Pho, a well-known dish of Hanoi (Photo: Thanh Trung/ BNEWS/ VNA)

Each country has its own typical cuisine. Sushi is associated with Japan, India is famous for curry, Pho is the signature dish of Vietnam. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Quoc Dung said at a ceremony for 2020’s Day of Pho: “Vietnam’s Pho is widely known to the world. It is like a link connecting the overseas Vietnamese to their homeland, used as tool to promote “people exchange” and foster mutual understanding between Vietnamese people and foreign friends”.

A traditional bowl of Pho includes clear broth, thin slices of beef with rice noodles and herbs. Nowadays, there are other varieties of Pho, including fried and stir-fried Pho. However, many still preserve the traditional Pho like Vu Ngoc Vuong’s family in Dong Son commune, Nam Dinh province. Vuong’s family has been making Pho for more than 100 years. Vuong’s Pho is well-known for its sweet broth accompanied by the fragrance of herbs. Many customers still visit Vuong’s Pho stall to enjoy the taste of Vietnam’s traditional Pho: “Pho is made with basic ingredients and steps. The taste of Pho is even better with fresh ingredients. Pho is a favorite dish of many European people”.

The Day of Pho took place on December 12, 2020 in AEON Mall Ha Dong, Hanoi.

The Day of Pho has been celebrated for 3 years, helping to promote Pho to foreign tourists and expats in Vietnam. Palestinian ambassador to Vietnam Sadi Salama said: “I enjoyed Vietnam’s Pho for the first time 40 years ago. Since then, I have become addicted to this dish. The Day of Pho is significant for promoting Vietnam’s Pho. It is essential to preserve Pho and develop it into “a passport” of Vietnamese cuisine for the world”.

Pho also serves as an endless inspiration for many chefs. Nguyen Thi Thanh Nguyen, the owner of Pho Hai Thien in district 1, Ho Chi Minh city, said: “Cooking Pho has become my career. There have been many well-known Pho stalls run by overseas Vietnamese around the world”.