Vietnam’s Iconic Pho Bo Recognized Among the World’s Best Soups

Vietnam’s beloved Pho bo (beef noodle soup) has once again garnered international acclaim, earning a spot on CNN Travel’s recent list of the “20 Best Soups Around the World.” This recognition highlights Pho bo’s deep cultural and culinary significance in Vietnam, as well as its growing global popularity.

Pho bo is more than just a dish; it is a symbol of Vietnam’s rich culinary heritage. Andrea Nguyen, author of “The Pho Cookbook,” notes that Pho is among the most recognized Vietnamese culinary exports. While contemporary Pho restaurants offer a variety of flavors, beef Pho remains the original and most cherished version.

The history of Pho bo is deeply rooted in Vietnamese tradition. By the 1930s, the dish had evolved to include slices of raw beef that were gently cooked in a simmering broth. This broth, a key element of the dish, is meticulously prepared by simmering beef bones for hours, along with cinnamon, star anise, and other warm spices. The result is a wonderfully aromatic base that forms the heart of this iconic rice noodle soup.

Today, beef Pho continues to be the most beloved version in Vietnam, offering various options to suit different tastes. These options include the original raw beef, a combination of raw and cooked beef, brisket, and tendon, each adding its own unique texture and flavor to the dish.

The inclusion of Pho bo in CNN’s prestigious list underscores the global recognition of Vietnamese cuisine. Other notable soups that made the list include Banga from Nigeria, Borscht from Ukraine, Bouillabaisse from France, Caldo Verde from Portugal, and Chorba frik from Algeria, Libya, and Tunisia.

As Pho bo continues to win the hearts of food lovers worldwide, it remains a cherished dish that represents the soul of Vietnam, offering a taste of the country’s rich culinary history in every bowl.