Phở (pronounced "fa") is the first thing that comes to mind when talking about Vietnamese cuisine. For those who are unfamiliar, it is a hearty noodle soup normally with chicken or beef that has a load of delicious extras to pile on (think bean sprouts, mint leaves, lime, chili, etc).
We were in Ho Chi Minh City last week for work and got a good dose of all things Phở. There are the fast food chains carrying the soupy treat (notably Phở 24 and Phở 20) and the mom and pop shops serving it up out of a big cauldron. Now I know eating off the street is generally not advisable but if you happen to be in the area go visit the famous Phở Le sidewalk eatery for the best in town... just make sure not to look at the mass pile of questionable meat in the corner. Just take a couple of Pepto on the way in.. you will be fine. It's worth it!
For those who want to make this at home I have included a basic Vietnamese recipe for phở gà (with chicken). Of course, it always tastes best if you have a stock pot on the go but for those who live real lives just use the best stock you can get a hold of.
Phở Gà
serves 4
Ingredients:
- 2 Litres of high quality chicken broth.
- 1 inch knob of ginger, grated very finely
- 1 Tbsp fish sauce
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 lb thin rice noodles, fresh or dried
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped finely
- 1 Tbsp rock sugar
- 3 scallions, green part only, chopped
- beansprouts
- mint leaves
- fresh cilantro, chopped
- lime wedges
- fresh chopped chilis or chili paste to mix in.
- Cook rice noodles according to instructions. Set aside.
- Heat the broth, ginger, onions, fish sauce, and sugar over the stove.
- Simmer away until onions are tender.. should be about 15 min.
- Add the shredded chicken, scallions, and rice noodles and heat through.
- Add salt if necessary.
- Serve with whatever extras you like on top!
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