanese altered the recipe into what it is today.
Before the 1950s, ramen was far more difficult to make – then Momofuku Ando created instant ramen! This allowed everyone to make ramen in minutes by just adding hot water. This is the ramen that many of us know and love today.
What Time Of Day Do You Usually Eat These Dishes?
Even the time of day locals typically enjoy these meals is different! Let’s explore more in the sections below.
Pho
Pho is typically enjoyed as a breakfast dish! This might be unusual for people in the West, as the thought of having a bowl of noodles and meat might not be the first breakfast food that you think of.
However, this offers a delicious and nutritious meal to start your day off.
Ramen
Ramen is traditionally enjoyed as a lunch or dinner dish, but there are two regions in Japan where ramen is particularly enjoyed for breakfast – Shida and Kitakata.
Other than that, ramen is a popular snack during the day, or even a late night snack, as it is quick and easy to make.
What Is The Difference Between Pho And Ramen?
Below, we will explore some of the major differences between pho and ramen in terms of ingredients and the overall recipes. You might be surprised to find out how different these soup noodle dishes really are!
The Noodles
The primary ingredient in pho are the rice noodles – made from water and rice flour. These kinds of noodles are usually very light, and can almost be translucent if they are cooked perfectly.
Ramen noodles are their own kind of noodles, and are made from wheat flour and kansui, which ensures the noodles hold their texture. This makes them more filling and heartier compared to rice noodles.
There are lots of different ramen noodle types, including thin, thick, straight, and wavy!
The Flavors And Meat
Since the French brought beef to Vietnam, this is the most popular type of meat used in pho. However, pork is also commonly used, with all different cuts being utilized. The meat in pho will usually be sliced very thinly.
This meat is likely to be raw, and is meant to be added to the broth for a few minutes to allow it to cook through at your table. So, if you ever order pho and the meat is raw, this is why!
Let it sit in the broth to cook, and it will be perfectly tender and delicious.
In ramen, the meat will be sliced thicker and have more fat on it. However, you will still have the option to choose the kind of meat you would prefer – usually between beef or pork.
The meat you get with ramen should always be cooked, as the thickness would mean that it would not be able to fully cook in the broth.
The Topping
When it comes to pho toppings, there are usually a wide variety to choose from. Every dish will be served with sprouts and herbs, as well as other garnishes like cilantro, lime, chili, or any sauce you prefer. Hoisin and fish sauce are popular options.
The world is your oyster with ramen toppings. You may choose to add toppings like boiled eggs, sprouts, seaweed, roast pork, corn, and so much more. Just remember that you pay additionally for every topping you order!
The Broth
Pho broth is typically made using either chicken or beef, with the latter being the more popular option. Additional ingredients such as charred onion, fennel seed, coriander seed, clove, ginger, cardamom and cinnamon are all added, too.
These ingredients make the broth delightfully flavorsome, but also fresh and light. As such, it’s a great base for a breakfast dish!
Ramen broth will typically be thicker than the broth used in pho, and it will have a stronger flavor. Pork or chicken are used to make this, along with things like pork bones, onions, dried sardines, or help. Each of these ingredients adds a strong flavor!
There are three kinds of ramen broths to choose from – miso, soy, or salt. These are all delicious, and will pack a punch when you try them out.
Final Thoughts
So, despite pho and ramen being delicious soup noodle dishes from Asia, one is from Vietnam, and the other is Japanese. They have unique flavors with different kinds of noodles, and entirely different broths.
Even the way you order these dishes can vary, as you have many more options in terms of toppings when you choose to order ramen.
With that being said, both of these dishes are delightful, and you should definitely try them both if you get the chance.
Hi, I’m Jason Patrick, and for as long as I have been alive, I have been obsessed with Japanese culture. From the sights and sounds of Japan’s many cities to its culinary delights that have become famous worldwide, I simply cannot get enough of this wonderful nation!
I hope that, by exploring this website, you all will develop a much deeper appreciation for Japan, and that it may even influence you to pay it a visit yourself eventually! It is definitely a trip of a lifetime, and whether you experience it firsthand, or through my own website, I’m sure you will become just as passionate as I always have been!
