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Recently, the prestigious American television channel CNN announced its list of the 20 best noodle dishes in the world, once again affirming the position of Vietnamese cuisine as the "national treasure," pho bo (beef noodle soup), majestically appeared in the top rankings. This event is not only a source of pride for the Vietnamese people but also a testament to the powerful appeal of a sophisticated culinary culture, capable of conquering even the most discerning palates globally.
The history of soups around the world is a long and fascinating story. According to Janet Clarkson, author of the book "Soup: A Global History," it is one of the oldest forms of cuisine, intrinsically linked to the survival and development of humankind.
CNN, the American television channel, has just compiled a list of the 20 best soups in the world, including Pho.
From the Bronze Age, when our ancestors began using metal pots, to more rudimentary methods like simmering in turtle shells or bamboo tubes, soup has served as a bridge between nutrition and health. In most countries, soup is not just for satisfying hunger but is also considered a nourishing tonic, capable of restoring energy and warming the soul. Within this tradition, Vietnamese beef pho stands out as a symbol of balance, refinement, and the artistry of Eastern cuisine.
When talking about beef pho, one cannot ignore the essence of the broth. To achieve a sweet, rich, and flavorful taste without being greasy, pho chefs must simmer beef bones for many hours, patiently skimming off the foam to keep the broth clear. The blend of roasted spices such as cinnamon, star anise, cardamom, ginger, and shallots creates a multi-layered aroma that stimulates all the senses from the moment the steaming bowl of pho sits on the table.
Each soft, chewy white noodle nestled in the bowl is garnished with slices of fresh beef, vibrant green scallions, and a touch of spicy pepper, creating a perfect whole. Beyond traditional beef pho, visitors to Vietnam can also experience diverse variations such as delicate chicken pho, rich mixed pho, or refreshing pho rolls, each version bearing its own unique mark while retaining the original essence of the dish.
CNN has repeatedly ranked pho among the best in the world.
CNN's consistent recognition of pho as one of the world's best dishes is no coincidence. It's the result of a long journey, from humble street vendors in ancient Hanoi to upscale restaurants in New York, Paris, and Tokyo.
Pho is not just a familiar breakfast dish; it has become a cultural ambassador, showcasing a hospitable and refined Vietnam to the international community. In a context where global culinary trends are shifting towards healthier and more authentic dishes, Vietnamese beef pho, with its all-natural ingredients, high nutritional value, and low unhealthy fats, is a top choice for modern diners.
Looking more broadly at the world, CNN's list also features other formidable contenders, reflecting the richness of regional culinary cultures. Japan contributes Tonkotsu Ramen, a signature dish from Fukuoka with a thick broth made from pork marrow and fat, giving it a distinctive rich flavor. Meanwhile, neighboring Thailand makes a strong impression with Tom Yum – an explosive combination of sour, spicy, salty, and sweet flavors, along with the characteristic aroma of lemongrass and lime leaves. In China, Lanzhou beef noodles are not just a dish but also an artistic performance of hand-pulling noodles by culinary masters, creating the perfect chewiness of each noodle when combined with the beef broth.
In Türkiye, the yogurt soup Yayla çorbasi offers a different perspective on therapeutic cuisine, used to prevent colds and to aid in the recovery of patients. In North Africa, Moroccan Harirra is associated with religious beliefs, an essential dish for relaxation after Ramadan, with its rich tomato broth, chickpeas, and tender lamb. Across the ocean, American Gumbo – the pride of Louisiana – is a wonderful fusion of West African, indigenous, and French cultures, creating a unique and unmistakable multi-ethnic flavor.
Vietnamese beef pho, with its all-natural ingredients, high nutritional value, and low fat content, is a top choice for modern diners.
However, for every Vietnamese person, the place of beef pho on this list holds a particularly special meaning. It's not just a recognition of its flavor, but also a celebration of a life value, a deeply humane way of enjoying food. Vietnamese beef pho is the "national soul and essence," a thread connecting the past and present, between the countryside and the city. Standing among the 20 best soups in the world, pho is not overshadowed; on the contrary, it shines with its simplicity yet profoundness. The journey of beef pho on the global culinary map will undoubtedly go even further, carrying with it the pride and indivisible identity of the Vietnamese people.
