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"There is no love more genuine than the love of food," once said Nobel Prize-winning playwright George Bernard Shaw. Therefore, in early October, CNN released a list of the 50 best dishes from all over the world, giving readers more ideas for their travels and the best culinary experiences.
Among them, pho proudly ranks 9th. Pho is a traditional Vietnamese dish, and also one of the most characteristic dishes of Vietnamese culinary culture. The ingredients for pho are very simple: rice noodles, beef, onions, herbs, lime, chili, etc., but creating its distinctive, rich flavor is not easy. Pho requires an elaborate, multi-step, and time-consuming preparation process. Chefs not only need skillful techniques but also a passion to create this dish that embodies the soul and character of Vietnam.
Not only has pho conquered the taste buds of Vietnamese people, it has also crossed national borders, following Vietnamese people all over the world, becoming an "ambassador" of Vietnamese cuisine that is appreciated globally.
In addition, let's explore other dishes in CNN's top 10 list of the world's best foods.
1. Seafood Paella, Spain
Paella is a mixed rice dish consisting of rice and various other ingredients stir-fried together in a pan. This dish reflects how Spaniards save leftover ingredients in the kitchen by putting everything in a pan and stir-frying it. Paella is like a "museum" of Spanish culinary culture, creating a bond between family and community as everyone gathers around a large cast-iron pan and enjoys the delicious meal.
There are hundreds of ways to prepare paella with different ingredients such as beef, chicken, lamb, etc., but seafood paella remains the most famous. Seafood paella is much more elaborate to prepare because squid, shrimp, and oysters need to be cooked separately to become tender and flavorful, rather than being all added to the pan at once like other types of paella.
2. Som tam, Thailand
Som tam (or som tum) is a Thai-style papaya salad that can be found on almost every street in Thailand, even on the menus of upscale restaurants, and is considered a "pure national dish" of the country along with tom yum.
This dish embodies all the essential flavors of Thai cuisine: the sourness of lime, the spiciness of chili, the savory taste of fish sauce, and the subtle sweetness of palm sugar. First-time eaters might find it unfamiliar, but after tasting it a second or third time, they'll find themselves hooked.
3. Poutine, Canada
Poutine is a dish of long, crispy fried potatoes topped with a generous layer of cheese, gravy, and various toppings such as braised beef, BBQ pork, smoked meat, sautéed mushrooms, and more.
This dish originated in rural Quebec in the 1950s. Thanks to its delicious aroma and appealing flavor, poutine has been preserved and widely popularized to this day.
4. Taco, Mexico
Tacos are Mexico's most famous street food. Tourists often say that if you haven't eaten tacos, you haven't truly been to the country.
This dish is made from corn or wheat flour with a crispy crust and a colorful filling of beef, pork, chicken, mushrooms, peppers, vegetables, and tomato sauce. All of these elements combine to create a unique symphony of colors and flavors.
5. Stinky tofu, Southeast Asia
Stinky tofu, originating from China, is known for its pungent smell but is particularly appealing in Asia, especially Taiwan. Its main ingredient is fermented tofu. Stinky tofu has a distinctive smell, a crispy outer layer, and a soft, creamy interior, often served with pickled cabbage. With its rich and unique flavor, stinky tofu leaves a lasting impression on many who try it.
6. French toast, Hong Kong
French toast is bread soaked in milk and eggs, then fried, and served with toppings such as whipped cream, jam, honey, and fresh fruit. This dish is believed to date back to the 4th or 5th century and is known as "another sweet dish."
There are many different versions of French toast, but the Hong Kong version is particularly impressive. Thanks to peanut butter and kaya jam, Hong Kong has taken this traditional French dish to a new level.
7. Chicken Parm, Australia
Chicken Parmigiana is a classic Southern Italian dish, typically made with crispy fried chicken breast topped with cheese, ham, and tomato sauce. Chicken parm is the Australian version of chicken parmigiana, also fried chicken topped with ham but served with Neapolitan sauce, cheese, fries, and salad.
8. Fish & Chips, UK
Fish and chips is an indispensable part of British life, a simple combination of battered and deep-fried fish served with French fries. Although a simple dish, the combination of the crispy fries, the sweet, snow-white fish fillets, and the savory tomato sauce creates a memorable flavor experience.
9. Pho, Vietnam
Sometimes simplicity is the most important key, and pho is proof of that. Simply a broth mixed with rice noodles, herbs, and chicken or beef, pho can win over any diner from the first bite.
10. Pastel de nata, Portugal
Pastel de nata is an egg tart that originated in the 19th century, with egg yolks as its main ingredient. This type of pastry has a crispy, flaky crust and a rich, creamy egg custard filling, famously captivating even the most discerning diners.
Although not yet officially recognized, pastel de nata seems to have become one of the signature dishes of the beautiful country of Portugal.
