Place the chicken in a large pot. Cover with water, bring to the boil and leave to boil for about five minutes.
While waiting for the water to boil, throw the garlic, shallots and ginger on an open flame. I used the gas stove. Simple.
Using kitchen tongs, turn everything occasionally until the skins are blackened.
While the garlic, shallots and ginger are charring, dry toast the fennel seeds, coriander seeds, star anise, cloves and peppercorns in an oil-free pan for a couple of minutes until they start releasing their aroma (when the seeds start popping, they’re ready). Remove from the heat.
Remove the blackened shallots, ginger and garlic to a plate and, using a clean kitchen towel, gently wipe off and discard the blackened skins. DO NOT RINSE. If a few charred spots remain, let them be.
Scoop out the chicken and throw out the water.
Rinse the chicken to remove all impurities.
Place the chicken in a clean pot, cover with water, add the charred and toasted spices, sprinkle in salt and bring to the boil. Lower the heat, cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
Strain the broth into a clean pan and set on the stove over low heat. Taste. Add more salt, if needed/ You want it to continue simmering until the moment you pour it into the bowl.
Using two forks, break the meat from the chicken thighs into fairly large chunks.
Assemble your pho. Place noodles in six bowls, top with chicken meat, blanched vegetables, mint, Thai basil and cilantro. Fill the pot with the simmering broth. Optionally, sprinkle in some fried shallots.
Serve at once with lime wedges on the side.