Some of the best bucket list ideas revolve around food and trying something new and unusual, perhaps combined with a faraway destination.
Eating pho in Vietnam is an experience not to be missed. Although you can find this noodle dish in local restaurants, there is nothing to beat eating it Vietnamese style in the country of its origin.
Which Type of Pho to Eat
There are several variations of pho, and depending on which one you want to try could influence your final choice of destination. In the North of Vietnam, the pho has few ingredients other than the traditional flat rice noodles, allowing the broth’s flavour to shine through.
Those in southern Vietnam prefer a thicker, sweeter pho with the addition of chicken or seafood. And for the hottest pho, head to central Vietnam.
How Do the Vietnamese Eat Pho?
Pho is best eaten in the Vietnamese style, and the local residents will appreciate your understanding of their culture. So, the first thing to remember is that you need to eat with a loud slurp! This goes against our traditional etiquette, so you may feel a bit awkward at first. And once you have finished the dish, you should lift up the bowl with both hands and drink the remaining broth. This shows respect for the skills of the chef who prepared your pho.
Pho is typically served with several garnishes, these include lime, fish sauce, bean sprouts or chillies. But do ensure you try the broth on its own first before adding any of these extra flavours. Chopsticks are, of course, the required method of picking up your noodles.
If you have tried pho in a local restaurant and enjoyed it, then rest assured it will taste even better when eaten in Vietnam!
