Hanoi-styled ‘pho’ and Hue’s craft of tailoring Ao Dai gain recognition as national intangible cultural heritages

Hanoi-styled ‘pho’ and the craft of tailoring Ao Dai in Hue City, Thua Thien Hue Province, have recently been recognised as national intangible cultural heritages by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism.
Hanoi-styled ‘pho’ has won the hearts of domestic and foreign gourmets alike.
Hanoi-styled ‘pho’ has won the hearts of domestic and foreign gourmets alike.

According to historical records, ‘pho’ first appeared in Hanoi in the early 20th century. Between 1907 and 1910, the dish began to be sold by street vendors across the corners of Hanoi.

As of 2023, ‘pho’ is served in nearly 700 food establishments across the capital city, with the most popular of them being located in the districts of Ba Dinh, Hoan Kiem, and Hai Ba Trung.

Following in the footsteps of Hanoians and Vietnamese expatriates, pho has been promoted around the world, thus establishing a brand for Vietnamese cuisine. It has won the hearts of domestic and foreign gourmets alike.

Ao Dai Festival has formed part of the Hue Festival, which gathers various collections of dress by famous designers. (Photo: VGP)

Ao Dai Festival has formed part of the Hue Festival, which gathers various collections of dress by famous designers. (Photo: VGP)

The craft of making Ao Dai has been practiced in Hue City for centuries. The Ao Dai is not only an attire but is truly a work of art embracing the cultural essence of the imperial city of Hue.

Ao Dai Festival has formed part of the Hue Festival, which gathers various collections of dress by famous designers.

Currently, “Ao Dai Hue” has become a special tourism product that has left a good impression on domestic and foreign visitors, contributing to preserving and promoting the nation’s traditional cultural values.

NDO