Kinhtedothi – “Pho Hanoi” is listed in the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, showing that the culinary quintessence in general and Pho in particular converge in the Capital; it is also Pho but just going to Hanoi for a few dozen dishes, you will see the difference.
Prof. Dr. Le Hong Ly - Chairman of the Vietnam Folk Arts Association shared in an interview with a reporter from the Economic & Urban Newspaper on the occasion of Hanoi City announcing the Decision to list "Pho Hanoi" as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Elevating Vietnamese cuisine
"Pho Hanoi" is honored to be listed in the National Intangible Cultural Heritage List by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Could you please tell us the significance of this listing?
On August 9, 2024, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism issued Decision No. 2328/QD-BVHTTDL to list the dish "Pho Hanoi" in the National Intangible Cultural Heritage List. The listing of Pho Hanoi as an intangible cultural heritage shows that Pho Hanoi converges all the sophistication of pho types. In Hanoi, there may be Pho Co, pho in Bac Ninh, Lang Son, but when it comes to Thu Do, it becomes Pho Hanoi. It is from that convergence factor that pho in localities has been enhanced in value. For example, everyone knows that Pho Co is from Nam Dinh. But when Pho Co was brought to Hanoi by Nam Dinh people to open a shop and do business, the brand spread everywhere. In particular, those brands combined with the gourmet taste of Hanoi people have elevated the brand. That is a great significance.
Specifically, when people from all over the world come to Hanoi to live and work, and want to become a part of Hanoi, they must also learn how to behave more elegantly, even in eating and drinking. That is the factor that helps many local cuisines in Hanoi to be elevated.
From an expert's perspective, could you please tell us what is the basis for Hanoi pho being included in the list of National Intangible Cultural Heritage in the form of folk knowledge?
As we know, the value of Hanoi Pho is not just about eating, where to eat? Pho is a fast food but very balanced, harmonious in nutritional value. To make "Hanoi Pho" also requires the processing process, cooking process, way of enjoying, combining spices to create the flavor of the typical pho broth. For example, many people have the habit of buying pho when they are sick, or when their family has someone who is sick, to nourish, strengthen, and maintain their health. It is the spices, the way of making "Hanoi Pho" that create folk knowledge. It is also pho but just go to Hanoi a few dozen kilometers and customers will immediately come. What makes that happen, that is folk knowledge.
Sir, Hanoi has just organized the Hanoi Food Culture Festival 2024 and announced the Decision to register "Pho Hanoi" as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage. What do you think about this event in Hanoi?
It can be said that this is a very correct action of the capital Hanoi. At the same time, I affirm that this is something that should be done, something that is worth doing. Not only that, in the program, Hanoi has honored and recognized the contributions of the artisans. This contributes to raising the position of Hanoi pho and those who practice the heritage. In my opinion, this will contribute to spreading and expanding Hanoi culture.
On the other hand, Hanoi is a place where domestic people and international tourists gather. It is no coincidence that many heads of state from countries such as Donald Trump, Kim Jong-un, Obama... come to Hanoi. Therefore, organizing events such as the Hanoi Food Culture Festival 2024 has contributed to affirming and promoting the brand and cultural values of Thang Long - Hanoi.
Sir, after "Pho Hanoi" was listed in the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, what solutions are needed to preserve and promote its value in the coming time?
First of all, I think that Hanoi should preserve its true identity and cultural characteristics. Most importantly, when tourists come to the capital to eat pho, it must remind them of the unique place and culture of this land.
Next, I think Hanoi should continue to promote the honoring of artisans, thereby creating motivation to preserve the culture and brand of “Pho Hanoi” and continue to promote it. However, I note that this expansion and dissemination should not be chaotic, but should preserve the identity.
Thank you!
From December 1, 2024, Kinh te va Do thi Newspaper will launch the column "Quintessence of Hanoi Cuisine", in coordination with the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports, and the companionship of Acecook Vietnam.
Source: https://kinhtedothi.vn/pho-ha-noi-hoi-tu-tinh-hoa-am-thuc.html
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