Vietnamese Noodle Soup: A Global Culinary Favorite
Have you ever tried Vietnamese noodle soup, also known as pho?
This iconic dish has become a global favorite, with pho restaurants found worldwide. In 2011, it was ranked among the 50 most delicious foods in the world. The word “pho” has even made its way into the Oxford Dictionary.
Every year on December 12th, Vietnam celebrates Pho Day, where people gather to enjoy and honor this beloved dish. 
The Cultural Impact of Pho
British illustrator Julian Hanshaw loves pho so much that he created a graphic novel, The Art of Pho. The story follows an orphan, Little Blue, who sells pho while navigating emotions about his homeland, Vietnam. Hanshaw’s vivid depiction suggests he might be a pho enthusiast himself.
The Mystery of Numbers in Pho Signs
Outside Vietnam, pho restaurants often include numbers in their names. American comedian Ali Wong once joked that an “authentic” pho place must have a number in its name. After researching, I noticed that many pho spots abroad use numbers, like Pho79, Pho555, or Pho888.
The Historical Roots of Pho
Pho originated in northern Vietnam in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. During French colonial rule, locals used leftover beef bones to make broth, pairing it with rice noodles. Northern-style pho has a light, fragrant broth made from beef bones, oxtail, brisket, onions, and ginger. Some cooks enhance the flavor with cinnamon, star anise, black cardamom, coriander seeds, and fennel.
The Spread and Evolution of Pho
By the 1940s, pho had spread southward, adapting to local tastes. Southern pho often includes brisket, tendon, or tripe. The broth may use chicken bones, fried onions, and dried squid for extra umami. Today, most pho served abroad follows the southern style. Interestingly, pho noodles resemble Chaozhou’s “kway teow” in shape and texture.
The Meaning Behind the Numbers
After the Vietnam War ended in 1975, many Vietnamese fled abroad, bringing pho with them. Restaurant names reflect this history.
- Pho54 refers to the Battle of Dien Bien Phu in 1954.
- Pho45 commemorates Vietnam’s 1945 famine.
- Pho79 and Pho86 mark the years owners fled Vietnam or opened their U.S. restaurants.
- Pho83 might represent the owner’s birth year.
Other Interpretations of the Numbers
For some Vietnamese immigrants, numbers make restaurant names easier to remember. A user on Quora suggested numbers might reflect prices—Pho24 could mean a bowl once cost 24,000 dong ($1). Others link numbers to addresses (Pho32 at No. 32) or business hours (Pho24/7 for 24-hour service). Some numbers symbolize luck, like Pho888, which means prosperity.
The Global Appeal of Pho
Pho is loved worldwide not just for its taste but also its affordability. In 2016, Barack Obama enjoyed grilled pork pho in Vietnam. The dish, featuring charcoal-grilled pork in a sweet-savory broth, plus beer, cost only $6.
Conclusion
Pho is more than food—it’s a cultural symbol. Every bowl tells a story, from its history to the numbers on its sign. The next time you see Pho79 or Pho888, remember the rich history hidden in those numbers.
