Pickled Garlic

In northern Vietnam, pho never comes with hoisin, bean sprouts, or fresh herbs; it is garnished simply with some chopped scallion and a sprinkle of black pepper. A few jars of additional condiments, such as fish sauce, chili jam, and pickled garlic, are often found on the tables at pho joints. Pickled garlic (tỏi chua) adds extra antibacterial properties to your pho bowl—after all, pho is considered medicine as well as food.