How to Pair Your Pho Like a Pro: Drinks and Sides Ottawa Locals Swear By
Few dishes in Ottawa’s thriving culinary scene capture hearts quite like pho — Vietnam’s beloved noodle soup that warms both the body and the soul. But what truly elevates a steaming bowl of pho from comforting to unforgettable isn’t just the broth or the toppings — it’s what you pair it with. From crisp spring rolls to Vietnamese iced coffee, the right combination transforms a casual meal into a dining experience Ottawa locals rave about.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to pair pho like a pro, highlighting the best drinks and sides Ottawans swear by. Whether you’re a first-timer at Pho By Night Ottawa or a seasoned foodie, you’ll discover flavor pairings that bring balance, texture, and authenticity to every bite.
The Art of Pho Pairing: Balancing Broth, Texture, and Taste
Pho is already a masterpiece of balance — a slow-simmered broth infused with beef bones, star anise, cinnamon, and cloves. Yet, what distinguishes an expert pho pairing is understanding contrast.
1. The Broth Dictates the Beverage
The key to a great pairing begins with the type of pho you’re enjoying:
- Beef pho (Pho Bo): Deep, rich, and savory — pairs beautifully with strong coffee or herbal teas.
- Chicken pho (Pho Ga): Light and aromatic — best complemented by jasmine tea or citrusy beverages.
- Vegan pho: Often made with vegetable or mushroom broth — pairs nicely with fresh juices or kombucha.
This understanding of the broth is what allows Ottawa’s best pho spots to serve such harmonious combinations that delight the palate.
Essential Sides: What Ottawa Locals Order with Pho
1. Fresh and Fried Spring Rolls (Gỏi Cuốn & Chả Giò)
Ottawa diners almost unanimously agree: a bowl of pho isn’t complete without spring rolls. The fresh version (gỏi cuốn) offers a light, herb-filled contrast with shrimp, vermicelli, and mint, while the fried version (chả giò) adds a satisfying crunch that balances the pho’s smooth texture.
Both can be dipped in nuoc cham, the sweet-and-sour Vietnamese dipping sauce that ties together every element of the meal.
You can explore these combinations further at Pho By Night’s family dinner selections, where spring rolls are always a crowd-pleaser.
2. Crispy Shrimp or Calamari Appetizers
Seafood lovers in Ottawa often pair their pho with crispy shrimp or calamari. The light, golden crunch works beautifully with the rich broth — especially for those who prefer seafood pho variations like shrimp or squid noodle soup.
This combination reflects the modern Vietnamese fusion seen in many Ottawa eateries, blending traditional flavors with contemporary textures.
3. Bánh Mì: The Perfect Companion Sandwich
When Ottawans want a more filling combo, they turn to the iconic bánh mì sandwich — a crusty baguette stuffed with pickled vegetables, cilantro, and your choice of protein (grilled pork, chicken, or tofu).
Pairing pho with bánh mì is a nod to Vietnam’s French influence, and it’s perfect for lunch breaks or late-night cravings. You can dive deeper into the city’s sandwich scene with Pho By Night’s Bánh Mì series, featuring authentic takes on this beloved street food.
4. Vietnamese Salads (Gỏi)
Ottawa foodies who prefer lighter options often complement their pho with Vietnamese papaya or mango salads. These zesty, tangy dishes cleanse the palate and balance the hearty warmth of pho.
The fresh herbs, chili, and lime dressing enhance the natural sweetness of the broth, creating a full-circle dining experience.
Drink Pairings: From Iced Coffee to Herbal Teas
No pho experience is complete without the right beverage. Vietnamese drinks are designed to refresh and contrast the rich depth of pho broth, and Ottawa’s Vietnamese restaurants have perfected the art.
1. Vietnamese Iced Coffee (Cà Phê Sữa Đá)
There’s a reason Ottawans swear by this pairing — the robust flavor of Vietnamese iced coffee, made from dark roast beans and sweetened condensed milk, perfectly cuts through the fatty richness of beef pho.
This drink is so iconic that entire guides are dedicated to it, like Vietnamese Coffee Culture: From Beans to Beverage.
Its bittersweet profile offers a beautiful contrast, and the cold temperature refreshes your palate between slurps of hot broth.
2. Vietnamese Hot Tea (Trà Đá or Jasmine Tea)
Hot tea is the traditional pho companion — especially for diners who want to keep the focus on the soup’s aromatic layers. Jasmine tea, green tea, or chrysanthemum tea cleanse the mouth between sips, allowing you to appreciate each ingredient in the broth.
According to Vietnamese Food vs Korean Food: What’s the Main Difference in Dishes & Style, Vietnamese meals often revolve around gentle teas rather than bold beverages, enhancing digestion without overpowering the food.
3. Tropical Smoothies and Fresh Juices
For those who like modern twists, many Ottawa restaurants now offer fresh fruit smoothies (sinh tố) — often made with mango, avocado, or coconut.
These creamy, chilled drinks are especially popular with spicy pho variants, as they tone down the heat while adding natural sweetness.
4. Beer and Light Cocktails
When dining late at night, some Ottawans prefer beer or cocktails with their pho. A crisp lager or light ale complements pho’s umami flavor, while citrusy cocktails like gin and tonic add brightness.
Still, traditionalists argue nothing beats iced coffee or tea for authenticity — as featured in Pairing Vietnamese Coffee and Tea with Pho.
Seasonal Pho Pairings in Ottawa
Ottawa’s distinct seasons call for different pho pairings. Locals know how to adjust their meals according to the weather, ensuring every bite feels just right.
Winter Warmers
When the snow hits, nothing beats a hot bowl of pho paired with fried rolls and Vietnamese hot coffee. The richness and spice help combat Ottawa’s freezing temperatures, making this combo a cold-weather favorite.
For inspiration, read Ottawa’s Winter Warmers: Why Pho By Night Is Everyone’s Cold-Season Fix.
Summer Refreshers
During warmer months, opt for fresh spring rolls and iced jasmine tea or lemongrass lemonade. These light, cool options create balance and hydration while keeping your pho experience bright and energizing.
Healthy Pho Pairing Options
For health-conscious diners, pho offers flexibility — it’s easy to keep things light, gluten-free, or vegetarian without losing flavor.
Ottawa has seen a rise in gluten-free pho options; many restaurants, including Pho By Night Ottawa, offer rice noodles and soy-based sauces that cater to dietary needs.
Top Healthy Combinations
- Vegan pho + mango salad + green tea
- Chicken pho + fresh spring rolls + iced coconut water
- Tofu pho + papaya salad + Vietnamese iced coffee (light milk)
These combinations bring out natural sweetness and aromatics while keeping calories low and nutrition high — aligning with what Health Canada recommends for balanced, wholesome meals.
Pho Pairing Etiquette: How Locals Do It Right
Eating pho like a local isn’t just about the food — it’s about rhythm and respect for the dish. Here’s how Ottawa’s pho lovers enjoy the perfect balance:
- Start with a sip of broth. Let the flavor hit first before mixing sauces.
- Alternate bites. Enjoy a bit of your side dish, then return to pho — this keeps the palate refreshed.
- Cleanse with tea or coffee. The beverage isn’t just for hydration — it’s a palate reset.
- End with dessert or iced coffee. The sweetness finishes the meal on a high note.
For more insights into Vietnamese dining etiquette, check Pho Etiquette 101.
Where to Try the Best Pho Pairings in Ottawa
Ottawa boasts numerous Vietnamese restaurants, but few match the authentic combinations found at Pho By Night in the ByWard Market. Locals love their late-night service, balanced flavors, and expertly crafted sides like spring rolls, salads, and coffee.
If you’re planning an event or want to serve authentic combinations to guests, consider their Pho Catering Services — a favorite among Ottawa foodies for weddings, birthdays, and corporate functions.
FAQs
1. What drink goes best with beef pho?
Vietnamese iced coffee or jasmine tea pairs best with beef pho, as they balance its richness.
2. Can I have pho with beer or wine?
Yes. Light beers or crisp white wines like Riesling can enhance the umami notes in pho.
3. What are the healthiest sides for pho?
Fresh spring rolls, papaya salad, and steamed vegetables are excellent low-fat options.
4. What’s a good dessert after pho?
Try chè ba màu (three-color dessert) or Vietnamese iced coffee for a sweet finish.
5. Where can I get the best pho pairings in Ottawa?
Locals recommend Pho By Night Ottawa, known for its late-night pho, coffee, and authentic Vietnamese sides.
