Is Pho Low FODMAP? Menu Guide [2026]

✓ Safe Items to Order

Item	Notes	Modifications
Plain Rice	Jasmine or sticky rice	Request plain steamed rice
Rice Noodles (plain)	Pho noodles	Request plain, not in broth
Grilled Meat (very modified)	If available plain	Request no marinade, no sauce - likely not possible
Steamed Vegetables	If available	Request plain with no sauce
Fresh Herbs	Bean sprouts, Thai basil, mint	Safe garnishes

✗ Items to Avoid

• Pho broth (contains onion and often garlic)
• All noodle soups (broth is high FODMAP)
• Spring rolls (wheat wrappers, often contain onion)
• Curry dishes (contain onion and garlic)
• Fish sauce (usually FODMAP-safe, but check)
• Hoisin sauce (contains garlic)
• Most marinades (contain garlic and onion)
• Banh mi sandwiches (wheat baguette)
• Stir-fried dishes (typically contain onion/garlic)

Example Orders

Very Limited Options

✓ Plain jasmine rice
✓ Request plain grilled chicken if possible
✓ Fresh herbs as garnish
✓ Water

Tip: Pho is extremely challenging - broth is the foundation

Deconstructed

✓ Plain rice noodles (if available without broth)
✓ Plain meat (if possible)
✓ Bean sprouts, herbs

Tip: You're essentially not ordering pho

Quick Summary

Pho restaurants are extremely challenging for low FODMAP diners. The signature pho broth is simmered with onions for hours, making it a concentrated source of FODMAPs. Most dishes contain onion and garlic.

Honest assessment: Pho may not be a viable option for strict low FODMAP diners.

Best bets: Plain rice, and only if the restaurant can accommodate special requests

Always avoid: All pho soups, curry dishes, most stir-fries, spring rolls

The Pho Broth Problem

Traditional pho broth is made by simmering:

Beef or chicken bones
Onions (high FODMAP)
Garlic (high FODMAP)
Various spices

This creates a deeply flavored broth that is unfortunately unsuitable for low FODMAP diets. There’s no way to remove the onion once it’s been simmered.

Why This Restaurant is Challenging

Vietnamese cuisine relies heavily on:

Onion and shallots in broths and bases
Garlic in marinades and sauces
Fish sauce (usually safe, but verify)
Hoisin sauce (contains garlic)

How to Approach (If You Must)

Call ahead - Ask if they can prepare anything plain
Explain clearly - You cannot have onion or garlic
Accept limitations - You may only be able to order plain rice
Consider alternatives - This may not be the right restaurant choice

If Dining with a Group

If you’re joining others at Pho:

Order plain jasmine rice
Ask if plain steamed vegetables are possible
Bring your own safe snacks
Consider eating before or after
Treat this as a social outing, not a meal

Honest Advice

If you have a choice of restaurant, Vietnamese cuisine is one of the most difficult for low FODMAP diners due to the foundational use of onion and garlic in broths and marinades. Consider suggesting an alternative cuisine.

Last verified: January 2025. Menu items and ingredients can change. Always confirm with restaurant staff.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Pho low FODMAP? ▼

Yes, Pho has low FODMAP options including Plain Rice, Rice Noodles (plain), Grilled Meat (very modified). Always confirm with staff about current ingredients and preparation methods.

What can I order at Pho on a low FODMAP diet? ▼

Safe low FODMAP options at Pho include: Plain Rice, Rice Noodles (plain), Grilled Meat (very modified), Steamed Vegetables, Fresh Herbs. Ask for modifications when needed.

What should I avoid at Pho on a low FODMAP diet? ▼

Items to avoid at Pho include: Pho broth (contains onion and often garlic), All noodle soups (broth is high FODMAP), Spring rolls (wheat wrappers, often contain onion), Curry dishes (contain onion and garlic), Fish sauce (usually FODMAP-safe, but check). These contain high FODMAP ingredients like onion, garlic, or wheat.

What is a good low FODMAP meal at Pho? ▼

A great low FODMAP meal at Pho is the Very Limited Options: Plain jasmine rice, Request plain grilled chicken if possible, Fresh herbs as garnish, Water. Always verify current ingredients with staff.