It is not just a bowl of noodles and broth; it is a cultural symbol in Vietnam. Can you guess what we’re talking about? Yes, we’re talking about everyone’s comfort food, Phở. This soupy dish represents tradition, family, and a deep love for food. The Vietnamese follow traditional etiquettes to enjoy a hearty Phở meal.

In this blog, we’ll explore the proper way to enjoy Phở whenever you visit a Vietnamese restaurant in Abu Dhabi. From using chopsticks and a soup spoon to garnishing the dish, we’ll help you navigate the traditional customs of eating Phở. By the end, you’ll know how to enjoy this iconic Vietnamese dish like a local.

The Right Tools: Chopsticks and Soup Spoon

When you sit down at a Vietnamese restaurant, you’ll often find two important utensils beside your bowl of Phở: chopsticks and a soup spoon. Each has its purpose.

• Chopsticks: These are used to pick up the noodles, meat, and vegetables from the bowl. The long, slippery rice noodles can be a bit tricky to handle if you’re not used to chopsticks, but practice makes perfect!
• Soup spoon: The soup spoon is typically large, often made of ceramic, and is used to drink the broth. In Vietnam, the broth is considered the soul of Phở , so it’s essential to savour every drop.

You’ll use both utensils together while eating. Hold the chopsticks in your dominant hand and the soup spoon in your other. This way, you can enjoy both the noodles and the broth simultaneously, just like the locals do.

How to Properly Garnish Your Phở 

Phở  is all about balance—between salty, sweet, sour, and spicy flavours. In Vietnam, it’s common for diners to add their own condiments and herbs to achieve the perfect taste. Vietnamese restaurants will usually serve fresh herbs, lime wedges, chilli, and sauces on the side.

Here’s a traditional way to garnish your Phở :

1. Herbs: Vietnamese basil, cilantro, and mint are often served alongside Phở. Add them to your broth to enhance the aroma and flavour. Simply tear the leaves by hand and drop them into the soup.
2. Bean sprouts: These provide a nice crunch. Add as much as you like, but in southern Vietnam, diners tend to use more bean sprouts than those in the north.
3. Lime: Squeeze fresh lime juice into your broth. This adds a refreshing sour note that balances the richness of the broth.
4. Chilli: Add some fresh sliced chilli or sauce if you like heat. Be careful—Vietnamese chillies can be pretty spicy!
5. Fish sauce: Fish sauce is a staple of Vietnamese cuisine. Add a few drops to intensify the broth’s umami flavours.

Take your time to taste the broth before and after garnishing. The idea is to create a flavour profile that suits your preferences while appreciating the chef’s careful preparation.

Eating Phở: The Proper Technique

Once your Phở is perfectly garnished, it’s time to dig in. Here’s how you can eat it like a local:

1. Start with the broth: In Vietnam, Phở broth is considered sacred. Preparing takes hours, so you should always start by sipping the broth to appreciate its depth and flavour. Taste it with your soup spoon before mixing in the herbs and sauces.
2. Handle the noodles: Use your chopsticks to lift them from the bowl, swirling them gently so they don’t fall apart. Vietnamese rice noodles are delicate, and twirling them too much might break them. Don’t be shy about slurping! In Vietnamese culture, slurping noodles is not only acceptable but encouraged. It helps cool the noodles and enhances the overall dining experience.
3. Combine noodles and broth: Take a mouthful with your chopsticks, then follow it with a spoonful. This combination lets you taste the harmony between the soft noodles and the rich, flavourful broth.
4. Eating the meat: Depending on the type of Phở, you might have slices of beef, chicken, or even tofu. Use chopsticks to dip the meat into the broth, letting it absorb the flavours before eating. Thinly sliced beef in Phở will often be raw and cooked by the heat of the broth. Don’t worry—it’s safe and delicious!
5. Don’t forget the veggies: Pick up the herbs and vegetables, such as bean sprouts and basil, with your chopsticks and eat them with the noodles. The contrast of textures makes Phở a truly satisfying dish.

The Slurping Tradition

In Vietnamese culture, slurping is a common and accepted practice when eating Phở. While it might feel impolite in some Western cultures, slurping is a sign that you are enjoying the meal. It also helps cool the hot broth and noodles, making eating easier. So, when you’re at a Vietnamese restaurant, don’t hold back—slurp your noodles and broth.

Drink the Broth

Many people leave the broth behind at the end of the meal. However, if you want to eat Phở like a local, you should finish the broth. The broth is the heart and soul of Phở, and Vietnamese people take pride in it. Use your soup spoon to finish it, or lift the bowl to your lips and drink it directly.

Phở Dining Etiquette at a Vietnamese Restaurant

Beyond the proper way to eat Phở, there are a few general customs to keep in mind when dining at a Vietnamese restaurant:

• Respect the preparation: Making Phở broth can take hours, sometimes even overnight. Show respect for the chef’s effort by not adding too much seasoning before tasting the broth.
• Share the table: In many traditional Vietnamese restaurants, seating is often communal. You may share a table with strangers, but this is part of the dining experience in Vietnam. Feel free to enjoy your meal while sharing the space.
• Don’t rush: Phở is meant to be savoured, so take your time. Enjoy the balance of flavours, the warmth of the broth, and the textures of the noodles and herbs.

Conclusion

Eating Phở at a Vietnamese restaurant is more than just enjoying a delicious meal—it’s about participating in a time-honoured tradition. From using chopsticks and a soup spoon to garnishing your bowl with fresh herbs, every step is part of the experience.

Next time you visit a Vietnamese restaurant, take a moment to appreciate the art of Phở. Savour the broth, mix in the perfect balance of herbs and condiments and don’t be afraid to slurp. Following these customs will not only enhance your meal but also give you a deeper connection to Vietnam’s rich cultural traditions.