Dining

The Tasty Conquest: Taking Hanoi’s Pho to the World.

Developing a Hanoi pho map is a creative solution that serves both the demands and marketing needs of the city's renowned pho restaurants. This innovative approach provides detailed recommendations and directions to the best pho shops in Hanoi, carefully selected based on authentic surveys and predefined criteria.

Administrator

11 December, 2024

Pho has become an iconic dish of Hanoi, captivating the hearts of both domestic and international tourists. It is more than just a meal; it is a cultural ambassador that spreads the charm of Hanoi’s cuisine worldwide.

A bowl of savory pho from a long-standing shop in Hanoi. Photos: The Hanoi Times

**From a Local Favorite to a Cultural Legacy**

Pho’s journey is intertwined with the evolving history of Hanoi and the cherished memories of its people. This dish has witnessed and adapted to Vietnam’s dynamic changes, especially in the capital city during the latter half of the 20th century. It has quickly become a beloved staple in Hanoi’s culinary landscape.

Truong Bich Khanh, a resident of Thanh Cong, Ba Dinh District, reminisces about her childhood in the 1950s. She fondly recalls how her mother would take her to visit her grandparents on Phan Huy Chu Street in Hoan Kiem District, and they would indulge in a bowl of pho from a street vendor near Hoan Kiem Lake. The happiness and warmth of that memory remain vivid and unforgettable even today.

As time went on, pho evolved from being sold by street vendors to finding a permanent place in restaurants and eateries. These pho establishments vary, from humble sidewalk spots to cozy indoor spaces. However, one thing remains consistent: the distinctive flavor and unique preparation style that make Hanoi pho unforgettable.

Recognizing its cultural significance, pho was chosen as one of the 12 signature dishes of Hanoi, showcased during the US-North Korea Summit in Hanoi in February 2019. It captivated the attention of international journalists, who wrote about the allure of Hanoi’s pho and Vietnamese pho in general.

At the annual Hanoi Culinary Culture Festival, pho always takes center stage, proudly representing the city’s gastronomic heritage.

**Preserving and Promoting a Delicious Legacy**

Between September and October 2023, the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports took a significant step by conducting a comprehensive inventory of pho’s heritage. This was the first time pho’s history, cultural importance, and culinary value were thoroughly documented and assessed.

Today, pho is an integral part of Hanoi’s culinary identity and has become a symbol of Vietnam’s rich and diverse cuisine, transcending borders and captivating the global food scene.

In a proud moment for Hanoi’s culinary heritage, pho was listed as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage on August 9, 2024, as per Decision No. 2328/QD-BVHTTDL, signed by Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung.

According to Associate Professor Dr. Bui Hoai Son, a permanent member of the National Assembly’s Committee for Culture and Education, this recognition is a significant milestone. It not only preserves and promotes traditional cultural values but also propels Vietnamese cuisine onto the global stage, with Hanoi pho at the forefront.

A bustling pho restaurant in Hanoi.

**Mapping Out Hanoi’s Pho Destinations**

To further establish Hanoi pho as a global culinary ambassador, preserving and promoting its heritage value is essential. This involves utilizing various communication channels, encouraging sustainable cooking practices, and, most importantly, focusing on building the “Hanoi Pho” brand.

While there are different perspectives on the origin and evolution of pho, Hanoi is committed to researching and unraveling the dish’s history, especially its development within the city.

Creating a “Hanoi Pho Map” is a strategic solution. It not only meets the demand for this delicious dish but also serves as a guide for residents and tourists alike, providing directions and recommendations to the best pho spots in Hanoi, based on thorough surveys and specific criteria.

Hanoi also recognizes the importance of supporting pho artisans—those who have dedicated their lives to perfecting the art of pho cooking. The city will facilitate the passing down of their experience, secrets, and skills to the next generation, ensuring the legacy continues. Additionally, policies to honor, encourage, and reward these artisans are being implemented.

Special support will be provided to pho restaurants in brand development, space planning, food safety, and creating a network of pho tasting destinations across Hanoi.

A 2023 survey by the Department of Culture and Sports identified around 700 pho restaurants in Hanoi that adhere to food safety and hygiene standards. These eateries are scattered across various districts, including Ba Dinh, Hoan Kiem, Cau Giay, Dong Da, Hai Ba Trung, Thanh Xuan, and Long Bien.

Traditional pho establishments, run by families with generations of expertise, usually specialize in beef or chicken pho and are predominantly located in the districts of Hoan Kiem, Ba Dinh, and Hai Ba Trung.

Hanoi pho has not only enriched Vietnam’s culinary heritage but has also earned its place in renowned dictionaries worldwide. With its official recognition as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage, Hanoi pho is now a step closer to being proposed for UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list, further solidifying its status as a global culinary treasure.