On December 12, Pho- the simple yet exotic delicacy of piping hot noodle soup with beef is introduced on Google Search homepage of nearly 20 countries including USA, UK, France, Canada, Germany, Austria, Finland, Switzerland, among others.
The Pho Google Doodle is illustrated by Hanoi artist Lucia Pham. Photo courtesy of Google.com
According to Google, through Doodle Pho with vivid animation format, the website not only wants to honor and spread unique cultural values to the Vietnamese and international public; but also wish to promote and support Pho businesses after Covid-19 pandemic.
Illustrated by Hanoi artist Lucia Pham, Pho Google Doodle showcases the way that a pipping Pho bowl is served. Some thinly sliced beef, fresh herbs, onion rings are topped on a bowl of soft rice noodles, then savory hot broth is added to make an aroma and delicious soup.
On this day in 2018, December 12 was selected as the official day to celebrate Vietnamese Pho, in honor of the beloved culinary treasure and the cultural fusion it represents.
Everyone can agree that the noodle dish is a treasured element of Vietnamese heritage. What makes Pho distinct is a mindful cooking process to achieve multi-layered flavors and a clear broth. From ingredients like roasted ginger, fennel seed, star anise, and cinnamon for the simmered stock, the broth serves as the foundation for aromas and tastes for every palate.
Unlike other Vietnamese specialties, eating Pho is a very common habit of Hanoian. Its popularity is explained by its usefulness. Pho can be a good starter to the day, a quick meal for lunch or a really heavy meal for dinner.
Eating Pho in Hanoi was also found on a bucket list of 50 travel experiences to try in Asia by US news site Business Insider in 2016. According to the site, the dish is considered one of the most nutritious in Vietnam and possibly its best hangover cure. It is loved by locals and tourist alike, so much so that there were heated online debates last year about how it should be served.
In 2017, Pho has been listed among the world’s 50 most delicious dishes by CNN, based on a vote of 35,000 people.
