English
French
Spanish
Italian
On August 9th, the Vietnam Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism officially added Hanoi Pho, Nam Dinh Pho and Quang Noodles to the National Intangible Cultural Heritage list. These three dishes represent the cultural identity of their home regions and the country’s cultural richness and diversity.
Hanoi Pho is a traditional dish with bold Vietnamese flavors. Source: mayviendong.vn
Handed down from generation to generation, these traditional recipes embody the creativity and resilience of the Vietnamese people, ensuring their continued presence. In this article, let’s explore the 3 traditional noodle soups with Asia King Travel.
Three famous dishes in Hanoi, Nam Dinh and Quang Nam were recognized as National Intangible Cultural Heritages because of their many values from history, knowledge to community connection.
According to the Ministry, all three intangible cultural heritages were introduced by localities with full values such as representativeness, expressing community and local identity; reflecting cultural diversity and human creativity, being inherited through many generations; having the ability to recover and exist for a long time; being agreed upon by the community, voluntarily nominated and committed to protecting.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism assessed that Pho is a popular dish in Vietnamese culinary culture, loved both domestically and abroad. Cooking techniques, dining space and culture have created a unique mark for this dish.
Pho is not just a dish, but an inseparable part of Hanoians and lovers of the capital. Source: Bao Thanh nien
Long-standing Hanoi Pho restaurants are often small in scale, with the frontage placed on the Pho processing counter and often use the sidewalk or space in the alley to set up dining tables.
Regarding Nam Dinh Pho, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism commented that Pho has become the pride of Nam Dinh locals, affirming the value of the culinary brand through unique features expressed in all stages, from preparation, selection of ingredients, food, methods of making typical noodles, processing stages and completing a delicious bowl of Pho to ensure flavor and nutritional quality.
Quang Noodles is the result of the creativity of generations of Quang Nam people. Source: Dien may XANH
Quang Noodles are also on the newly announced list of heritages. According to the People's Committee of Quang Nam Province, the noodles processing profession is currently well-preserved and developed, people in the profession have a stable income and the risk of extinction is not high.
Read more: Ha Noi 1-day Trip: Discovery of Hanoi by motorbike
Pho is not just a dish, but an inseparable part of Hanoians and lovers of the capital. Far beyond popularity in the home country, this dish has gained worldwide renown, appearing in international dictionaries as a word. Today, Hanoi Pho can be found in over fifty countries, becoming an undisputed symbol of Vietnamese gastronomy on an international scale.
One interesting thing is that the majority of Hanoi Pho establishments do not seem to put much effort into choosing their name. The names are remarkably simple, often composed of the chef’s first name or associated with their character traits.
Pho is considered the national dish of Vietnamese people, especially Hanoians. Source: Mega Story
Emblematic examples include Pho Bat Dan, Pho Ganh Hang Chieu, Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su, Pho Thin Lo Duc, etc. These names, in tandem with reflecting a personal touch, embody the familiarity and ubiquity of Pho in the daily lives of Hanoians.
Back in the 20th century, Mr. Bui Chi Thin, one of the pioneers of Pho vending in Hanoi and also the founder of a famous Pho brand called “Pho Thin Bo Ho” began his career with a modest stall around Hoan Kiem Lake.
His Pho soon attracted the attention of the locals, leading to the opening of his first restaurant at No. 61 Dinh Tien Hoang in Hoan Kiem District. Today, this small establishment remains one of the most popular places for a bowl of Pho in Hanoi.
Mr. Thin cooks Pho to serve customers in Hanoi. Source: PetroTimes
Not far from Dinh Tien Hoang Street, at No.33 Hang Giay located another renowned Pho spot. This Pho brand, called “Pho Ong Dao” shares a similar history of development to Pho Thin Bo Ho. Another key name in the story of Hanoi Pho is Mr. Cu Nhu Than, who passed on his expertise to his daughter, Ms. Cu Thi Thanh Xuan.
After achieving her father’s legacy, Ms. Xuan went on to found the famous “Pho Chieu” on Hang Dong Street and “Pho 49A Bat Dan” on Bat Dan Street, contributing to the reputation of this culinary specialty on the Vietnamese gastronomic scene.
Nam Dinh Province is often referred to the cradle of Pho, with around 300 establishments located mainly in Nam Dinh City and Nam Truc District. Three villages in the Dong Son Commune are particularly renowned for their ties with this emblematic dish. These villages are home to some 600 inhabitants who perpetuate the art of Pho, passing on their mastery to succeeding generations.
Far more than a dish, Nam Dinh Pho embodies an integral part of the national intangible cultural heritage, reflecting the daily life and spirit of Nam Dinh locals over the generations. The making of Pho demands great finesse and meticulous attention at every stage, from selecting the ingredients to stewing the broth and assembling the noodles soup.
Nam Dinh Pho with eye-catching colors and lots of beef. Source: VnExpress
Inside each serving of Nam Dinh Pho, diners will experience not only a symphony of rich, intricate flavors but also the deeply ingrained cultural heritage of the region. Local artisans, the true custodians of this fine culinary know-how, play a crucial role in preserving and promoting this specialty. It is owing to the unwavering passion of the artisans that Nam Dinh Pho has gained a special place in the hearts of food lovers.
Though often small, Pho restaurants in Nam Dinh are distinguished by their attention to detail and warm welcome. Like in Hanoi, much of Pho preparation takes place at the restaurant entrance, allowing customers to follow every step of the process. The preparation area includes two pots, one for the broth, the other for hot water for reheating the noodles, and an area dedicated to assembling the dish.
Nam Dinh organized Pho Festival 2024 to honor traditional profession. Source: VnEconomy
The dish is not the sole purpose diners come for; they also come to observe the chef’s technique from up close. Every gesture, from slicing the meat to adjusting the broth, is an integral part of the culinary experience.
The typical setup of Pho restaurants creates a cozy and intimate atmosphere where diners can appreciate the complexity and dedication that the chef puts into each bowl of this noodle soup.
It is not difficult to find a Pho restaurant in Nam Dinh. Source: Dan Tri
Furthermore, thanks to the open, interactive setting, diners can fully feel the depth of Nam Dinh-Style Pho, a reflection of know-how passionately passed down through generations. The preparation process, visible to all, is a tribute to the local culinary art and contributes to the enrichment of the gastronomic experience, transforming each meal into a true journey through time.
According to historical records, Quang Noodles originates in the southward migration of Dai Viet inhabitants following the conquest of the Quang Nam region. This historical event, led by King Le Thanh Tong’s campaign in 1471, laid the foundations for the region’s development and colonization. The inhabitants of Quang Nam created this noodle using local produce while integrating culinary influences from other regions of the country and from abroad.
Quang chicken Noodles are one of the dishes considered a Central specialty. Source: VnExpress
Quang Noodles is the result of the creativity of generations of Quang Nam people, characterized by quick preparation, ease of transportability, and ability to fit any time of day. It is owing to these features that Quang Noodles has long become a mainstay in the daily lives of the region’s inhabitants. Culinary historians believe that this food is living proof of the Quang Nam people’s development during the period of southward expansion.
Quang Noodles we see today is not all about the outcome of fine culinary technique; it is also the fruit of a long series of cultural exchanges. The thick, yet supple noodles, made from rice flour, are the key to giving the dish a distinctive texture and flavor.
Through the years, Quang Nam people have constantly innovated, developing various versions of noodles, from chicken noodles to shrimp and meat noodles, to vegetarian noodles, each with uniqueness.
Quang Noodles is not only a famous specialty in Quang Nam - Da Nang but also the soul of this land. Source: Vietnam.net
Another distinctive feature of Quang Noodles is simplicity in preparation, while at the same time offering a rich blend of flavors. This is how the dish has transcended the borders of Quang Nam Province to become a favorite throughout the country, and beyond.
Today, this noodles has become a national culinary symbol, rising above the borders of Quang Nam Province. With almost 500 restaurants throughout, this dish not only represents the cuisine of Quang Nam but also plays an essential role in the cultural life of its inhabitants.
Quang Noodles are familiar to many generations of Quang Nam locals. Source: Thanh nien
The recent recognition of Quang Noodles as a national intangible cultural heritage emphasizes not only significance to the Vietnamese people but also important role in promoting Vietnamese cuisine on a global scale. This dish will continue to be passed on, developed, and preserved, consolidating its place on the world culinary map.
Vietnam now has several culinary treasures recognized as national intangible cultural heritage, such as Nam Dinh Pho, Hanoi Pho, Quang Noodles, etc. These recognitions mark the cultural value of these dishes and practices, in tandem with providing powerful incentives to preserve and promote them, thereby maintaining and developing Vietnam’s identity in the field of cuisine. Contact Asia King Travel for a wonderful culinary journey around Vietnam.
Read more: Ha Noi Old Quarter Tour 3 hours: Taste of Street Food in Hanoi
