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It's not just a simple bowl of traditional pho anymore; many new versions of this dish have emerged, each bearing the personal touch and creativity of its respective restaurant. From unique pho cocktails to delicious pho burgers, each variation offers a novel and exciting experience for diners.
Despite the diverse variations, it's noteworthy that most chefs still maintain the essence and original flavor of pho. Even new variations are often created based on and with respect for the original recipe.
This not only demonstrates the creativity and flexibility of Vietnamese cuisine but also reflects pride and love for the homeland in preserving and developing the country's culinary cultural heritage. Through the combination of tradition and modernity, pho is not just a dish but also a part of Vietnamese culture, attracting interest and exploration from tourists both domestic and international.
Vietnamese pho is often described as a "symphony of flavors".
Besides traditional cooking methods, pho today is also prepared in diverse ways by many restaurants and street vendors. Instead of using the traditional rare beef, chefs have become creative by replacing it with other options such as beef ribs (brisket), beef brisket (chestnut), and beef shank stewed in wine (beef in wine sauce).
UNIQUE VARIATIONS OF PHO
Stir-fried Noodles
Pho xao is a very familiar variation of pho to Vietnamese people. Instead of using rice noodles or vermicelli like the basic stir-fry, pho xao is made from pho noodles that are fried with onions, garlic, and mixed vegetables, along with beef or offal. Pho xao is usually served with rice crackers and pho broth.
This new stir-fried pho dish has a rich and flavorful taste.
PHO BURGER
A prime example is the pho burger introduced by McDonald's in 2020. The beef in the burger is marinated in a rich pho sauce, creating the distinctive flavor of this familiar dish. The sauce is seasoned with coriander and star anise, two essential ingredients in traditional pho.
The dish sparked much debate among diners regarding its taste.
PHO TAI LAN (Spiced Beef Pho)
Pho tai lan is an interesting and long-standing variation of Vietnamese pho. A deep pan is heated over high heat, then the chef adds garlic, ginger, and beef, stirs quickly, transfers it to a bowl, and pours in the pho broth. This elaborate preparation method gives pho tai lan a richer flavor than traditional pho.
A bowl of pho at this restaurant is quite generous; the noodles are blanched until soft, thick, white, and chewy. The beef is tender, fragrant, sweet, not too tough, and has no unpleasant smell. The broth is rich and creamy with a layer of pork fat on top.
One of the key ingredients of rare beef pho is beef. The cook must carefully select only the freshest, highest-quality beef from reputable establishments.
Sour Pho
A lesser-known variation of pho is sour pho. Sour pho is a famous specialty dish of Lang Son, attracting tourists with its unique flavor, different from traditional pho. While still using the familiar pho noodles, the noodles in sour pho are firmer and chewier, preventing them from breaking apart when mixed. The noodles are still blanched in warm water before being added to the mixture, ensuring the dish isn't cold or fishy.
Lang Son sour pho: a delicious dish with an unusual name.
This dish is made from a variety of ingredients such as shredded chicken, taro, sweet potato, rice noodles, char siu (barbecued pork), fried onions, Chinese sausage, etc., creating a full range of sour, spicy, salty, and sweet flavors. The highlight that creates the sourness is the vinegar and sugar sauce, which is served with various herbs.
Pho Cocktail
Inspired by the distinctive flavors of traditional pho, this dish combines them with the creativity of modern cocktail making. Pho Cocktail was created by Vietnamese chef Peter Cuong Franklin, Vietnam's first Michelin-starred chef.
Pho is considered the epitome of Vietnamese cuisine. While pho has many variations, cocktails are undoubtedly the most unique version that diners have ever heard of.
The subtle sweetness of the pho broth, made from beef bones, can be enhanced with a touch of sugar, creating a smooth, mellow flavor on the tongue. This sweetness, combined with the tangy sourness of lime, chili, and cinnamon, creates a balanced sensation, enriching and diversifying the taste of pho.
It's impossible not to mention the rich aroma of herbs like coriander and basil when enjoying this dish. This fragrance not only enhances the richness of the pho but also stimulates the taste and smell senses of the diner.
Pho is not only a quintessential Vietnamese dish but also a source of inspiration for many chefs to create unique variations, offering diners a fresh culinary experience.
