Vietnamese cuisine is renowned for its subtlety, harmony, and especially its rich diversity. Signature dishes such as bún chả, bánh mì, bún bò Huế, and the iconic phở, not only delight the taste buds but also embody a long-standing culinary culture. Hence, it’s always a source of pride for Vietnamese when foreigners seek out and enjoy their beloved phở. However, not everyone understands and eats it correctly, as a recent social media frenzy revealed.

Specifically, a foreign guest shared a video of her first experience eating Vietnamese phở, enthusiastically captioning it: “First time trying pho, this is pretty good.” However, it was her unique way of eating it that sparked reactions from Vietnamese netizens, as it differed greatly from the traditional way.
Instead of mixing the noodles with the broth and eating with chopsticks and a spoon as customary, she left the noodles clumped together, picking them up like bún lá (rice vermicelli) dipped in fermented shrimp paste in the dish bún đậu. Even the broth and toppings were separated into a large plastic container, from which she drank directly.
This unusual sight left many Vietnamese viewers bewildered and frustrated, as the iconic dish, renowned for its intricate and delicate preparation, was misunderstood and consumed in a rather “peculiar” manner. Some commented that perhaps she hadn’t received proper guidance on how to eat phở.

Under the video, numerous Vietnamese users gently pointed out the mistake and offered friendly guidance on the correct way to eat phở:
– “Who taught you to eat pho like that?”
– “You’re doing it wrong, let me help. You should put all the noodles into the broth.”
– “Please put the noodles into the broth and enjoy it.”
Along with the corrections, there were also those who expressed empathy, feeling fortunate that she still enjoyed the dish, and hoping that eating it the right way would be an even more “wow” experience.
While the incident sparked debates, it also showcased the deep love and pride Vietnamese have for their beloved phở. For them, phở is not just a dish but a part of their cultural identity, and anyone who wishes to savor it deserves to experience it in its authentic glory.
(Source: TikTok @my.name.america)
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