Pho

Pho is a Vietnamese noodle soup, Vietnam's national dish, street food, comfort food, and a way of life. It is also one of the most beloved Vietnamese dishes in the western hemisphere due to its complex, unique flavors, and elegant simplicity.

Although it is classified as a soup, pho is served as the main course and the two bowls of it never taste the same. It is traditionally made with chicken or beef broth, where the bones simmer lazily for at least three hours until the broth is perfect.

The addition of herbs and spices accentuates the flavors, and the chewy rice noodles, juicy beef slices, and crunchy sprouts elevate the dish to another level. There are two main types of Pho in Vietnam - one is Pho Bac, made in the northern parts of the country, with a clear, simple, delicate flavor and spices, without the herbs and garnishes found in Pho Nam, which is made in the southern parts of the country, with added spices, bean sprouts, various toppings, fish, and hoisin sauce.

It is believed that pho derived from the French pot au feu, but regardless of the legend's truthfulness, pho still remains a staple of comfort food - warm, hearty, and delicious.