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Pho Co is a dish that has become a point of pride for the people of Nam Dinh whenever it's mentioned. Join Mytour as we uncover the allure of this widely renowned pho dish!
The Origin of Pho Co
The dish originates from Giao Cu village, Dong Son commune, Nam Truc district, Nam Dinh province. For generations, most villagers have earned their living by making beef pho, with the Cồ family being the most famous. This family rose to prominence from the North to the South, starting their pho business in 1925 with Mr. Cồ Hữu Vạng, the first to bring pho to Hanoi for sale. Eventually, Pho Cồ from Nam Dinh made its way to Hanoi, surpassing even Pho Thin and Pho Tư Lùn, which were once iconic in the old quarter. Since then, this pho dish has spread across the entire country, becoming a beloved specialty of Nam Dinh.
The Preparation Process of Pho Co from Nam Dinh
To prepare the broth for Pho Co, the first step is to scrape the meat off the beef bones. The first batch of boiling water must be discarded to prevent the broth from picking up any unpleasant odors from the bones. Only the second batch of boiling water is used for the soup. Roasted ginger and onion are added to enhance the aroma and reduce the greasy flavor. Once the water begins to boil, the heat is reduced, and the foam is skimmed off. Then, a little cold water is added and brought to a boil again, followed by further skimming until the broth is clear and free of residue. Finally, the seasonings are added, primarily good quality fish sauce to achieve a balanced aroma and natural sweetness without bitterness.
A delicious bowl of pho requires the rice noodles to be soft and chewy. When selecting the rice used to make the noodles, it must be high-quality, uniform, and free from any impurities like sand. The distinctive features of this type of pho include an abundance of ginger, fish sauce, thick noodles, a rich, sweet broth, and a subtle aroma of cinnamon and star anise.
Experience the distinctive pho of Nam Dinh
The pho is served steaming hot, with a broth that has a layer of fat on top and a strong flavor from fish sauce, beef bones, and black pepper. The noodles in Nam Dinh pho are thick and are typically hand-cut, much thicker than machine-cut noodles. To fully enjoy this dish, diners should add ground chili, chili sauce, lime, and enjoy it with crispy small dough sticks. Nam Dinh pho is particularly suited for those who enjoy a rich, sweet broth.
If you ever find yourself in Giao Cu village, Dong Son commune, Nam Truc district, Nam Dinh province, make sure to try an authentic bowl of Pho Co!
Where to enjoy Pho Co in Nam Dinh:
- Pho Co – Traditional Beef Pho: 2A Ba Trieu, Ba Trieu Ward, Nam Dinh City, Nam Dinh Province.
Source: Mytour.vn
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Reference: Mytour.vn Travel Guide
Mytour.vnJuly 5, 2024
