Bringing the essence of Vietnamese pho to the world.

The Pho event in Nam Dinh in April 2024 will continue in Hanoi, aiming to spread the culinary and cultural values ​​of Vietnam through the breath of memory and the imprint of the times. The culinary journey is not simply about satisfying the appetite of diners, but also about guiding them in discovering the beauty and soul of each region, opening doors to culture and history...

Pho, a simple name, yet it evokes profound memories in the hearts of every Vietnamese person. It brings back childhood memories of long queues at street vendors' stalls, waiting patiently rain or shine. Those who have left their homeland can't forget the longing and nostalgia, the yearning they feel after long flights, across countless lands, and the whirlwind of work and time, yet still yearn for a steaming bowl of pho waiting for them behind the airport doors. For Hanoians , pho is a part of their culture, a familiar and comforting memory.

The rhythmic tapping of the pho vendor's bowl echoed through the quiet streets, a moment when sleepy children were already dreaming of a bowl of clear broth, tender beef, and smooth rice noodles drenched in hot, fragrant soup. The poet Tú Mỡ, in his poem "Pho Duc Tung" (Pho's Virtue), written in 1934, wrote: "The rising steam fills the air with its fragrant aroma / Stirring the heart and lungs / Arousing hunger in the stomach / Even the finest delicacies cannot compare"; "Don't scorn pho as a humble dish / After all, even Paris must welcome pho..."

Researcher Nguyen Ngoc Tien, who has dedicated considerable time and effort to studying pho, believes that pho originated in Nam Dinh , starting with rice noodles in bone broth sold to textile workers. A lasting legacy is the proliferation of Nam Dinh pho restaurants in northern provinces and cities. However, according to him, there are still many theories about the origin of pho. But what is truly commendable is that pho originated in Vietnam, and is not a modified or imported dish from abroad.

Vietnamese pho is likened to a symphony of history, geography, and culture, traversing countless lands, gathering the finest elements to create an iconic dish. From spices with the fragrant aromas of the Northwest mountains (star anise, cinnamon, cardamom...) to seafood specialties (fish sauce, sea worms...), the sophistication of pho is evident in the perfect combination of ingredients and spices.

In particular, to create an appealing pho broth that truly captures the traditional flavor, according to artisan Le Thi Thiet - President of the Nam Dinh Culinary Culture Association and Vice-Chairman of the Nam Dinh Fish Sauce Association - the secret lies in adding fish sauce. Meanwhile, according to culinary culture researcher Le Tan, fish sauce plays an elevating role, acting as a "partner" to pho, and is crucial in creating its distinctive and unforgettable flavor.

Vietnamese people use fish sauce in pho in a subtle and versatile way. The cook will season gradually, adjusting the amount of fish sauce to suit the taste, blending it with other spices such as cinnamon, star anise, cardamom, etc., to create a perfect, well-rounded broth. Besides being used in the broth, fish sauce is also used to marinate beef before cooking. The diversity in the use of fish sauce has created richness in Vietnamese pho, while also showcasing the creativity and sophistication of the Vietnamese people in preparing this dish.

According to culinary experts, pho did not originate in luxurious places but rather from humble beginnings, on small streets, where street vendors spread their warm, fragrant aroma on chilly winter mornings. No matter where it goes, no matter the recipe, Vietnamese pho remains a fusion of national identity, from mountains to seas, from north to south, blended in soul, love, and aspiration. Hanoi pho is refined, Nam Dinh pho is rich and flavorful, Saigon pho offers a wealth of variations… all contributing to the diverse map of pho, reflecting the culinary culture of each region and of the country as a whole.

More importantly, pho has been and continues to spread globally. Vietnamese pho restaurants in the US, France, Germany, Japan, and other countries connect many expatriates who yearn for their homeland, and also serve as attractive destinations that draw in food lovers. The flavor of pho is the most practical yet subtle introduction to Vietnamese culture to the world.

Conductor Le Phi Phi recalled that he had been evacuated as a child and never had the opportunity to eat pho. Later, after studying and settling abroad, on the rare occasions he returned to Vietnam, he would eat pho with his father, composer Hoang Van, and his mother, doctor Ngoc Anh. Whether performing in any country, he never forgot to add a few drops of fish sauce to enhance the flavor. His son, despite being of Vietnamese and Macedonian descent, shares this habit with his father.

In recent years, Vietnam has continuously promoted cultural and culinary tourism, with traditional dishes becoming a highlight of the exploration journey for tourists. "Pho streets" in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Nam Dinh, etc., or culinary tours in Hoi An, Hue, Da Nang, etc., all offer tourists the opportunity to enjoy pho in different settings.

Beyond simply enjoying the food, culinary tourism offers many profound experiences. Tourists enthusiastically explore Hanoi's narrow alleys with their rich and distinctive street life; traditional pho noodle-making villages in Nam Dinh; watch artisans cook pho at long-standing family-run restaurants; and participate in pho cooking classes to bring the authentic Vietnamese flavor back to their homeland.

These interesting elements not only elevate pho but also contribute to promoting Vietnam as an attractive destination. In the context of global integration, Vietnamese pho has truly transcended the traditional eatery setting, appearing on the menus of many international restaurants and being honored in world culinary rankings.

The global recognition of Vietnamese pho has contributed to making the image of Vietnam and its people more endearing and familiar, encouraging tourists to visit to admire the scenery, explore the heritage, and enjoy an authentic bowl of pho. A dish becoming a driving force attracting tourists to a region is the greatest success of culinary tourism.

Source: https://nhandan.vn/dua-tinh-hoa-cua-pho-viet-vuon-xa-post868723.html