Pho is a Vietnamese soup that typically contains rice noodles, meat, and a flavorful broth. It’s a popular dish that many people enjoy, but for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, the question of whether or not pho is gluten free is a valid one.
Let’s take a closer look at this delicious soup to see if it’s safe for those on a gluten free diet.
The Good news…
The good news is that pho can be made without any gluten containing ingredients. The rice noodles and meat are both naturally gluten free, and the broth can be made using GF chicken or beef stock, and seasoned with GF soy sauce or fish sauce.
So if you order pho at a restaurant that caters to those with gluten sensitivities, you can rest assured that your meal will be safe for you to eat.
The Bad news…
Unfortunately, not all restaurants are as careful when it comes to cross contamination. If the kitchen uses the same utensils and cookware for both gluten containing and gluten free dishes, there’s a chance that your pho could come into contact with traces of wheat flour or other gluten containing substances.
This is why it’s always important to ask about how a restaurant prepares its food before you order, especially if you have dietary restrictions.
What should you do?
All in all, pho can be a great option for those on a gluten free diet as long as you’re careful about where you order it from.
If you’re ever unsure about whether or not a dish is truly GF, always err on the side of caution and ask your server before digging in.
And last but not least, enjoy your meal!