In a testament to its global prominence, Vietnamese beef pho has been selected by CNN as one of the top 20 soups worldwide in their 2024 rankings.
The news channel's criteria for inclusion focused on the dish's historical and cultural significance, acknowledging pho's longstanding role as both a nourishing meal and a medicinal elixir.
The beef-based pho variant, a Vietnamese specialty, is crafted with a meticulously prepared stock made from simmering beef bones, shanks, oxtails, and necks for hours, along with cinnamon, star anise, and other aromatic spices. CNN described the resulting broth as "a wonderfully aromatic base."
Pho can be found ubiquitously across Vietnam, from humble roadside eateries and local markets to high-end restaurants and luxury hotels, showcasing its enduring popularity and status as a beloved national dish.
Joining Vietnamese pho on CNN's prestigious list are other globally renowned soups, including banga from Nigeria, made with palm fruit extract, the classic French Bouillabaisse seafood soup, Chinese Lanzhou beef noodle soup, Thai tom yum goong, and the iconic Japanese ramen.
This recognition solidifies pho's position as one of the world's most celebrated and iconic soups, a testament to the depth of Vietnamese culinary heritage and the enduring appeal of this flavorful, nourishing dish.
