Pho (Vietnamese Noodle Soup) Calories
450 calories per serving
Asian
A standard restaurant bowl of pho (Vietnamese noodle soup) contains approximately 400–500 calories, making it one of the more balanced options when dining out — though sodium levels can be surprisingly high due to the long-simmered broth. The bulk of the calories come from rice noodles and the protein of your choice, while the aromatic broth itself adds relatively few calories. Watch your portions with the noodles and be mindful of add-ins like hoisin sauce and tendon, which can quietly push the calorie count higher.
Protein
30g
27% of calories
Carbs
55g
49% of calories
Fat
9g
18% of calories
Ingredient Breakdown
| Ingredient | Calories | Protein | Carbs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rice Noodles (bánh phở, ~2 cups cooked) | 180 | 3g | 40g |
| Beef Broth (2–2.5 cups, bone-based) | 40 | 4g | 2g |
| Beef Slices (thinly sliced sirloin/brisket, ~3 oz) | 150 | 20g | 0g |
| Bean Sprouts (~1 cup, fresh) | 26 | 2g | 5g |
| Fresh Herbs (basil, cilantro, green onion) | 10 | 0.5g | 1.5g |
| Hoisin Sauce (1 tbsp, for dipping) | 35 | 0.5g | 7g |
| Sriracha Sauce (1 tsp) | 5 | 0g | 1g |
| Lime Juice & Aromatics (ginger, star anise, onion) | 10 | 0g | 2g |
| Total | 450 | 30g | 55g |
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Start your free trialHealthier Alternatives
Pho with extra vegetables and half the noodles
Save ~150 calories by asking for a half noodle portion and doubling up on bean sprouts, mushrooms, and bok choy
Chicken Pho (Phở Gà) instead of beef
Save ~70 calories — chicken breast is leaner than beef brisket or flank, and the broth is typically lighter too
Skip the hoisin sauce dip
Save ~35 calories and reduce added sugars by skipping or limiting the hoisin sauce tableside
Small bowl (small restaurant size) instead of large
Save ~120 calories — most restaurants offer small bowls with roughly 25–30% less noodles and protein
Portion Tips
- 1.
Ask for a small bowl: Restaurant pho portions are generous — a large bowl can exceed 700 calories. Ordering a small or medium is an easy way to keep calories in check.
- 2.
Go easy on the hoisin sauce: One tablespoon adds ~35 calories and a significant sugar load. Use it sparingly as a dip rather than stirring it into the whole bowl.
- 3.
Load up the herb plate: Fresh bean sprouts, basil, and lime are virtually calorie-free and add bulk, flavor, and nutrition to your bowl without the caloric cost.
- 4.
Choose lean proteins: Opt for eye of round (tái), chicken breast, or shrimp over fatty cuts like tendon (gân) or tripe (sách), which are higher in fat and calories.
- 5.
Watch the sodium: A full restaurant bowl can contain 1,200–1,800mg of sodium — approaching a full day's recommended limit. Consider not finishing all the broth if you're watching sodium intake.
Common Questions About Pho (Vietnamese Noodle Soup)
Is pho healthy for weight loss?
Pho can be a relatively diet-friendly choice at around 400–500 calories per standard bowl, with a good amount of protein to keep you full. However, the high sodium content (~1,400mg+) is worth noting, and large restaurant portions can push calories higher. Choosing lean proteins, loading up on vegetables, and leaving some broth behind can make it an even better option for weight management.
How many calories are in a large bowl of pho?
A large restaurant bowl of pho typically contains between 600–800 calories, depending on the protein choice and how much noodles are included. Fatty cuts like brisket and added sauces like hoisin can increase this further. A standard (medium) bowl generally falls in the 400–500 calorie range.
Is pho high in carbs?
Yes, pho is moderately high in carbohydrates, primarily from the rice noodles. A standard serving contains roughly 50–60g of carbs. If you're following a low-carb or keto diet, you can ask for zucchini noodles or a reduced noodle portion — some restaurants will accommodate this request.
What is the highest-calorie part of pho?
The rice noodles are the single largest calorie contributor in a bowl of pho, accounting for roughly 35–40% of total calories. The protein (especially fatty beef cuts like brisket or tendon) is the second biggest factor. The broth itself is relatively low in calories but very high in sodium.