Life is full of tough choices. For me, the choices are between pho, hu tieu and bun bo Hue.
Pho is of course my favorite (why would I have created lovingpho.com in the first place?) But as it turns out, I love hu tieu and bun bo Hue just the same.
No I'm not abandoning pho and lovingpho.com. It's just that these other 2 impressive noodle dishes also represent Vietnam very well. And interestingly, it should be this way.
Pho is northern Vietnam food, hu tieu originates in the south, and bun bo Hue is of course from central Vietnam. Maybe my love for the motherland is subconsciously coming out through the love for pho, hu tieu and bun bo Hue, I don't know.
As a side note, despite what you may have read from writers who declared that pho is the national dish of Vietnam, sadly it is really not. It just became more popular outside of Vietnam beginning in late 80's and the 90's because it was easier to understand and be enjoyed by non-Vietnamese. Fast forward to 2015 and pho is standing proud and strong with mass appeal, but both hu tieu and bun bo Hue are gaining traction as people continue to look for varieties.
By the way, if Vietnam must have a national dish, then I think we should start with the rice cake bánh chưng as the first choice, then let the debate go from there.
I did a poll on pho and hu tieu. If you haven't taken it, please add your vote.
Pho and hu tieu head-to-head.
- I like pho better, of course. (50%, 676 Votes)
- I like hu tieu, wet or dry. (14%, 193 Votes)
- I like both, believe it or not. (34%, 466 Votes)
- Don't care for neither. (2%, 27 Votes)
Total Voters: 1,361
And here's a new poll for pho, hu tieu and bun bo Hue.
So this is my dilemma. What's yours? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.