Ho Chi Minh City to Develop a Tourism and Vietnamese Cuisine Square in Tan Phong Ward
The vibrant city of Ho Chi Minh is set to embark on an exciting culinary journey, with plans to establish a dedicated commercial and cuisine business area. This initiative aims to showcase the unique cultural offerings of the city, with a focus on traditional dishes such as pho, a beloved soup made with beef or chicken broth and served with rice noodles.
An official from the city highlighted the strong association between the South Korean community and District 7, particularly Tan Phong Ward. With a significant number of South Koreans residing in this area, it is only fitting that we develop a tourism and cuisine hub here, celebrating the best of Vietnamese culture and hospitality.
According to statistics from the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, the city has already welcomed over 2.6 million international tourists in the first half of 2024, with nearly 500,000 of those being South Koreans. This makes South Korea the top source market for tourism in the vibrant city.
The Phu My Hung urban area in Tan Phong Ward, District 7, is a popular hub for South Korean nationals, and it is here that we find a unique fusion of cultures as traditional Vietnamese cuisine captivates the hearts and palates of its residents.
The Rising Popularity of Pho Among South Koreans
Pho has become a staple for many South Koreans living in Vietnam, with its delicate balance of flavors and fresh ingredients. Kim Da Som, a teacher from Seoul, shared her experience of living in the country for two years, teaching English to South Koreans in the Phu My Hung urban area. She was immediately captivated by the delicious pho, describing her first bowl as an unforgettable experience with fresh beef slices, soft rice noodles, and a reasonably priced meal that deserved a perfect score.
Over the years, Kim has explored both the northern and southern variations of pho in Ho Chi Minh City, ultimately favoring the southern version for its slightly sweeter broth. Her preferred choice is a bowl of rare beef pho served with a variety of herbs, a dish that has become a regular part of her daily life.
The streets of the Phu My Hung urban area and the Sky Garden are lined with South Korean and Vietnamese restaurants, but pho remains the dish of choice for many South Koreans of all ages. Sang Hee, a 60-year-old South Korean resident in District 7, expressed her love for Vietnamese pho, whether it be from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, praising the freshness of the meat.
District 7 has become a culinary destination for South Korean cuisine, with streets like Bui Bang Doan, Pham Van Nghi, and Le Van Thiem offering a variety of dining options, including barbecue bistros and Korean restaurants. However, it is the humble pho that continues to leave its mark on the culinary landscape, with restaurants like Pho Sung and Pho Vietnam attracting diners from near and far.
The owners of these establishments shared the stories behind their unique names, with Pho Sung paying homage to a family legacy that began in Hanoi in 1945, and Pho Vietnam becoming a trusted brand with multiple locations across the city.
As Ho Chi Minh City continues to thrive and attract visitors from around the world, the development of a dedicated tourism and cuisine square in Tan Phong Ward will not only preserve the city’s cultural heritage but also create lasting memories for locals and visitors alike, one bowl of pho at a time.
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| South Koreans crowd the Pho Sung eatery in the Sky Garden 3 area in the Phu My Hung urban area in District 7, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Thao Thuong / Tuoi Tre |
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