Nam Dinh beef pho has long been famous across the country. People from Nam Dinh brought the art of cooking pho to various provinces and cities nationwide, gradually establishing and affirming the Nam Dinh pho brand. Recently, Nam Dinh pho was recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage in the form of folk knowledge. According to the recognition dossier, the first people to sell pho in Nam Dinh were identified as coming from Van Cu village (Dong Son commune, Nam Truc district), after which surrounding villages such as Giao Cu and Tay Lac also started selling pho.
Most pho shops in Nam Dinh specialize in beef pho and usually do not sell other dishes. The most popular options here are pho bo tai chin (rare and well-done beef pho), pho bo tai lan (beef eye round pho), pho ap chao (stir-fried beef pho), and pho bo sot vang (beef stew pho). Among these, the traditional pho of Nam Dinh is pho bo tai chin. The owner of Co Hiep pho restaurant (Nam Dinh city) believes that the uniqueness of Nam Dinh pho is easily discernible. Nam Dinh pho always has a rich flavor, lacking the pungent smell of beef and instead exuding the aroma of fish sauce. In Nam Dinh, the secret to cooking the broth, passed down through generations, always contributes to the distinctive aroma and taste of the dish.
According to statistics from the Nam Dinh Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism in 2024, the province has nearly 500 pho restaurants, with Nam Dinh city and Nam Truc district being the areas with the highest concentration of long-standing establishments. There are about 1,500 households from these areas who have moved to large cities like Hanoi, Haiphong, and Ho Chi Minh City, as well as many other provinces (mainly large cities) to open pho restaurants and pass on the craft of making pho.
One of the most sought-after pho dishes in Nam Dinh is pho ap chao. The beef is stir-fried in a hot pan with garlic, greens, tomatoes, onions, carrots, and a little pho broth to make the meat softer. The cook then places the rice noodles in a bowl, tops it with the stir-fried beef, and pours the broth over it. Finally, they add some scallions and coriander for garnish and extra aroma. There are pho ap chao restaurants that sell over 200 bowls in just one morning.
What keeps customers coming back for pho ap chao is the sweet broth made from bones, the soft yet chewy rice noodles, and the stir-fried beef seasoned to perfection. A local from Nam Dinh city shared that the most impressive aspect of pho ap chao is the sweet broth and the soft noodles and beef.
Mr. Truong Quang Hai, owner of Hai Pho restaurant (Nam Dinh city), shared that to prepare a bowl of pho ap chao, he has to start preparing the ingredients as early as 4-5 am. His restaurant is bustling with customers from early in the morning, especially between 7-8 am. “The most important secret to a delicious bowl of pho is the quality of the ingredients. From the rice noodles to the beef, we have to be very selective. Especially for pho ap chao, choosing the right beef and preparing it properly accounts for 80% of the success, with the remaining 20% depending on controlling the heat and seasoning appropriately,” said Mr. Truong Quang Hai.
Nam Dinh’s xiu cham pho (beef ball pho with dipping sauce) is starting to gain attention and popularity among diners. While Nam Dinh locals have traditionally enjoyed eating pork balls with pho, it has now evolved into a dipping sauce dish. This dish has become an indispensable afternoon snack for the people of Nam Dinh.
Promoting Nam Dinh pho is also given great importance. In 2024, the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism successfully organized the 2024 Pho Festival – The Journey of Vietnamese Pho, attracting tens of thousands of visitors. The festival featured dozens of pho artisans and culinary experts, with 50 booths from enterprises and brands across the country showcasing and promoting the image and brand of Vietnamese pho. During the festival, nearly 50,000 bowls of pho were served to visitors.
The recognition of Nam Dinh pho as a national intangible cultural heritage is not only a source of pride for the people of Nam Dinh but also contributes to enhancing the province’s brand, promoting local economic and tourism development, and providing motivation for the preservation and promotion of the cultural values of Nam Dinh pho.
To further promote the brand of Nam Dinh pho and raise awareness of the importance of protecting its spiritual values, the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism advised the provincial People’s Committee to send a document to the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, requesting that they report to the Prime Minister and allow Nam Dinh province to coordinate in preparing a dossier to nominate pho for UNESCO recognition as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity in the near future.
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Phở Festival 2024 Opens: Discover the Path of Vietnamese Phở
The festival brings together 50 booths of businesses and brands participating in showcasing and promoting the image and brand of Vietnamese pho from various regions across the country.
