Pho: the story of Vietnam's national treasure
Pho, Vietnam's iconic noodle soup, has evolved over time with classic and modern variations, becoming a symbol of Vietnamese cuisine enjoyed both locally and globally.
Few dishes capture the soul of a country quite like pho does for Vietnam. Traditionally made with a bone broth, rice noodles, and slices of chicken or beef, pho has evolved over time to adapt to regional tastes and ingredients.
According to the book "One Hundred Years of Vietnamese Pho", pho originated in the early 20th century when peddlers from Nam Dinh City brought it to Hanoi. Initially considered a luxury, pho became a beloved street food, enjoyed by people of all social classes as it spread across Vietnam.
Beef pho
Beef pho is the most popular variety. The dish features various meat options such as eye round steak, well-done brisket, flank, or tendon. The broth is simmered for hours with beef bones, shank, oxtail, and neck, infused with spices like cinnamon and star anise. Diners can also enjoy side dishes like poached eggs and fried dough.
The northern version is known for its clear broth and subtle flavor. In contrast, the southern version is renowned for its richer taste, enhanced by bean sprouts and fresh herbs.
Beef pho has recently been listed among CNN's 20 best soups worldwide. CNN describes beef pho as "the most beloved version in Vietnam".
Recommended spots for beef pho:
Hanoi:
- Pho Au Trieu: 34 Au Trieu Street, Hoan Kiem District
- Pho Thin: 61 Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hoan Kiem District
Ho Chi Minh City:
- Pho Minh: 63/6 Pasteur Street, District 1
- Pho Hoa Pasteur: 260C Pasteur Street, District 3
Da Nang City:
- Pho 63: 203 Dong Da Street, Hai Chau District
- Pho Hong: 10 Ly Tu Trong Street, Hai Chau District
Chicken pho
Chicken pho is considered a hallmark of Hanoi cuisine. The broth is crafted by simmering chicken bones, heads, and feet, often enhanced with pork bones to achieve a richer flavor. Ginger is added, infusing the broth with an aromatic depth that complements the other ingredients.
The choice of chicken plays a pivotal role in the dish. The best chicken for this dish is free-range, ensuring tender meat. These chickens typically weigh no more than two kilograms, with golden skin, pink meat, and no excess fat beneath the skin.
Recommended spots for chicken pho:
Hanoi:
- Bao Khanh: 20 Bao Khanh Street, Hoan Kiem District
- Nguyet: 5b Phu Doan Street, Hoan Kiem District
- Ban: 172 Ton Duc Thang Street, Dong Da District
Ho Chi Minh City:
- Huong Binh: 148 Vo Thi Sau Street, District 3
- Cat Tuong: 648 Dien Bien Phu Street, Binh Thanh District
- Hai Trieu: 31 Hai Trieu Street, District 1
New varieties
While pho is beloved by foodies worldwide, many may not be familiar with its variations enjoyed by locals in Vietnam.
A favorite among Hanoians is pho cuon (pho rolls), a dish that can serve as a quick snack or a meal. These rolls are made by wrapping stir-fried beef, lettuce, and herbs in flat rice noodle sheets, then served with a sweet fish sauce-based dipping sauce.
Another take on pho is stir-fried pho. In this version, the noodles are stir-fried instead of served in broth. Proteins like beef, chicken, or tofu are combined with vegetables such as onions, bok choy, and bean sprouts. The stir-frying process imparts a smoky flavor, giving this dish its distinct character.
Pho has inspired a range of other innovative interpretations.
At Oriental Pearl Restaurant on the 66th floor of Landmark 81 in Saigon, a $170 pho features premium ingredients such as wagyu beef, truffle mushrooms, foie gras, and gold leaf, paired with a broth simmered for 48 hours.
Another take is the $24 lobster pho at Pho 2000 in District 1, which combines beef bone broth with seafood like lobster, squid, and clams, delivering a spicy flavor reminiscent of tom yum soup.
And at Pot Au Pho in District 1, pho is being elevated to new heights through innovative twists.
Featured in Condé Nast Traveler's 2024 "Hot List," the restaurant has earned acclaim for its dishes, including $100 pho with six types of beef, molecular pho balls, and the "Phojito" cocktail, a drink infused with pho spices.
From street stalls to luxury dining, pho is more than just a meal.
Whether you savor a classic bowl in Hanoi or indulge in an innovative version in Ho Chi Minh City, pho continues to captivate food lovers worldwide.
