Pho is an aromatic Vietnamese noodle soup with a clear, spiced beef or chicken broth, fresh herbs, lime and chilli. Its fragrant, savoury, lightly spiced broth pairs best with crisp, aromatic whites and dry rosé, whose freshness flatters the herbs and acidity refreshes against the rich broth. Off-dry Riesling and Grüner handle the spice and lime, while a chilled light red suits beef pho. The wine should be light, aromatic and fresh; bright acidity and a herbal or floral character echo the basil, mint and lime in the bowl.
Sommelier quick take
#1 pick — Off-dry Riesling is #1 for pho: herbs, lime, and broth want gentle sweetness and low alcohol.
If you only buy one — If you only buy one: a $12–16 Riesling. Beer is traditional; wine should stay aromatic and cool.
Skip these
- Tannic reds
- Hot high-alcohol wines
- Heavy oak
Our sommelier's picks
Save to Pinterest#1Crisp aromatic white
9–11°C (48–52°F)Grüner Veltliner · Austria
Grüner's white pepper and citrus echo the herbs and refresh against the spiced broth.
If you only buy one: a $12–16 Riesling. Beer is traditional; wine should stay aromatic and cool.
Off-dry aromatic white
8–11°C (46–52°F)Riesling · Germany
Riesling's fruit and acidity handle the lime, chilli and aromatic broth.
Mosel Kabinett is the value pick.
Dry rosé
8–10°C (46–50°F)Grenache · Provence, France
A crisp rosé refreshes against the broth and flatters the fresh herbs.
Affordable and versatile.
Chilled light red
13–15°C (55–59°F)Gamay · Beaujolais, France
Lightly chilled Beaujolais's bright fruit suits beef pho without weighing it down.
Beaujolais-Villages is affordable.
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Questions about pairing Pho
What wine pairs with pho?
Crisp aromatic whites like Grüner Veltliner and Riesling, or a dry rosé — their freshness flatters the herbs and acidity refreshes against the spiced broth.
What wine for beef pho specifically?
A chilled light red like Gamay suits the beef, though aromatic whites and rosé handle the fragrant broth beautifully.
How do the fresh herbs affect the pairing?
They favour aromatic, herbal wines like Grüner Veltliner that echo the basil, mint and lime.
Rare beef pho vs chicken?
Beef broth still does not need red wine. Chicken pho can take a slightly drier Riesling or Grüner.