Essence of Lotus Instant Spicy Beef Pho Soup Mix — Ready-to-Eat Flavorful, Restaurant-Quality Pho broth, Made in the US (Spicy Beef Soup Mix, 1-Pack)

Initially, I was very unsure how to make it - I am the only one at home who enjoys pho, so I needed to use only a portion of the packet for my bowl. I used 1 tablespoon per cup of water, and it was perfect. One thing about making it at home, you can modify the recipe to suit your taste. I added sliced ginger and sliced mushrooms to the water, boiled the two for a bit and then added the mix. Pout it over noodles with thin slices of raw sirloin steak and top with all your favorite additions (cilantro, thai basil, jalapeno, scallions, lime and mung bean sprouts). I had a big bowl of pho that tasted exactly like restaurant pho; or at least very close. I highly recommend this product for pho lovers who would like a quick bowl to give you that fix you need. I sliced the entire sirloin steak and quick froze many slices for future use. They are so thin that they will either defrost in a second or can be added frozen to the bowl. I will be ordering more. I also ordered bulk rice noodles (small or thin) from Amazon.

I'm Vietnamese and in my own perspective, I think this broth tastes very close to Pho that I have experienced in the States. Lazy and also clumsy to boil my own broth (which would take 8-9hr in average), I gave it a try and was impressed by the taste. Re-purchased it a few times whenever I want to make Pho for myself and my friends (who are Americans and they like the taste too). Also, it does not taste artificial for me. I have had the Beef flavor only, I'm not really a fan of Chicken pho so does not know if Chicken flavor also tastes well.

It gives it an extra depth to it, without over powering.

Too mild of spice for the amount of water called for on the package. Cut down on the water.

This is an easy way to enjoy a wonderful Pho soup. I also ordered the chicken version Pho Ga. Each package is individually wrapped as are the noodles and spices after you open the packet. Empty into a bowl, add water to just above the contents and nuke for three minutes. Great taste and way better than most ramen dishes.

So other reviews says this was great and I have to say it is quite good. Don't get me wrong, this is not like restaurant quality Pho, but for use at home quick and easy it gets you in the ballpark. Tastes good. I would recommend augmenting it a bit with some fresh herbs, vegetables and perhaps some fish sauce and spice. It will do the trick.

Doesn't really taste like pho

Delicious, took the advice of the package and added fresh cilantro, ginger basil AND star anise to the broth and that was fantastic. I also used 5 cups water and 3 cups chicken stock rather than the 10 cups of water recommended on the package and it was