Kinhtedothi - Hanoi pho, with its distinctive flavor and unique preparation method, has become a symbol of Vietnamese culinary excellence. Upon being inscribed on the list of heritage items, pho shines even brighter as a vibrant symbol of Vietnamese culture.
In 2023, the Hanoi Department of Culture and Tourism, in coordination with the People's Committees of districts, towns, and the community, proceeded to build a scientific dossier proposing its inclusion in the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. With its historical, cultural, and scientific values, "Hanoi Pho" was included in the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2024, according to Decision No. 2328/QD-BVHTTDL dated August 9, 2024, of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism .
A reporter from the Economic & Urban Newspaper had an interview with Associate Professor Bui Hoai Son, Standing Member of the National Assembly's Committee on Culture and Education, about the significance and benefits of having "Hanoi Pho" officially recognized.
Affirming the value and importance of traditional cuisine.
Sir, what is the significance of including Hanoi's traditional pho recipe in the national intangible cultural heritage list for Hanoi's cuisine and the country?
Recently, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's recognition of pho – the quintessential dish of Hanoi cuisine – as a national intangible cultural heritage holds profound significance, not only for the capital city but also for the entire country of Vietnam. This is not only an acknowledgment of the cultural and historical values of a dish, but also an affirmation of the importance of preserving and promoting national heritage in the context of globalization. Hanoi pho, with its distinctive flavor and unique preparation method, has become a symbol of Vietnamese culinary excellence. Upon being included in the heritage list, pho shines even brighter as a vibrant symbol of Vietnamese culture, a special mark in the hearts of every Vietnamese person and international visitor.
Registering "Hanoi Pho" is not only a tribute to traditional values, but also an invitation to international friends to visit the capital, to Vietnam, to experience and appreciate the unique culture here. Each bowl of pho is not just a dish, but also a story about the history, skill, and creativity of the Vietnamese people. This contributes to allowing visitors, when enjoying pho, not only to experience the rich flavor, but also to gain a deeper understanding of Vietnamese culture and people.
The Economic & Urban Newspaper has created a special section titled "The Quintessence of Hanoi Cuisine," a collaborative effort between the Hanoi Department of Culture and Tourism and Acecook Vietnam.
Moreover, the recognition of "Hanoi Pho" as an intangible cultural heritage opens up significant opportunities for the development of tourism and the capital's economy. Traditional pho restaurants and famous pho brands such as Pho No. 10 Ly Quoc Su, Pho Thin, Pho Bat Dan, etc., will have more motivation to preserve and develop this dish, thereby creating more job opportunities and improving the lives of the people.
More importantly, registering "Hanoi Pho" is also about preserving a part of the nation's soul, ensuring that traditional values continue to be passed on to future generations. The journey of preserving pho is a journey of pride and responsibility, a connection between the past and the present, between heritage and the future.
Could you please tell us how the inclusion of "Hanoi Pho" in the national intangible cultural heritage list will impact the preservation and development of traditional culinary culture in the future?
The inclusion of the folk knowledge of "Hanoi Pho" in the national intangible cultural heritage list will create profound and positive impacts on the preservation and development of traditional culinary culture in the future.
First and foremost, this recognition affirms the value and importance of traditional cuisine in Vietnam's diverse cultural landscape. When Hanoi pho – a familiar yet exquisite dish – is honored, it is not only a source of pride for the people but also a reminder of the responsibility to preserve and protect long-standing cultural values, fostering community awareness in preserving traditional dishes and ensuring that the techniques and secrets of preparation are passed down and not lost.
The recognition of pho as a cultural heritage also creates a strong impetus for chefs, culinary artisans, and businesses to continuously improve quality and preserve traditional flavors. When pho is recognized as a cultural heritage, it carries a great responsibility – the responsibility to maintain standards and respect original values. This helps ensure that pho will not be distorted or overly commercialized, but will retain the essence of Vietnamese cuisine in every steaming bowl.
Furthermore, the recognition of pho as a culinary dish opens up many opportunities for research and innovation in the culinary field. Younger generations will have the opportunity to learn and research this dish in greater depth, thereby developing new creations based on tradition. This not only helps preserve pho but also promotes the rich and diverse development of Vietnamese culinary culture in the future.
Furthermore, the inclusion of "Hanoi Pho" in the national intangible cultural heritage list plays a crucial role in promoting Vietnamese culture to the world. Pho is not just a dish, but also a cultural ambassador, carrying the story of the people, history, and culture of Vietnam. This recognition will increase international tourists' interest in Vietnamese cuisine, thereby creating deeper cultural connections and contributing to the preservation of traditional values in the context of global integration.
Preserving the flavor, conveying the essence in its entirety.
So , how can restaurants and pho shops in Hanoi benefit from being listed as a national intangible cultural heritage , sir?
The inclusion of Hanoi pho in the national intangible cultural heritage list opens up special opportunities for pho restaurants and eateries in the city. This is not just recognition of a dish, but also a ticket for pho restaurants to embark on a new journey, where they can glorify the nation's culinary heritage.
This recognition serves as a powerful reminder and motivation for pho restaurants to continuously improve the quality of their dishes, preserve traditional flavors, and fully convey the cultural essence through each bowl of pho. Paying attention to every step, from selecting ingredients and preparing the broth to the presentation, will become a mission, a journey to protect and promote the value of this heritage.
Beyond simply serving delicious food, pho restaurants have the opportunity to become cultural experience spaces, where diners can not only enjoy the wonderful taste but also feel a part of the Vietnamese soul, a part of its rich history and tradition.
Registering pho in the national culinary tradition not only brings economic benefits but also represents a responsibility and a source of pride for those preserving this heritage. Each pho restaurant can become a cultural ambassador, spreading the story of Hanoi's cuisine far and wide, connecting not only the local community but also international friends. Through this, they are not just selling a dish, but also contributing to writing the next chapter of pho, of Hanoi, and of Vietnam with pride and deep love.
This is the time for Hanoi's pho restaurants and eateries to shine, becoming must-visit destinations for anyone wanting to understand and appreciate Vietnamese culture even more. Each bowl of pho is now more than just a dish; it's a part of the heritage, an invitation to come and experience, to come and love Hanoi, to love the country and people of Vietnam.
Could you please tell us how this recognition will impact the promotion of Hanoi pho in particular, and Vietnamese culinary culture in general, to the world?
The recognition of Hanoi pho as a national intangible cultural heritage will have a tremendous impact on promoting pho in particular and Vietnamese culinary culture in general to the world.
First and foremost, Hanoi pho, with its new designation, will become a prominent culinary cultural icon of Vietnam on the international food map. When pho is honored, not only people in Vietnam but also the international community will pay more attention to this dish. Pho is no longer just an ordinary dish; it becomes a symbol of Vietnamese culinary excellence, a representative of national flavor and identity. This will increase the interest and curiosity of international tourists, encouraging them to come to Vietnam to experience this dish in its birthplace.
This recognition also provides a strong boost in promoting pho and Vietnamese cuisine on international media platforms. Stories about pho will spread more widely, from newspapers and television to social media, making it an interesting topic that everyone wants to explore. Images of steaming, fragrant Hanoi pho will appear more frequently in prestigious food magazines, television programs, and global culinary events, highlighting the cultural and artistic value of Vietnamese cuisine.
Furthermore, this recognition provides Vietnamese chefs, who are passionate about traditional cuisine, with the motivation to create and introduce pho and other Vietnamese dishes to the world. From high-end restaurants to street food chains, Hanoi pho will have more opportunities to appear in major cities globally, offering international diners an authentic Vietnamese culinary experience.
Furthermore, the recognition of Hanoi pho as an intangible cultural heritage contributes to strengthening the position of Vietnamese cuisine on the international stage. Vietnam will be known not only as a country with a long history and beautiful natural landscapes, but also as a destination for rich and unique cuisine. Pho, along with other traditional dishes, will become a cultural bridge, connecting Vietnam with the world, spreading love and admiration for Vietnamese culinary culture.
Therefore, I believe that this recognition is not only a significant milestone in preserving and promoting traditional cultural values, but also opens the door for Vietnam to continue shining on the world culinary map, with Hanoi pho as the flagship, leading Vietnamese cuisine to reach further.
Thank you!
Source: https://kinhtedothi.vn/pho-ha-noi-bieu-tuong-van-hoa-am-thuc-cua-viet-nam.html
![[Video] The craft of making Dong Ho folk paintings has been inscribed by UNESCO on the List of Crafts in Need of Urgent Safeguarding.](https://vphoto.vietnam.vn/thumb/402x226/vietnam/resource/IMAGE/2025/12/10/1765350246533_tranh-dong-ho-734-jpg.webp)
Comment (0)