Pho Ngo Ha Giang – A dish that captivates all diners

BHG - When people think of Ha Giang, they often picture its untamed natural beauty, terraced fields, historical sites, and bustling highland markets brimming with the rich cultural heritage of ethnic minorities. All these elements create the majestic Ha Giang. Along with its diverse culture, the local cuisine of Ha Giang’s ethnic groups attracts both domestic and international visitors, especially Pho Ngo (corn noodle soup). Its eye-catching presentation and delicious flavour have truly won the hearts of many tourists who visit the rocky plateau region of Ha Giang.

Pho Ngo is a unique fusion of the Mong ethnic cuisine and Vietnam’s traditional pho. The bright yellow noodles, made from corn kernels, are served in pho broth, creating a signature dish of the rocky highlands. This distinctive dish joined the list of the 121 most iconic Vietnamese dishes in 2022, selected by the Vietnam Culinary Culture Association (VCCA).

Preparing Pho Ngo requires a meticulous and thorough process. The corn must be small, short, and rich in starch with a pleasantly sweet fragrance.

The corn flour is then spread, dried, and hung on long bamboo rods placed high up.

Once dried, the corn sheets are taken down and cut into thin, yellowish noodles like young, milk-filled corn kernels.

Pho Ngo noodles are placed in a bowl, topped with beef and spring onions, and finished with steaming hot beef broth to cook the meat and release the sweet corn flavour hidden in the noodles.

Visitors savour the dish.

H.Cu - K.Linh - N.Nguyet