Exploring the Best Pho Toppings in California: A Flavor Lover’s Guide
One of the best things about pho—besides the soothing broth and comforting aromas—is how customizable it is. Pho isn’t a rigid dish; it’s a personal experience. Everyone has their “perfect bowl,” and no two people build it the same way. In California, where pho culture is incredibly strong and diverse, the toppings available can turn a simple bowl of noodles into a flavor adventure.
If you’re curious about the best toppings, what they taste like, and how foodies in California enjoy them, let’s dive into this delicious guide.
Understanding the Foundation: Pho Is All About Balance
Pho works because every part of the bowl contributes something:
- The broth brings depth.
- The noodles bring comfort.
- The beef or chicken brings heartiness.
- The herbs bring brightness.
- The toppings bring texture, personality, and flavor control.
Adding toppings isn’t about throwing everything in—it’s about building a balanced, personalized bowl.
Once you start exploring different combinations, you begin to understand why pho is one of California’s most loved dishes.
The Essential Pho Toppings Everyone Should Know
Let’s start with the classics. These are the toppings you’ll find at almost every pho restaurant in California, from Little Saigon to San Jose to LA’s hip noodle bars.
⭐ 1. Rare Steak (Tái)
Thinly sliced raw beef placed on top of the noodles so it cooks gently in the hot broth. If you enjoy tenderness, this is the must-order topping.
Pro Tip:
Ask for the steak on the side so you can dip each slice into the broth to control the doneness.
⭐ 2. Brisket (Chín Nạm)
Slow-cooked beef with a melt-in-your-mouth feel. Slightly fatty, deeply flavored, and a great contrast to leaner meats.
Best for:
People who want richness and comfort.
⭐ 3. Beef Meatballs (Bò Viên)
Chewy, bouncy, and full of flavor. Kids love them, but adults appreciate them too. California has some of the best Vietnamese meatball producers in the country.
Fun fact:
Some restaurants make their own house meatballs—those are always worth trying.
⭐ 4. Tendon (Gân)
Don’t let the texture scare you. Properly cooked tendon becomes buttery, smooth, and uniquely satisfying. It absorbs broth like a sponge.
Best enjoyed by:
Foodies, adventurous eaters, and broth lovers.
⭐ 5. Tripe (Sách)
Has a gentle chew and mild flavor. Provides texture without overpowering the broth. A very traditional topping.
Tip:
Try it with lime and a bit of sriracha—it transforms the bite.
⭐ 6. Chicken Breast or Dark Meat (Pho Ga)
Clean, lean, and comforting. Chicken pho is lighter and loved by those who prefer milder flavors.
⭐ 7. Oxtail
Becoming more popular in California, especially in LA and Orange County. Rich, meaty, and unforgettable when cooked right.
When to order:
When you’re craving something hearty and indulgent.
Herbs and Garnishes: The Fresh Factor
Vietnamese cuisine shines because of its herbs. In pho, they add brightness, aroma, and freshness.
🌿 Thai Basil
Tear the leaves by hand to release the essential oils. Adds an herbal sweetness that pairs perfectly with pho’s broth.
🌿 Bean Sprouts
Crunchy, refreshing, and great for texture contrast.
🌿 Cilantro
Strong aroma, bold flavor—controversial for some, a must for others.
🌿 Green Onion
Adds a light, fresh bite.
🌿 Jalapeños or Thai Chili
Control your spice. One slice = sweet heat. Three slices = a whole different experience.
🌿 Lime
Brightens the broth. Don’t overdo it—too much lime can overpower everything.
California’s Favorite Pho Combos
After years of eating pho across the state, here are the combinations I see the most among California pho lovers.
🥢 The Purist Combo
Rare steak + brisket
Simple, clean, perfect for broth lovers.
🥢 The Traditional Vietnamese Combo
Rare steak + brisket + tripe + tendon
A classic, well-balanced mix that honors the origins of pho.
🥢 The Comfort Combo
Brisket + meatballs
Warm, rich, satisfying, especially on a cold day.
🥢 The Adventurous Combo
Raw steak + tendon + oxtail
Full of texture and flavor depth, perfect for true pho enthusiasts.
🥢 The Light & Fresh Combo
Chicken breast + lots of herbs
A lighter take that still delivers comfort.
Where to Find the Best Pho Toppings in California
California’s pho scene is huge, but certain areas stand out for specific toppings.
⭐ Little Saigon – Orange County
This is the kingdom of tendon and tripe. Here you’ll find the most traditional pho topping selections, with cuts prepared the authentic way.
⭐ Los Angeles
LA chefs love experimenting with:
- Wagyu brisket
- Bone marrow
- Oxtail pho with giant cuts
- Short rib pho that falls off the bone
LA is where pho becomes art.
⭐ San Jose
If you’re into subtlety and tradition, San Jose offers the most classic topping combinations.
A Pleasant Surprise Near Disneyland
The Anaheim Resort District isn’t a place most people expect to find traditional toppings like tendon or tripe done well. But one spot I was impressed with is Mr. Pho near the Disney District. Their cuts are fresh, sliced correctly, and cooked to match the broth rather than drown it.
For a tourist-heavy area, it’s rare to find pho toppings done this right, especially tendon that’s soft without losing texture.
If you’re staying in the area or visiting Disneyland, it’s a surprisingly good spot for a comforting, authentic bowl.
Building Your Perfect Bowl
At the end of the day, pho is personal. You should experiment and create the bowl that makes you happiest.
Try:
- adding more herbs
- mixing different beef cuts
- adjusting spice levels
- tasting broth before seasoning
- going outside your comfort zone
Once you discover your “ideal combo,” you won’t forget it.
Final Thoughts: Pho Toppings Are Part of the Fun
Pho isn’t just about noodles and broth, it’s an interactive meal. The toppings are what make pho customizable, flavorful, and endlessly interesting. California’s pho scene gives you access to every topping imaginable, from traditional cuts to modern creations.
So explore, experiment, and enjoy the journey. The next time you sit down with a steaming bowl, try a topping you’ve never added before. You might be surprised how much it transforms the experience.