Seasians, talking about Viet Nam, what cuisine comes to your mind? The view of green rice fields? The motorbikes passing by in Hanoi? Or... a warm bowl of soup called Pho?
More than just a dish, Pho - a bowl of noodle soup has become a national symbol that unites history, flavor and cultural identity. In the midst of modernization that often erodes tradition, Pho has grown as a bridge between the past and the present.
Historical Traces and Variety of Flavors
The origin of Pho is still a matter of debate among culinary historians. However, the majority of people agree that this food emerged in the late 19th to 20th centuries in North Viet Nam, more precisely in Hanoi, which at that time was still under French leadership.
Some theories suggest that Pho comes from the French term “pot-au-feu,” which means French beef stew. This is why it is said that Pho is a food adapted from French culinary culture. The theory makes sense since France occupied Viet Nam in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Originally, beef-based soups were not a major part of traditional Vietnamese cuisine. But as French colonial influence came in, consumption patterns changed.
The French began to consume large amounts of beef, leaving behind parts such as bones and tendons that were then utilized by the locals.
Interestingly, the Vietnamese don't let the leftovers go to waste. They boil it for hours to produce a rich broth. This broth is then combined with rice noodles-a staple that has long been known in Viet Nam-as well as a variety of aromatic spices such as cinnamon, cloves and star anise.
From this combination, Pho was born, a hearty dish that gradually won the hearts of the people. More than just a meal, Pho became the epitome of clever cultural adaptation amidst a melting pot of East and West.
Northern vs Southern Flavors
After the popularity of Pho in North Viet Nam, especially Hanoi, this food began to spread to various regions in Viet Nam, including the southern region of Viet Nam such as Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City). The difference in temperature and climate made the people of South Viet Nam make modifications to Pho.
North Viet Nam has cooler temperatures, so Pho was created with a lighter taste with less added spices, and more emphasis on the clarity of the soup and the authentic taste of beef broth.
South Viet Nam has warmer temperatures, so the food tends to be more flavorful and rich. Pho, in this context, is a snapshot of the cultural diversity that lives in every corner of Viet Nam.
The Spread of Pho to the World
Pho gained popularity in the mid-20th century. After the end of the war in 1975, large waves of Vietnamese migrated to various parts of the world-from the United States, France, Canada, to Australia. In their efforts to build a new life, they brought with them their cultural heritage, including culinary specialties like Pho.
It didn't take long for Pho to become widely known in the countries where they migrated to. In cities like Los Angeles and Houston, which have large populations of the Vietnamese diaspora, Pho restaurants have flourished and become a favorite of many.
From street corners to modern culinary centers, a bowl of Pho is now enjoyed not only by the Vietnamese community, but also by the global community.
Pho has become Viet Nam's culinary ambassador-a simple dish that crosses continents and brings a taste of home to tables around the world.
Culinary Innovation Without Losing Roots
In the midst of globalization and modernization, many traditional foods have been displaced by fast-food culture. But Pho shows otherwise. Instead of being eroded by the times, it has managed to survive-and even thrive-by harnessing the power of tradition while opening itself up to innovation.
Today, Pho is not only served in beef (Pho Bo) and chicken (Pho Ga). Some restaurants have started to make modifications by using seafood and even vegetarians with mushroom and vegetable-based broths.
Elsewhere, there is a dry type of Pho where the broth is separated from the noodles and meat. There is also Pho Fusion, which combines elements from other cuisines, such as Pho with cheese or Pho in taco form.
Preserving Flavor, Caring for Heritage
Yet for all the variations, many Vietnamese families remain faithful to the original recipes passed down through the generations.
In family-run restaurants that have been around for generations, the authentic taste of Pho is closely guarded-a tribute to tradition and an effort to preserve the nation's culinary identity.
Pho is proof that culinary traditions can survive the fast-changing times. It is flexible without losing its identity, open without forgetting its roots.
In every steam rising from a bowl of Pho, we can smell the aroma of history, feel the warmth of culture, and understand how strong a nation's identity is.
Source:
- https://kids.grid.id/read/473091573/sejarah-pho-sajian-mi-khas-vietnam-warisan-masa-kolonialisme-perancis?page=all#goog_rewarded
- https://telecomseurope5g.com/asal-usul-pho-sebagai-makanan-khas-vietnam/
- https://streetfoodadventure.com/blog/pho-vietnamese-traditional-food-that-will-change-the-way-you-think-about-noodles
