Spice

Vietnamese Star Anise

S tier

Vietnamese star anise highlights I. verum used and grown in Vietnam’s spice economy—central to pho broth where star anise, cinnamon, and clove must balance without soapy excess. Freshly cracked stars smell sweet and clean. Char or toast briefly before bloating into stock for rounded aroma. Vietnamese culinary technique is as important as origin. Prefer whole stars over powder for broth clarity.