In January 2025, global culinary guide TasteAtlas released its latest rankings of the 100 Best Dishes in the World, based on hundreds of thousands of votes from food critics, chefs, and passionate diners worldwide. Among the vibrant dishes from Italy, Japan, Thailand, and Colombia, one humble Vietnamese classic stood proud: Pho Bo – or Vietnamese beef noodle soup – coming in at rank #93 with an impressive score of 4.44 stars out of 5.
But to the Vietnamese people and travelers who’ve had the pleasure of tasting it, Pho Bo is not just food – it’s a cultural icon, a comfort dish, and a deeply rooted culinary treasure. At MYCT Viet Nam Travel, we’ve watched visitors fall in love with Vietnam through a single steaming bowl of Pho. It’s no exaggeration to say: to taste Pho is to taste Vietnam.
Let’s take a deeper journey into why Pho Bo captured the world’s attention – and how you can experience its magic through our exclusive culinary journeys across Vietnam.
Pho Bo is not just a dish — it’s a quintessential symbol of Vietnamese culinary heritage. At its core, Pho Bo is a traditional Vietnamese noodle soup made with banh pho (flat rice noodles), thinly sliced cuts of beef, and a deeply aromatic broth that’s simmered for hours — sometimes even overnight — using a combination of beef bones, oxtail, and a delicate blend of spices. These include star anise, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, ginger, and roasted onions, all carefully layered to achieve a broth that is both complex and comforting.
The soup is then served steaming hot, usually topped with freshly chopped herbs like cilantro and scallions, thinly sliced white onions, bean sprouts, and accompanied by wedges of lime, slices of chili, and a side of quẩy — crispy fried dough sticks perfect for dipping into the fragrant broth.
But what truly sets Pho Bo apart — and why it continues to capture the hearts (and stomachs) of both locals and international food lovers — is the remarkable balance of flavors. The broth is rich but not greasy, savory yet clear, deeply flavored yet delicate. The fresh garnishes add layers of texture and brightness, making each bite feel light, refreshing, and incredibly satisfying.
Pho is more than the sum of its parts; it’s a culinary experience that blends tradition, patience, and love. Every spoonful tells a story — of family recipes passed down through generations, of early morning street vendors ladling bowls to the breakfast crowd, of late-night comfort during rainy Hanoi evenings. Whether enjoyed at a street-side stall in Vietnam or at a Vietnamese kitchen abroad, Pho Bo connects people through warmth, taste, and a deep sense of home.
As TasteAtlas notes, “Pho Bo is typically made using different cuts of beef, slow-simmered bones and oxtail, and a spice blend that includes cinnamon, star anise, cloves, and cardamom. The dish is best enjoyed hot, with fresh herbs, crispy fried dough sticks, and a squeeze of lime or chili.” It’s a perfect harmony of ingredients that speaks not only to Vietnam’s culinary ingenuity, but also to its soul.
Pho Bo’s journey from the street corners of Hanoi and Nam Dinh to international fame is a story of culinary passion and cultural resilience.
In August 2024, Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism officially recognized Pho from Hanoi and Nam Dinh as part of the country’s National Intangible Cultural Heritage. It’s a recognition not just of the taste, but of the history, craft, and identity behind every bowl.
And in December 2024, TasteAtlas had already named Vietnam as the 22nd best cuisine in the world, with other favorites like Banh Mi, Bun Cha, Bun Rieu, and Bun Oc earning spots in specific categories like “Best Street Food” and “Top Sandwiches.”
The rise of Pho Bo globally is not accidental – it’s the result of a growing global appreciation for authenticity, depth, and flavor complexity, all of which Pho delivers effortlessly.
At MYCT Viet Nam Travel, we believe food is one of the most authentic ways to experience a culture. That’s why we’ve curated specialized Culinary Tours and Pho Trails that take our guests far beyond the typical tourist experience.
Our itineraries offer unique access to:
Family-run Pho kitchens in Hanoi’s Old Quarter where secrets are passed down through generations
Pho-making workshops in Nam Dinh – the original birthplace of Pho Bo
Late-night Pho hunts in Ho Chi Minh City, where modern twists meet timeless tradition
Local markets and spice tastings to understand what goes into that rich broth
You’ll not only eat Pho – you’ll learn to appreciate the labor, the love, and the legacy behind it.
For Vietnamese people, Pho is comfort. It’s what families cook for breakfast on a cold morning, what college students eat late at night, what parents send to their children studying abroad. It’s a dish served at celebrations and also comforted during moments of loss. It holds space in every Vietnamese heart.
Travelers often arrive in Vietnam with curiosity – and leave with a lifelong craving for Pho. Through MYCT Viet Nam Travel, they learn not just the taste of Pho, but its place in the fabric of Vietnamese identity.
Pho is also remarkably adaptable. Whether you prefer lean rare beef, fatty brisket, beef balls, or tendon – or even vegetarian mushroom pho – there’s a version waiting for you.
Pho Bo may be the headliner, but it’s just one chapter in Vietnam’s flavorful story.
With MYCT Viet Nam Travel, you can explore:
Northern Vietnam: Enjoy Pho Bo in its birthplace, and follow it up with Bun Cha, Egg Coffee, and Sticky Rice in Hanoi. Visit the stunning landscapes of Ha Long, Sapa, Ninh Binh, and Ha Giang.
Central Vietnam: Try Mi Quang, Banh Beo, and Cau Lau in Da Nang, Hue, and Hoi An. These ancient towns serve food rich in heritage and flavor.
Southern Vietnam: Enjoy the Saigon version of Pho – slightly sweeter, with herbs in abundance. Then head to the floating markets of the Mekong Delta, or taste grilled seafood in Mui Ne and tropical fruits in Da Lat.
Every region brings something new to the table – and our expert guides will help you taste it all.
Whether you’re a backpacker, a honeymoon couple, or a multi-generational family, MYCT Viet Nam Travel crafts experiences to fit your travel style.
Our Pho-focused and food-centered trips are especially popular with:
International visitors looking for a deeper cultural connection
Corporate groups blending team-building with local culinary challenges
Families with kids who want hands-on food workshops and child-friendly meals
Engaged couples seeking unique pre-wedding adventures with their parents
Friend groups doing their first Southeast Asia food tour together
We also collaborate with partners across Asia, including leading travel agency Singapore networks, to offer seamless itineraries for travelers from around the region.
Founded in 2015 in Croatia, TasteAtlas has become the world’s premier database for traditional dishes and local restaurants. With over 11,000 dishes and 9,000 restaurants listed, their rankings are based on nearly 400,000 votes from chefs, critics, and travelers – making it a trusted voice in the global culinary world.
The #1 dish in the 2025 rankings? Lechona from Colombia – a whole-roasted pig dish that earned 4.78 stars. Rounding out the list were classics from Italy, China, Japan, and Thailand – countries known for their culinary depth.
But Vietnam, with its single entry – Pho Bo – still made an impression. One dish, one culture, one unforgettable flavor.
Pho Bo has already conquered the hearts — and stomachs — of food lovers around the globe. But nothing compares to tasting it right where it was born: on the bustling streets of Hanoi, in a quiet alleyway of Nam Dinh, or at a family-run eatery in Saigon. Now, it’s your turn to follow the aroma of star anise, the gentle steam rising from a bowl of broth, and the unforgettable flavors that tell the story of a nation through its cuisine.
At MYCT Viet Nam Travel, we believe that food is one of the most powerful ways to understand a culture. That’s why we don’t just offer tours — we create culinary journeys that awaken all your senses. From your first sip of richly simmered Pho broth in the capital, to learning how to wrap fresh spring rolls with a local chef in Hoi An, to savoring the last bite of smoky grilled fish on a boat in the Mekong Delta — every step is a delicious discovery.
You’ll walk through bustling local markets, picking out herbs with the guidance of a home cook. You’ll learn the secrets behind family recipes that have been guarded for generations. And you’ll dine not as a tourist, but as a welcomed guest — sitting at tables where laughter, stories, and flavors are shared freely.
Whether you’re a passionate foodie, a curious explorer, or a traveler looking for something real and meaningful, Vietnam is waiting to feed your soul — and MYCT Viet Nam Travel is here to guide you, every flavorful step of the way.
We invite you to experience Vietnam not just as a place on the map, but as a living, breathing story, told through bowls of Pho, sizzling woks, steaming baskets of dumplings, and the warmth of every smiling vendor you meet. It all begins with a humble bowl of Pho Bo — and from there, the flavors of Vietnam will lead you on an unforgettable adventure.
Book your tour today. Taste the legend.
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