Pho Polls

How important is authentic/good pho to you? Pick 1 or 2.

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Pho seafood is not exactly authentic pho. Your opinion?

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Have you found your favorite pho restaurant(s)?

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How to Eat Pho and Finding Your Own Pho – A Primer For First-Time Diners

How to Eat Pho and Finding Your Own Pho – A Primer For First-Time Diners

When it comes to pho, a Vietnamese would have the distinct advantage of knowing how to enjoy the noodle dish. Eating pho is always an adventure, even for those who have had it all their lives. For first-time diners, the key is to relax and enjoy. You’ll find your own pho in no time.

March 10, 2010 | No comment | Read More »

Pho Is Changing – Chinese, French and Now American Influences

Pho Is Changing – Chinese, French and Now American Influences

Pho is changing. Regardless of if you’re for or against it, or maybe don’t even care, you can’t stop it. The only thing you and I can do is to help control it through our own pocketbooks. I know we have urges to try something new all the time, but I also know I need to give my continued business to good authentic pho restaurants who go out of their ways to do it right. Who cares, you say? Well I hope at least some people do.

November 22, 2009 | 2 comments | Read More »

What Is Great and Authentic Pho? Here’s One Example

What Is Great and Authentic Pho? Here’s One Example

My intuition told me I needed to pick up the spoon and try the broth immediately. All I can say is: it is what pho broth should be. So then on this rare occasion, I finished this huge bowl of pho without adding the hoisin sauce for pho and the red hot sauce. No I didn’t forget. I just didn’t need them. I normally only do this for authentic Pho Bac, the northern kind. Read the rest of my Pho Lu review.

November 17, 2009 | No comment | Read More »

Pho Nam Dinh: Pho Hanoi by the Multigenerational Co Family from Town of Nam Dinh, Part 2

Pho Nam Dinh: Pho Hanoi by the Multigenerational Co Family from Town of Nam Dinh, Part 2

This is part 2 of the story of pho Hanoi and how the Co family pho dynasty keeps its pho through 5 generations. We meet one of the two remaining members of the second generation, who demonstrates traditional pho techniques at festivals and visits his descendants’ pho shops to pass on his experience and encouragement.

October 31, 2009 | 1 comment | Read More »

Vegetarian Pho or Pho Chay – a Tasty Healthy Vegan Choice

Vegetarian Pho or Pho Chay – a Tasty Healthy Vegan Choice

Vegetarian pho, or phở chay, has never been about healthy eating in Vietnam. Now with pho very popular in the U.S. and the population more conscious about leading a healthy lifestyle, it’s only natural that restaurants offer vegetarian pho or pho chay on their menus. Temple chay foods are true vegetarian and healthy, but once vegan foods get to the restaurants, chefs spice things up to attract paying customers.

September 22, 2009 | 1 comment | Read More »

Quoc Viet Foods® Steadily Growing and Bringing Vietnamese Pho to the Masses

Quoc Viet Foods® Steadily Growing and Bringing Vietnamese Pho to the Masses

Quoc Viet Foods® specializes in manufacturing Vietnamese pho soup bases and other seasonings. The company is the first to use modern technologies to convert the traditional Vietnamese pho into convenient soup base form. If you’re looking for a quick pho recipe to make your own pho in less than an hour, it’s possible with pho products from Quoc Viet Foods. It’s a great option without giving up authenticity, taste and quality. Read more on how Quoc Viet Foods began its journey to bring pho to the mass.

September 1, 2009 | 2 comments | Read More »

Thai Basil – The Siam Queen Takes Her Place in Vietnamese Pho

Thai Basil – The Siam Queen Takes Her Place in Vietnamese Pho

The basil family of herbs is one of the oldest and most commonly used herbs in the world. The variety known as Thai basil is no exception; it is utilized so extensively in Indian and Southeast Asian dishes that it is practically considered a vegetable rather than a simple herb. In Vietnamese pho, Thai basil has a prominent place on the plate of garnishes that are served along with the steamy bowl of broth, meat and noodles, giving a peppery and sweet taste at the same time.

August 27, 2009 | No comment | Read More »

Cilantro – Man’s Oldest Herb a Must-Have Ingredient in Vietnamese Pho

Cilantro – Man’s Oldest Herb a Must-Have Ingredient in Vietnamese Pho

In Vietnamese pho, you are likely to find chopped cilantro blanched by the broth in your bowl. Many pho recipes that you will find either in Asian cookbooks or on the Internet also recommend using cilantro as an important ingredient. Cilantro in fact has a long history of its own. Cilantro never takes the center stage, but you can’t have pho without it.

July 14, 2009 | No comment | Read More »

Pho Nam Dinh: Pho Hanoi by the Multigenerational Co Family from Town of Nam Dinh, Part 2

Pho Nam Dinh: Pho Hanoi by the Multigenerational Co Family from Town of Nam Dinh, Part 2

This is part 2 of the story of pho Hanoi and how the Co family pho dynasty keeps its pho through 5 generations. We meet one of the two remaining members of the second generation, who demonstrates traditional pho techniques at festivals and visits his descendants’ pho shops to pass on his experience and encouragement.

October 31, 2009 | 1 comment | Read More »

Pho Nam Dinh: Pho Hanoi by the Multigenerational Co Family from Town of Nam Dinh, Part 1

Pho Nam Dinh: Pho Hanoi by the Multigenerational Co Family from Town of Nam Dinh, Part 1

Pho Hanoi by the multigenerational Co family from the town of Nam Dinh. This video tells the story of pho Hanoi and how the Co dynasty keeps its pho through 5 generations. The video is narrated in Vietnamese, but I think non-Viet speaking pho lovers will find it fascinating too. Here’s a loose transcription I made to share with everyone. Some specific audio details may be lost, but the overall meanings are still intact. Enjoy.

October 27, 2009 | 5 comments | Read More »

Great Vietnamese Pho YouTube Videos Worth Seeing

Great Vietnamese Pho YouTube Videos Worth Seeing

Among the 3,000 or so YouTube pho videos there are many how-to-cook, how-to-eat and a variety of parody clips. After viewing a few, you’ll wonder why you’ve wasted a good chunk of your life on them, time that you’ll never get back. On the other hand, there are a few gems that will enhance your knowledge and appreciation of pho in many ways. Here are some of the best pho-related YouTube videos worth seeing.

October 7, 2009 | 1 comment | Read More »

An Interview with Chef Didier Corlou on Vietnamese Pho and Cuisine

An Interview with Chef Didier Corlou on Vietnamese Pho and Cuisine

Chef Didier Corlou is one of the culinary authorities on Vietnamese pho and cuisine. He’s been in Vietnam since 1991 playing a vital role in developing and promoting Vietnamese cuisine to a new level. Here’s an in-depth interview with “Le Chef” Corlou on various aspects of Viet pho, from his own thoughts on how to cook pho, to pho franchise, to even pairing wine with pho!

June 29, 2009 | 3 comments | Read More »

Pho Nam Dinh: Pho Hanoi by the Multigenerational Co Family from Town of Nam Dinh, Part 1

Pho Nam Dinh: Pho Hanoi by the Multigenerational Co Family from Town of Nam Dinh, Part 1

Pho Hanoi by the multigenerational Co family from the town of Nam Dinh. This video tells the story of pho Hanoi and how the Co dynasty keeps its pho through 5 generations. The video is narrated in Vietnamese, but I think non-Viet speaking pho lovers will find it fascinating too. Here’s a loose transcription I made to share with everyone. Some specific audio details may be lost, but the overall meanings are still intact. Enjoy.

October 27, 2009 | 5 comments | Read More »

How to Pronounce Bun Bo Hue and Hu Tieu Nam Vang

How to Pronounce Bun Bo Hue and Hu Tieu Nam Vang

Received a number of requests for pronunciation of “Bún Bò Huế” and “Hủ Tiếu Nam Vang.” Bún Bò Huế or Bun Bo Hue is the spicy beef noodle dish with larger round noodle, pork hocks and coagulated pork blood. It’s originated in Central Vietnam. Hủ Tiếu Nam Vang or Hu Tieu Nam Vang is the Vietnamese hu tieu Phnom Penh-style noodle, originated in the south with Phnom Penh influence. Here’s how to say them.

October 17, 2009 | 7 comments | Read More »

Improving the Pho Menu For Mainstream Appeal

Improving the Pho Menu For Mainstream Appeal

Pho going mainstream? Not quite yet. The pho menu needs a major improvement or facelift. Pho noodle itself is great, but the pho menu needs to get with the 21st century. Many existing pho restaurants have huge menus, but large pho menu does not equate to quality pho. Having clear and easy to understand pho menu will improve the clientele’s pho experience, and will definitely attract new business. Here’s why.

September 7, 2009 | No comment | Read More »

Pho Pronunciation – How to Order Pho in Vietnamese

Pho Pronunciation – How to Order Pho in Vietnamese

Take your pho experience to the next level. Here are audio files to help you order pho in Vietnamese language. The selection is based on a typical pho menu one may find at many Viet restaurants. Once you learn the basics, you can order your favorite pho anywhere without even looking at the menu. Nice huh? As always each dish pronunciation has both the Southern Viet accent followed by Northern Viet accent.

June 23, 2009 | 8 comments | Read More »

Pho Ingredients - Garnishes

Vegetarian Pho or Pho Chay – a Tasty Healthy Vegan Choice

Vegetarian Pho or Pho Chay – a Tasty Healthy Vegan Choice

Vegetarian pho, or phở chay, has never been about healthy eating in Vietnam. Now with pho very popular in the U.S....

Sep 22, 2009 | 1 comment | Read More »
Quoc Viet Foods® Steadily Growing and Bringing Vietnamese Pho to the Masses

Quoc Viet Foods® Steadily Growing and Bringing Vietnamese Pho to the Masses

Quoc Viet Foods® specializes in manufacturing Vietnamese pho soup bases and other seasonings. The company is the first to use modern...

Sep 1, 2009 | 2 comments | Read More »
Thai Basil – The Siam Queen Takes Her Place in Vietnamese Pho

Thai Basil – The Siam Queen Takes Her Place in Vietnamese Pho

The basil family of herbs is one of the oldest and most commonly used herbs in the world. The variety known...

Aug 27, 2009 | No comment | Read More »
Cilantro – Man’s Oldest Herb a Must-Have Ingredient in Vietnamese Pho

Cilantro – Man’s Oldest Herb a Must-Have Ingredient in Vietnamese Pho

In Vietnamese pho, you are likely to find chopped cilantro blanched by the broth in your bowl. Many pho recipes that...

Jul 14, 2009 | No comment | Read More »
Banh Pho (Bánh Phở) – It’s All About the Square Noodles

Banh Pho (Bánh Phở) – It’s All About the Square Noodles

Why is banh pho so important in a bowl of pho? One can say that pho is not pho without the...

Jun 13, 2009 | 2 comments | Read More »
Quicker Beef Pho Recipe with Quoc Viet Foods’ Pho Soup Base

Quicker Beef Pho Recipe with Quoc Viet Foods’ Pho Soup Base

Authentic beef pho recipes call for cooking the broth over a period of 3 or more hours. Properly done, this will...

Jun 6, 2009 | 2 comments | Read More »
Bean Sprouts – Adding Crunch to the Savory Pho

Bean Sprouts – Adding Crunch to the Savory Pho

Nowadays you can't order pho without the plate of garnishing, which invariably include bean sprouts. Fans of Vietnamese pho have come...

May 19, 2009 | 4 comments | Read More »

Pho Corner: Everything Pho

How to Eat Pho and Finding Your Own Pho – A Primer For First-Time Diners

When it comes to pho, a Vietnamese would have the distinct advantage of knowing how to enjoy the noodle dish. Eating pho is always an adventure, even for those who have had it all their lives. For first-time diners, the...

Mar 10, 2010 | No comment | Read More »

Pho Is Changing – Chinese, French and Now American Influences

Pho is changing. Regardless of if you're for or against it, or maybe don't even care, you can't stop it. The only thing you and I can do is to help control it through our own pocketbooks. I know we...

Nov 22, 2009 | 2 comments | Read More »

What Is Great and Authentic Pho? Here’s One Example

My intuition told me I needed to pick up the spoon and try the broth immediately. All I can say is: it is what pho broth should be. So then on this rare occasion, I finished this huge bowl of...

Nov 17, 2009 | No comment | Read More »

How to Pronounce Bun Bo Hue and Hu Tieu Nam Vang

Received a number of requests for pronunciation of "Bún Bò Huế" and "Hủ Tiếu Nam Vang." Bún Bò Huế or Bun Bo Hue is the spicy beef noodle dish with larger round noodle, pork hocks and coagulated pork blood. It's...

Oct 17, 2009 | 7 comments | Read More »

Vietnamese Pho in Europe: A Far Cry from Home?

Vietnamese pho in Europe? Well not exactly catching on by storm like pho in the U.S., Canada and Australia, but there are enclaves of Vietnamese living in Europe. Let's take a look at how pho got to Europe and how...

Oct 14, 2009 | 2 comments | Read More »

Great Vietnamese Pho YouTube Videos Worth Seeing

Among the 3,000 or so YouTube pho videos there are many how-to-cook, how-to-eat and a variety of parody clips. After viewing a few, you'll wonder why you've wasted a good chunk of your life on them, time that you'll never...

Oct 7, 2009 | 1 comment | Read More »

Pho, Charity and Fall Festival – A Match Made in Heaven

Vietnamese pho at a Fall Festival? Pho for charity? Pho bo, pho ga and bun bo Hue as festival foods? Maybe unheard of a few years back, but with the popularity of pho raging everywhere, pho just may become the...

Sep 29, 2009 | No comment | Read More »

Vegetarian Pho or Pho Chay – a Tasty Healthy Vegan Choice

Vegetarian pho, or phở chay, has never been about healthy eating in Vietnam. Now with pho very popular in the U.S. and the population more conscious about leading a healthy lifestyle, it's only natural that restaurants offer vegetarian pho or...

Sep 22, 2009 | 1 comment | Read More »

Pho Restaurants in the United States – Pho on the Move

Here's quick look at stats on Vietnamese pho restaurants in the U.S. They're part of a market analysis project I'm working on. Vietnamese pho market analysis: Vietnamese pho restaurants in the U.S. showing top U.S. cities with pho restaurants, top...

Sep 17, 2009 | 6 comments | Read More »

Vietnamese Pho Soup Noodle in Noodle Face Off Against Other Asian Noodles

Here's the ultimate noodle face-off between pho and other Asian noodles. Ratings are based on deliciousness of pho, degree of difficulty to make pho, degree of difficulty to serve pho, number of ingredients required for pho, and pho popularity among...

Sep 12, 2009 | No comment | Read More »