The launch of the Saigon Pho Chapter at the Pho Museum carried special significance, as it was held in a venue closely associated with the history, memories and identity of Vietnamese pho.
The event was not only an occasion to announce the establishment of a professional organisation dedicated to pho in Ho Chi Minh City, but also an opportunity for artisans, businesses and pho enthusiasts to reflect on the development of pho within the urban life of Saigon–Ho Chi Minh City.
Speaking at the event, Nguyen Quoc Ky, President of the Viet Nam Culinary Culture Association and Honorary Chairman of the Saigon Pho Chapter, emphasised that pho is not merely one of Viet Nam’s most iconic dishes, but also a cultural symbol embodying creativity, regional exchange and the remarkable adaptability of Vietnamese cuisine in the process of international integration.
Under its development strategy, the Saigon Pho Chapter will focus on several key tasks: connecting the pho-making community in Ho Chi Minh City; organising exchanges, seminars, training programmes and knowledge-sharing activities; collaborating on the development of databases, stories and maps of notable pho establishments; participating in domestic and international events promoting Vietnamese cuisine; and contributing to the standardisation and enhancement of service quality and the public image of Saigon pho.
In addition, the chapter aims to serve as a bridge between generations of pho practitioners, from long-established traditional pho shops to modern and innovative pho ventures. Through professional and communication activities, the organisation hopes to tell the story of Saigon pho as a vibrant part of urban culture, where every bowl of pho carries not only flavour but also memories, lifestyles and the open-minded spirit of southern Viet Nam.
The establishment of the Saigon Pho Chapter aligns with the broader strategy of the Viet Nam Culinary Culture Association (VCCA) to build specialised chapters, clubs and professional networks dedicated to preserving and promoting the values of Vietnamese culinary culture. It also represents a practical effort to position cuisine as a cultural, tourism and creative economic resource, supporting the goal of elevating the Vietnamese culinary brand on the global stage.
Guided by the spirit of “Preserving Flavours – Connecting Communities – Spreading Culture”, the Saigon Pho Chapter aspires to become a common home for those who love pho, make pho and cherish its cultural significance, while helping to establish Saigon pho as a key highlight in the promotion of Vietnamese culinary heritage worldwide.
