Pho Nam Dinh and Pho Hanoi are both national intangible cultural heritages.

Pho in Van Cu village ( Nam Dinh ) - Photo: NAM TRAN

To become an intangible cultural heritage, it must fully meet the criteria.

Pho Nam Dinh and Hanoi meet the criteria

Specifically, it is both representative and reflects the identity of the community and locality, and reflects cultural diversity and human creativity.

It is inherited through many generations; it is resilient, long-lasting and is agreed upon by the community, voluntarily nominated and committed to protection.

According to the above Decision, the Chairman of the People's Committee at all levels where there are intangible cultural heritages named in the above list, within the scope of their duties and powers, shall carry out state management in accordance with the provisions of law on cultural heritage.

Previously, both Hanoi and Nam Dinh built dossiers to propose that the pho cooking profession in these two localities be a national intangible cultural heritage.

In addition to Nam Dinh pho and Hanoi pho, the folk knowledge of Quang noodles is also included in the list of national intangible cultural heritage this time.

So up to now, in terms of cuisine , our country has a total of national intangible cultural heritages including Nam Dinh pho, Hanoi pho, Quang noodles, Nam O fish sauce making, and Phu Quoc fish sauce making.

Pho artisans from Van Cu village entertain diplomats at the Pho Day event organized by Tuoi Tre newspaper in 2022 - Photo: NAM TRAN

Nam Dinh currently has about 300 pho restaurants, the most are in Nam Dinh city and Nam Truc district.

The three villages of Van Cu, Giao Cu, and Tay Lac in Dong Son commune, Nam Truc district are considered the homeland of Nam Dinh pho. There are about 600 pho sellers here.

Meanwhile, Hanoi has nearly 700 pho shops, mainly concentrated in the districts of Ba Dinh, Hoan Kiem, Cau Giay, Dong Da, Hai Ba Trung, Thanh Xuan, and Long Bien.

Traditional pho brands (over 2 generations of pho making) usually only specialize in selling beef pho or chicken pho, mainly concentrated in Hoan Kiem district, Ba Dinh district, and Hai Ba Trung district.

Hand-made pho noodles - Photo: NAM DINH

Pho Nam Dinh is now present in many provinces and cities across the country - Photo: NAM TRAN

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/pho-nam-dinh-va-pho-ha-noi-cung-la-di-san-van-hoa-phi-vat-the-quoc-gia-20240812135552779.htm