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.

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.

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.

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 it’s doing in the European marketplace.

Pho in France – Petit or Grand Pho, It’ll Be Just Like Home

Pho in France. France has the third largest Vietnamese population outside of Vietnam, and the influence of pho in France is nothing short of phenomenal. Like many other places outside of Vietnam, the popularity of pho in France is undeniable, because where there are Vietnamese, there is pho.

Pho in Australia: Plenty of Great Pho in the Land Down Under

Australians love their pho just as much as the Vietnamese or Americans do, and the presence of pho in Australia is almost as prominent as it is in the United States. Concentration of pho shops can be found in many Australian cities including Sydney in New South Wales, Melbourne in Victoria, Adelaide in South Australia, and Brisbane in Queensland. Here’s an overview of pho in Australia.

Pho in the U.S.: Sweeping North America Since 1975

Vietnamese pho is probably the dish that most Americans find recognizable. Americans actually find pho appealing, and for some of my friends it’s hard for them to describe pho and why they like it, but they keep coming back for more. For me, there is no mystery in a bowl of pho. It’s just good.

The History and Evolution of Pho: A Hundred Years’ Journey

A fascinating and definitive discussion of history and evolution of Vietnamese pho. The history of pho spans over a hundred years, from unification of Vietnam under French rule in 1887, to North and South Vietnam separation in 1954, and the Fall of Saigon in 1975 and beyond.

Pho Polls

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

View Results

Pho seafood is not exactly authentic pho. Your opinion?

View Results

Have you found your favorite pho restaurant(s)?

View Results