The Savory Sensation of Vietnam’s ‘Pho’: Coming Soon to a Seoul Near You

‘Pho’, the iconic Vietnamese dish of rice noodles, broth, and meat, is taking center stage at the upcoming festival. With tens of renowned ‘pho’ brands gearing up for the event, the preparations are in full swing to delight diners and make this annual celebration a memorable one.

Co-organized by the Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper and Saigontourist Group, under the guidance of Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the administration of Ho Chi Minh City, this festival promises to be a culinary journey like no other.

A recent working session was held by the organizing team to ensure seamless planning for the festival in Seoul. This year, over 20 ‘pho’ brands will showcase the very best of Vietnamese ‘pho’ culture in South Korea, including household names such as Pho Dau, Pho Phu Gia, and Pho Thin Bo Ho – 1 Hang Tre.

While traditional ‘pho’ will be the star of the show, diners in South Korea are in for a treat with unique twists on the classic dish. Get ready to indulge in ‘pho’ infused with artichoke and corn, taking your taste buds on an adventure like never before.

Saigontourist Group is pulling out all the stops with a diverse menu featuring popular dishes from four prestigious hotels: Majestic Saigon, Grand Saigon, Caravelle Saigon, and Saigon – Morin in Thua Thien- Hue Province. And that’s not all; they’ll also be serving up delicious ‘pho’ from Golf Thu Duc Restaurant.

Le Thi Giau, chairwoman of Binh Tay Food Company, expressed her excitement about partnering with Tuoi Tre for the second time. After the successful festival in Japan last year, they aim to showcase the excellence of Vietnamese rice and elevate its reputation globally.

Nguyen Van Tan, chef and representative of Sasco’s iconic Pho Sen brand, is committed to delivering the freshest rice noodles. He shared, “We are confident in serving diners in South Korea, building on our experience from the previous festival in Japan.”

First-time participant, Pho Atiso, is equally enthusiastic. Tran Thi Hoai Thanh, their representative, assured, “We are ready to introduce the unique flavor of ‘pho’ to international food lovers by carefully selecting and preparing seasonings, ingredients, and, of course, our signature rice noodles.”

Tran Xuan Toan, deputy editor-in-chief of Tuoi Tre and one of the organizers, highlighted the strong cooperation between Vietnam and South Korea in various sectors, including economics, tourism, and trade. He emphasized that ‘pho’ embodies the richness of Vietnamese culinary culture, and the festival aims to showcase this iconic dish’s soul and essence to South Korea.

The participating brands will not only present delicious ‘pho’ but also share fascinating stories behind their dishes, adding a layer of cultural depth to the festival.

Nguyen Dinh Tuyen, owner of Pho Khoe Restaurant in Seoul, provided insight into the challenges of replicating authentic ‘pho’ outside of Vietnam. Due to South Korea’s stringent food safety regulations, local meat and bones are used, and even fish sauce faces import restrictions. Despite these hurdles, Tuyen is thrilled to support the Vietnamese ‘pho’ brands and proud to play a part in introducing Vietnamese cuisine to the world.

With 35 booths dedicated to traditional ‘pho’, the festival will also feature other Vietnamese delights such as banh mi and cha gio. Luu Khanh Hiep, chef at Grand Saigon Hotel, shared their plans to bring an assortment of banh mi varieties to the festival, carefully crafted to appeal to South Korean palates.

The organizers are confident that this festival will not only showcase the signature dish but also strengthen the position of ‘pho’ on the world stage. It is expected to foster cultural exchanges, boost tourism, and enhance the economic partnership between Vietnam and South Korea.

You may also like

The Big Apple of Asia: Ho Chi Minh City, a Foodie’s Paradise

“Ho Chi Minh City has been recognized for its culinary prowess by the renowned British magazine, TimeOut. In their latest listicle, they’ve ranked it fourth among the world’s top 20 cities for foodies. This placement solidifies the city’s reputation as a gastronomic hub, offering a diverse range of delicious experiences.”

5 Vietnamese Dishes: A Global Sensation in the Top 100 Stir-Fried Delights

The renowned culinary website, Taste Atlas, has recently updated its global list of the 100 best stir-fried dishes, with a delicious Vietnamese twist. Five mouth-watering dishes from Vietnam have made their way onto the list, showcasing the country’s unique and vibrant cuisine. The dishes include the classic stir-fried morning glory with garlic, a flavorful dish that packs a punch. Stir-fried pho, a unique take on the traditional soup, is also featured, along with stir-fried glass noodles and crab, a delicate yet satisfying dish. For garlic lovers, there’s the stir-fried chayote, and for those with an adventurous palate, the spotted Babylon snails are a must-try. This update by Taste Atlas highlights the diverse and delectable world of Vietnamese stir-fries, sure to tantalize taste buds worldwide.