It’s the great pho debate: chicken pho (phở gà) or beef pho (phở bò)? If you’ve ever stared at a Vietnamese restaurant menu wondering which bowl to order, you’re not alone. Both are iconic. Both are delicious. But they’re surprisingly different — in flavour, texture, nutrition, and even the way they’re made.
At Vietnam Palace Restaurant on Somerset Street in Ottawa’s Chinatown, both versions have been perfected over 35+ years. With 664 Google reviews and a menu of over 100 dishes, this is the place where the chicken vs beef pho question gets a definitive answer.
Let’s break it down — bowl by bowl.
The Broth: Where Everything Begins
The single biggest difference between chicken pho and beef pho is the broth. And in Vietnamese cuisine, the broth is everything.
Beef Pho Broth (Phở Bò)
Beef pho broth is the heavyweight champion. At Vietnam Palace, it starts with beef bones, oxtail, and marrow, simmered for 12+ hours until every drop of collagen and flavour has been extracted. Charred onions and ginger are added for smoky depth, along with a carefully balanced spice bundle of star anise, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom.
The result is a broth that’s rich, dark, deeply aromatic, and almost velvety on the tongue. It’s comfort in liquid form.
Chicken Pho Broth (Phở Gà)
Chicken pho broth is the elegant counterpart. Made with whole chicken, chicken bones, and a lighter spice profile, it simmers for a shorter time — typically 2-4 hours. The broth is golden, clean, and delicate. You’ll still taste the star anise and ginger, but they’re more subtle, letting the natural sweetness of the chicken shine through.
Head-to-Head Comparison: Chicken Pho vs Beef Pho
| Category | Chicken Pho (Phở Gà) | Beef Pho (Phở Bò) |
|---|---|---|
| Broth colour | Light golden | Deep amber/brown |
| Flavour profile | Clean, light, subtly sweet | Rich, deep, complex |
| Protein | Shredded or sliced chicken | Rare beef, brisket, tendon, tripe, meatballs |
| Calories (approx.) | 350-450 per bowl | 450-600 per bowl |
| Fat content | Lower | Higher (marrow, fat cap) |
| Simmer time | 2-4 hours | 12+ hours |
| Spice intensity | Subtle | Bold |
| Best for | Light meals, summer, health-conscious | Cold days, hearty appetite, full experience |
The Protein: More Than Just Meat
What Comes in Chicken Pho
At Vietnam Palace, chicken pho typically features tender shredded or sliced chicken — white meat, dark meat, or a combination. The chicken is poached gently in the broth itself, which keeps it moist and infuses even more flavour into the liquid. Some versions include chicken thigh on the bone for extra richness.
What Comes in Beef Pho
This is where beef pho really flexes. Vietnam Palace offers multiple beef pho variations, each with different cuts:
- Phở Tái — rare beef slices that cook in the hot broth at your table
- Phở Chín — well-done brisket, slow-cooked until fork-tender
- Phở Gân — beef tendon, gelatinous and rich
- Phở Sách — tripe, for adventurous eaters
- Phở Đặc Biệt — the special combination with ALL of the above plus meatballs. The most popular order at Vietnam Palace.
Nutrition: Which Is Healthier?
If you’re watching calories or looking for a lighter meal, chicken pho wins on nutrition. The broth has less fat, the chicken is leaner, and the overall calorie count is typically 100-150 calories lower per bowl.
That said, both types of pho are healthier than most restaurant meals. Pho is naturally gluten-free (rice noodles), loaded with protein, and packed with fresh herbs and vegetables from the garnish plate. The bone broth in both versions contains collagen, amino acids, and minerals that are genuinely good for you.
For a deeper dive into the health benefits of pho, check out our guide on why Vietnamese food is good for you.
When to Order Which
There’s no wrong answer, but here’s a guide based on what regulars at Vietnam Palace tend to order:
Go with Chicken Pho when:
- You want something light and refreshing
- It’s a warm summer day in Ottawa
- You’re feeling under the weather (chicken soup is universal medicine)
- You’re new to pho and want a gentler introduction
- You’re counting calories or prefer leaner protein
- You’re ordering for kids — the milder flavour is usually a hit
Go with Beef Pho when:
- It’s a cold Ottawa winter day and you need warming up
- You want the full, traditional pho experience
- You love rich, complex flavours
- You want to try different textures (rare beef, tendon, tripe)
- You’re bringing friends and want to order the Phở Đặc Biệt to impress
- You’re a pho veteran who knows exactly what they want
How to Customize Your Bowl
No matter which pho you choose, the garnish plate is your playground. At Vietnam Palace, every bowl comes with fresh Thai basil, bean sprouts, lime wedges, and chili slices. Here’s how to use them:
- Taste the broth first — always. Both chicken and beef broth deserve to be appreciated on their own before you start adding.
- Thai basil — tear the leaves and drop them in. Adds a fresh, anise-like aroma.
- Bean sprouts — add a handful for crunch. Some people add them raw; others dunk them briefly in the hot broth.
- Lime — one squeeze brightens everything. Don’t overdo it.
- Hoisin sauce — a dipping sauce for meat, not a broth additive. Put a small pool on your spoon or side plate.
- Sriracha — a little goes a long way. Add directly to broth only if you love heat.
For the complete guide on customizing your pho experience, read The Ultimate Guide to Pho.
What Vietnam Palace Regulars Say
We asked some of our most loyal customers which they prefer. The verdict?
- 60% order beef pho — the Phở Đặc Biệt (Special Combo) is the #1 seller by a wide margin
- 25% order chicken pho — especially popular at lunch and during warmer months
- 15% alternate — they switch depending on mood, weather, and appetite
The consensus? “You can’t go wrong with either one at Vietnam Palace.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Is chicken pho or beef pho more popular in Vietnam?
Beef pho (phở bò) is the original and most iconic version, originating in northern Vietnam in the early 1900s. Chicken pho (phở gà) emerged later as a variation and is especially popular in Hanoi. Both are beloved across Vietnam and in Ottawa’s Vietnamese community.
Can I get both chicken and beef in one bowl?
Vietnam Palace’s menu features specific pho variations by protein type. If you want to try both, the best approach is to share — order one chicken pho and one beef pho with your dining companion and taste both. Book a table for two and make it a pho tasting experience.
Which pho is better for kids?
Most kids prefer chicken pho — the broth is milder and the shredded chicken is easy to eat. Beef pho with rare beef slices can be a great option too, as the thin beef cooks quickly and is very tender.
Is pho gluten-free?
Yes! Traditional pho uses rice noodles, which are naturally gluten-free. The broth at Vietnam Palace is made from scratch with bones and spices — no gluten-containing ingredients. Always confirm with your server about specific dietary needs.
What’s the most popular pho at Vietnam Palace?
The Phở Đặc Biệt (Special Combination Beef Pho) is by far the most ordered item. It includes rare beef, brisket, tendon, tripe, and meatballs — the full experience in one bowl.
Try Both at Vietnam Palace Ottawa
The real answer to “chicken pho or beef pho?” is simple: try both. Come once for the beef. Come back for the chicken. Or bring a friend and split them. At Vietnam Palace, you’ll get the authentic, family-recipe version of both — the way pho was meant to be enjoyed.
📍 Location: 819 Somerset St W, Ottawa (Chinatown)
📞 Phone: (613) 238-6758
🍜 Book a Table: Reserve online
35+ years. Two legendary broths. One unforgettable restaurant. Which bowl will you choose?