Ramen Can’t Compete With Pho—Here’s Why This Vietnamese Classic Dominates!

Mon, 04 May 2026 11:11:48 +0000

Why Ramen Can’t Compete With Pho: Here’s Why This Vietnamese Classic Dominates the Global Food Scene When it comes to Asian noodle dishes, ramen has fully claimed its place in kitchens worldwide—boisterous, customizable, and beloved for its savory broths and wide variety of toppings. But beneath its colorful layers and enthusiastic fanbase lies a powerful rival: pho, the iconic Vietnamese soup that has long dominated both traditional and modern culinary landscapes. While ramen continues to evolve and captivate, pho remains the cornerstone of Vietnamese cuisine—flavor-rich, deeply rooted in culture, and simply unbeatable in its authenticity. ### The Soul of Flavors: Why Pho Outshines Ramen At the heart of pho’s supremacy is its broth—a meticulously simmered combination of meat bones, aromatic spices, and herbs that delivers a complex, deeply savory foundation. Vietnamese cooks spend hours refining the roast, gently infusing star anise, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom to create a fragrant, layered base. By contrast, ramen broths, though rich, tend to favor simplicity—tonkotsu’s creamy pork essence or miso’s fermented depth—but rarely match the aromatic depth and complexity that defines pho.