Hanoi-based Meritorious Artisan Pham Thi Anh Tuyet has cooked pho for famous international politicians and celebrities, and her guests have included high-ranking foreign leaders. They were amazed by the unique flavors of Hanoi’s pho and described it as a “perfect and creative dish with a harmonious blend of Vietnamese spices.”
| Hanoi’s iconic dish, Pho, is a must-try for all tourists. Photo: Quynh Anh/The Hanoi Times |
On November 29, the traditional art of cooking Hanoi pho was recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage, marking a significant step forward. This recognition not only confirms the popularity of Hanoi’s cuisine among the Vietnamese people but also showcases its growing international appeal.
According to Le Thi Minh Ly, Vice President of the Vietnam Cultural Heritage Association, the origin of pho remains a mystery and is still a subject of debate. However, she emphasizes that pho is an ancient Vietnamese invention that has become an integral part of Hanoi’s cultural identity.
As a state-protected heritage, it is essential to uphold the basic principles and authenticity of pho while supporting the growth and development of the nation and its capital. Ly stresses the importance of developing policies to preserve Hanoi pho, as it holds both culinary and spiritual significance for the people of Vietnam.
Hanoi pho, now recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage in the “folk knowledge” category, stands out for its unique ingredients, skillful preparation, and time-honored traditions passed down through generations.
To safeguard the integrity of this culinary tradition, those who cook pho strive to preserve its authenticity while expressing their creativity and individuality. As a result, pho restaurant owners are committed to protecting the reputation and legacy of this beloved dish, according to Ly.
Artisan Nguyen Thi Muoi shared the story of her family’s pho business, which began in 1930. Due to challenging circumstances, her father had to stop selling pho in 1956. However, in 1985, her mother gathered the family again to continue the cherished family business.
They named their family brand “Pho Suong,” where suong means cheerful in Vietnamese. Artisan Muoi explained, “After enjoying a delicious bowl of pho, we believe people can feel happy and cheerful.”
Artisan Bui Thi Suong, a proud ambassador of Vietnamese cuisine, often introduces pho to international audiences during her travels. She shared, “Pho was one of the first dishes we introduced to European and Australian markets. While it used to be translated as beef noodle soup, it is now widely known by its original name, pho, all around the world.”
According to Artisan Suong, pho has evolved in different regions, and even chefs in other countries have incorporated their twists. She added, “As long as the original flavor of Vietnam is preserved, we can embrace creativity that enhances the dish’s flavor, visual appeal, and suitability for diverse palates.”
| A mouthwatering bowl of Pho. Photo: Ngo Minh/The Hanoi Times |
Pho has come a long way, evolving from the traditional options of noodle soup with rare beef or well-cooked beef to numerous innovative variations. Today, pho is often mixed with various ingredients, paired with wine sauce, rolled, stir-fried, and more to cater to diverse tastes.
Pho has become a staple on restaurant and hotel menus and has spread far beyond Hanoi, gaining popularity in many localities and international destinations.
The recognition of Hanoi pho as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage is a pivotal moment, not only for preserving traditional cultural values but also for elevating Vietnam’s culinary reputation globally. It opens doors for Vietnam to continue making its mark on the world’s culinary map and promotes Vietnamese cuisine across borders.
MasterChef Vietnam Pham Tuan Hai emphasizes the importance of providing systematic training in traditional dishes in schools, laying a strong foundation for learners before they explore modern and creative culinary techniques.
According to the expert, understanding the tradition of pho is deeply connected to understanding Vietnamese culture, and cuisine is an integral part of that cultural identity.
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