Originally Posted by
deniah
This is wrong. Beef was the first Pho. Chicken was a derivative.
This is debatable. Cows were not for food consumption prior to the French arrival in VN.
Originally Posted by
deniah
A related note: the Pho in the north, where it originated, is distinct from that in the South. I think the broth is less aromatic and complex, and they garnishing herbs are also different.
Since the majority of emigrants were Southerners, its their style that is widely recognized as Pho in the USA
Less aromatic? Star anise-less may be.
I agree about the southern influence of the US Pho. In SF there are a couple of northern Pho places that comes close to the real thing, but nothing beats a steamy hot bowl in Hanoi with just lime and abundance of spring onion. None of that bean sprouts, basil or hosin sauce to dilute the broth.
