Hanoi Pho is listed as a national intangible cultural heritage.

The Decision clearly states to include in the National Intangible Cultural Heritage List: Folk knowledge of Pho Hanoi - Hanoi City.

Hanoi chicken pho. Illustration photo. Source: Internet

The Chairman of the People's Committee at all levels where there are intangible cultural heritages included in the List in Article 1 of this Decision, within the scope of his/her tasks and powers, shall perform state management in accordance with the provisions of law on cultural heritage.

The Chief of the Ministry's Office, Director of the Department of Cultural Heritage, Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee, Director of the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports , heads of agencies, units and individuals related to intangible cultural heritages included in the List are responsible for implementing this Decision.

According to many historical records, the dish "Pho" in Hanoi was born in the early 20th century. Initially, Pho was a street food, carried around and sold throughout the streets of Hanoi in the years 1907-1910. There are still many different opinions about the origin of "Pho" with 3 popular hypotheses: Pho originated from the French dish pot-au-feu; Pho originated from the Chinese dish Ngưu nhuc phan; and Pho originated from the Vietnamese dish bun xao trau (buffalo noodle soup).

The history of the formation and development of Pho is associated with the ups and downs of the capital, the memories of many Hanoians. Pho has followed the historical changes in the second half of the 20th century of Vietnam in general and Hanoi in particular, developing very dynamically at a fast pace and expanding its area, becoming a popular dish in Hanoi. Behind each Pho restaurant is a separate historical story that creates pieces to better understand the cuisine and people of Hanoi.

The process of making and enjoying Pho contains the quintessence of the capital, the length of culture, the ingenuity and sophistication of Hanoi people. In the early stages of its formation, Pho originated from a rustic daily dish, from a snack and now appears on every street and alley in Hanoi to luxury restaurants and hotels. Hanoi people are connoisseurs of food, fashion, elegance and grace in their lifestyle, so the process of forming Hanoi Pho is also influenced by that style. Hanoi Pho has the natural sweetness of simmered bones, the aroma of meat cooked just enough to be supple but not tough, clear broth, thin and soft pho noodles, decorated with green onions and eye-catching herbs, reflecting the sophisticated and meticulous nature in eating of Hanoi people.

By combining neutral and cold ingredients and spices in making pho, people's awareness of creating a balance between humans and the natural environment is shown.

Pho is not only a dish that exists in the consciousness of Hanoi people in particular, but has now almost become a symbol of the rich cuisine of the Vietnamese people in general and has gone beyond the territory of Vietnam to reach the world cuisine. Hanoi Pho has contributed to enriching Pho of Vietnamese people in general, Pho has become a proper noun in a series of famous dictionaries in the world and is present in over 50 countries in the world.

Source: https://kinhtedothi.vn/pho-ha-noi-duoc-vao-danh-muc-di-san-van-hoa-phi-vat-the-quoc-gia.html