Traditional Recipe for Authentic Hanoi Pho from 80 Years Ago

Hanoi Pho, known as the signature dish of the Vietnamese people, is a must-try for anyone visiting Vietnam. However, the flavor of modern Hanoi Pho has deviated considerably from its original taste. Discover the authentic recipe for Hanoi Pho, true to its roots, in the article below!

Today, Hanoi boasts a plethora of delicacies, including bun cha, banh com, Cha Ca La Vong, egg coffee, and more. Yet, Hanoi Pho remains the undisputed number one delicacy, beloved by both locals and foreigners alike. No visit to Hanoi is complete without sampling its renowned Pho, a culinary delight cherished by people of all ages and backgrounds.

While there are countless variations of Hanoi Pho available today, ranging from beef to chicken, rare steak to brisket, and even with red wine sauce...traditional Hanoi Pho only comes in beef!

Pho Hanoi Among Top 8 Renowned Hanoi Specialties Featured in Foreign Newspapers

How Did the Flavor of Traditional Hanoi Pho Earn Such Adoration?

Pho is a dish of the people, a gift from Hanoi. While pho can be found elsewhere, only Hanoi's pho is truly delicious and unique. Authentic Hanoi Pho dates back to the 1940s when people enjoyed it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The key to making traditional Hanoi Pho lies in using beef, a clear and flavorful broth, resilient yet tender noodles, crispy fat, and a variety of complementary ingredients. Notably, a crucial ingredient that adds sweetness to Hanoi Pho is the sandworm.

Let's Explore the Art of Cooking Authentic Hanoi Pho with PasGo.

Traditional Hanoi Pho Became Popular Around 80 Years Ago

How to Cook Old-School Hanoi Pho from the 1940s

Ingredients for Making Traditional Hanoi Pho: Prepare 5 Bowls of Pho

• Rice noodles: 1 kg
• Beef: 600 gr
• Beef marrow bones: 1 kg
• Beef flank: 600 gr
• Dried shrimp: 300 gr
• Dried sandworm: 100 gr
• Five spice powder: Cinnamon, star anise, cloves, cardamom, fennel seeds
• Dried shallots: 4 bulbs
• Ginger: 1 bulb
• Cilantro roots: 4 sprigs
• Fresh shallots
• Lime, chili
• Good quality fish sauce
• Accompaniments: basil, cilantro, bean sprouts, fresh onions, scallions, etc.

Sandworms are rich in nutrients and contribute to the distinctive aroma of Hanoi Pho

Key Ingredients for Traditional Hanoi Pho Recipe

Traditional Hanoi Pho Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

- Toast the five spice powder: Add the prepared five spice powder to a pan and toast for 2 minutes until fragrant

- Slice dried shallots and ginger, then lightly grill. Next, combine the toasted five spice powder, dried shallots, ginger, and cilantro roots in a cloth bag.

- Cut lime, chili, onions, and fresh shallots

Five spice powder enhances the aroma and flavor profile of Hanoi Pho

Step 2: Prepare the Broth for Hanoi Pho

- Simmer beef bones, dried shrimp, and dried sandworm in a pot for about 2 hours. Once the nutrients from the sandworm have dissolved into the broth, skim off any impurities and remove the ingredients.

- Then add the cloth bag containing the ingredients prepared in Step 1 - Preparing the Ingredients to the broth pot. After 15 minutes, remove the cloth bag and add 3 tablespoons of good quality fish sauce to the broth, then turn off the heat.

The key to making Hanoi Pho broth is clarity and depth of flavor

Note: 2 liters of water will yield about 5 bowls of pho.

Step 3: Finishing Touches

- Slice the beef and beef flank thinly. Remember to slice across the grain.

- Blanch the pho noodles and rinse in hot water. Then transfer the noodles to a bowl, add the beef slices, beef flank, and pour the broth into the bowl. Next, add fresh shallots, cilantro, onions, and pepper. Hanoi Pho is often served with bean sprouts, basil... lime, and chili.

So, we've completed the traditional Hanoi Pho recipe. Though the ingredients may seem a bit intricate, if you crave the authentic flavor of Hanoi Pho, give this recipe a try for your family.

A bowl of classic Hanoi beef pho is served with raw vegetables

Moreover, in Hanoi, there are plenty of places to enjoy delicious Hanoi Pho, from street stalls to restaurants. So, Where is the best place to eat Hanoi Pho?

Some excellent spots for Hanoi Pho:

• Ong Hung Pho Restaurant Chain
• Pho Thin: No. 13 Lo Duc, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi
• Bat Dan Pho - Traditional Pho: No. 46 Bat Dan, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Ly Quoc Su Pho: No. 10 Ly Quoc Su, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Suong Pho: No. 36B Mai Hac De, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi
• Bung Pho: No. 1 Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

Through this article, PasGo hopes you learn more about the origins of Hanoi Pho, the flavor of Hanoi Pho through this traditional pho recipe. Moreover, PasGo also suggests some excellent places to enjoy delicious Hanoi Pho, where many people visit, so don't miss out.

To explore more delicious recipes, specialties from different regions of Vietnam, great dining spots, and other culinary categories, visit PasGo's Blog!

Wishing you all success.

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