Pho’s secret weapon is star anise. That beautiful, eight-pointed spice. It smells like black licorice, which to some, screams soapy perfume.
Star anise contains a compound called anethole. It’s the same stuff in fennel and aniseed. It’s also in some toothpaste and mouthwash.
Your brain makes a connection: “This tastes like my bathroom.” Not the flavor you want with your beef broth. But it’s not your fault—it’s just chemical memory.
What does Pho taste like? ALL details about authentic Pho
Clove’s Cunning Cameo
Don’t let clove sneak by. It’s a classic pho ingredient. It’s also a numbing agent used in dentist’s offices.
Ever get that tingly, almost sterile sensation from clove? It can mimic the feeling of cleaning your mouth. Your brain says: “This is a cleaning product.” And you reach for the menu again.
