To strengthen the management, preservation and promotion of the intangible cultural heritage value of "pho" after its recognition as a national intangible heritage, the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports organized a seminar on October 11 titled "Pho – From intangible cultural heritage to creative industry."

From a humble dish to a cultural heritage

Born from simple working-class life, pho has evolved beyond a daily meal to become a symbol of Vietnamese culture. A bowl of pho embodies the homeland's flavor, creativity, craftsmanship and national pride.

From early-morning street vendors and steaming pots on Hanoi sidewalks, pho has entered poetry, music and film. The dish is now on its way to becoming a heritage of humanity.

Experts and researchers said pho reflects the history of cultural exchange and adaptation. It preserves tradition while embracing change.

Hanoians see pho as food for the soul, while each region maintains its own flavor: rich in Nam Dinh, delicate in Lang Son and bold in Gia Lai. This diversity gives pho enduring vitality.

Pham Cao Quy, Deputy Head of the Department of Intangible Heritage Management under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said Vietnam is preparing a dossier to nominate pho as a UNESCO Representative Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

This effort continues the mission to protect and promote Vietnamese culinary heritage while highlighting the country's cultural capacity. Vietnam has 16 UNESCO-recognized intangible heritages, with none rejected so far.

If successful, pho will serve as new evidence of Vietnamese creativity and commitment to bringing national culture to the world, he added.

Hanoi: the center of preservation and cultural connection

As the birthplace of pho, Hanoi is now a hub for education, research and promotion of this cultural treasure. Amid urban modernization, preserving the soul of pho is a way for the capital to affirm its identity.

At the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, pho is not only discussed as a dish but also studied as an example of intangible heritage.

Students there explore pho in tourism, journalism and cultural studies to understand Hanoi's identity and the blend of tradition and modernity in cuisine.

According to Le Thi Thu Huong, Director of the Institute of Hanoi Studies and International Training, teaching about pho helps spread love and awareness of heritage among young people.

Preservation, she said, means continuing to create from traditional roots, enabling pho to become a "cultural ambassador" of Vietnam.

As Hanoi leads the UNESCO nomination, cooperation with other localities like Nam Dinh, Lang Son, Cao Bang and Gia Lai will ensure a full representation of pho's regional variations. This research and documentation will highlight the dish's richness and cultural value.

Huong said recognition is not the goal but part of a long journey to raise public awareness, inspire pride and strengthen community engagement.

Preserving traditional knowledge

In today's fast-paced world, maintaining pho's traditional flavor is a major challenge.

Modern lifestyles have popularized instant pho, packaged pho and even "digital pho" prepared with robots and artificial intelligence. While convenient, such trends raise questions about whether pho can retain its cultural essence outside its traditional setting.

For many, pho is complete only when its flavor evokes the spirit of Hanoi—a hot broth, the fragrance of scallions and the chill of a winter morning. These small details hold intangible value that no technology can replace.

Pham Thi Lan Anh, Head of the Heritage Management Division under the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports, said preservation does not mean stagnation.

Creative versions like pho cuon, pho tron, pho chien phong, or artistic chicken pho show Hanoi's flexibility. This creativity keeps heritage alive in modern life.

Media and businesses have also played a major role in promoting pho. The Kinh te & Do thi (Economic & Urban) Newspaper and companies like Acecook Vietnam have worked together to preserve and celebrate pho, turning culinary heritage into part of the city's cultural development strategy.

Pho's survival depends on community involvement: from artisans and students to consumers and entrepreneurs. Only through collective participation can the dish remain vibrant and meaningful today.

The story of pho is one of preservation and development. Hanoi is transforming traditional culture into a driver of innovation and growth.

From a bowl of noodles, pho has inspired culinary tourism, national branding and creative industries linked to culture.

Huong of the Institute of Hanoi Studies and International Training said pho's enduring value lies in nourishing both spirit and livelihood. When artisans can live by their craft and young people learn to cherish heritage, preservation gains true meaning.

Hanoi continues to pursue this vision through policies promoting cultural creativity, food festivals and cultural branding. Every effort reinforces its position as a city that preserves tradition while constantly renewing itself.

From steaming pots on street corners to international conferences, pho has traveled far to claim its place in hearts worldwide.

Through cultural vision and creativity, Hanoi is turning pho into a bridge between past and future, where heritage is not only preserved but enriched and retold in the language of the modern era.

When culture becomes the foundation of development, each traditional value like pho is not just memory but an inner strength that helps Hanoi affirm its identity as a thousand-year-old capital blending past and present.