Bowls of beef pho at a stall in Nam Dinh Province in northern Vietnam. Photo by Read/Quynh Mai
Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh has agreed in principle to the preparation of scientific dossiers on pho (rice noodle soup) and water puppetry as intangible cultural heritage, to be submitted to UNESCO for inscription on its heritage lists.
The Government Office has sent an official document to the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the chairpersons of the People’s Committees of Hanoi, Hung Yen, Ninh Binh and Hai Phong regarding the matter.
Accordingly, after considering the ministry’s proposal to seek permission to compile scientific dossiers on pho and water puppetry for UNESCO nomination, and based on the consensus of the People’s Committees of these localities, the Deputy PM approved the policy of preparing a dossier on pho for submission to UNESCO.
The People’s Committee of Hanoi has been assigned to take the lead, in coordination with the ministry, the People’s Committee of Ninh Binh and other localities with communities practicing the heritage, to compile the dossier and carry out all tasks, procedures and formalities in a rigorous manner and in accordance with the law.
Pho is a dish of flat, soft rice noodles served in a fragrant broth made with either beef or chicken, flavored with an array of condiments.
Considered a national dish, pho can be found across Vietnam. While its origins trace back to Hanoi, it has evolved in the south, where local influences have added new dimensions to the dish.
In Vietnam, pho is ubiquitous, available at roadside eateries, local markets, luxury dining establishments, and even 5-star hotels.
CNN several times named pho among world’s best dishes.
Water puppetry was recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2012. Later, in 2024, pho of Nam Dinh and Hanoi were officially recognized as national intangible cultural heritage.
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