Queueing up to eat pho with burnt liver in Bac Ninh.

GĐXH - Bac Ninh, a land renowned for its sweet Quan Ho folk songs and diverse cultural heritage, is also known for its unique cuisine , among which the "pho gan chay" (burnt liver pho) has become an unmissable highlight. This is a simple yet sophisticated dish, reflecting the distinctive characteristics of Northern Vietnamese culinary culture.

Origin and unique characteristics

Pho gan chay (fried liver pho) is an interesting variation of traditional pho, combining fragrant and sweet broth, soft and chewy rice noodles, and especially fried pork liver. This dish originated from the creativity of the people of Bac Ninh , utilizing familiar ingredients but preparing them in a novel way to create a distinctive flavor.

The highlight of pho with charred liver lies in the harmonious combination of ingredients: the liver is carefully prepared, retaining its rich, fatty texture without drying out; the broth is simmered from bones for many hours, resulting in a naturally sweet and savory flavor; and the soft, smooth rice noodles fully absorb the flavors from the broth and the charred liver.

Located in an alley off Tran Luu Street, Thi Cau Ward, Mr. Hoang Xuan Vinh's (65 years old) restaurant is well-known for its burnt liver pho. It's a popular breakfast spot for many. The unique feature is that the liver is deep-fried until completely charred black in the oil.

The image shows a crowded restaurant in Đáp Cầu, Bắc Ninh, with long lines of people queuing at the famous burnt liver pho restaurant.

Mr. Vinh said that in the early days of selling pho with burnt liver, he couldn't convince customers. It took him six years to adjust the recipe, improve product quality, and season the pho to his liking to create a delicious bowl of pho. "When the liver arrives, we have to fry it to test it; we keep the pieces that are black and discard the ones that are yellow. Every day, the restaurant uses about 30kg of liver and sells over 300 bowls of pho, with even more on weekends," the owner said.

The restaurant has a unique location in a small alley, and locals often call it "the pho restaurant with its face against the wall".

The chef continuously stirs the liver in the pan over high heat for about 20 minutes until it turns black, then removes it from the pan.

Fresh pork liver is carefully prepared to remove any unpleasant odor, then fried over high heat until charred black, yet retaining its tenderness and aroma inside.

The oil used for frying the liver is replaced after each batch to prevent it from burning.

The image shows a kitchen with pans bubbling and sizzling.

A unique taste experience.

A complete bowl of pho includes stir-fried liver, lean pork (preferably tenderloin, thinly sliced), and marinated kidney stir-fried with onions, tomatoes, and garlic. Each bowl costs between 30,000 and 50,000 VND.

When enjoying this dish, diners will experience the harmonious blend of rich, fatty flavors from the stir-fried liver, the delicate sweetness of the broth, and the soft texture of the rice noodles. The dish is further enhanced by the aroma of fried onions, black pepper, and fresh herbs. All of these elements combine to create a unique culinary symphony, deeply rooted in Northern Vietnamese cuisine.

The broth is the soul of pho. Unlike typical pho broth, pho broth made with burnt liver has a rich, dark yellowish-brown color, a subtly sweet flavor combined with the aroma of burnt liver, creating a unique taste.

Pho gan chay (pho with burnt liver) is not only a delicious dish but also holds significant cultural value. It is a testament to the culinary creativity of Bac Ninh people – a region that always knows how to preserve and develop its traditional beauty. This dish is often chosen by locals and tourists alike for gatherings, or simply to enjoy a complete breakfast.

Most of the customers are regulars. Mr. Nguyen Van Minh (from Bac Ninh) shared that this restaurant is associated with his childhood. "I've been eating here since I was a child; my father used to take me here for breakfast. I really like the liver pho here because of its familiar flavor that suits my taste. I visit about 2-3 times a week."

Bac Ninh's grilled liver pho is not just a dish, but also a symbol of the fusion of tradition and modernity. If you have the chance to visit the Quan Ho region, don't forget to experience this unique dish to fully appreciate the flavor and soul of Bac Ninh.

Source: https://giadinh.suckhoedoisong.vn/xep-hang-an-pho-gan-chay-bac-ninh-172241226180055572.htm