Although both are filing for national intangible cultural heritage, Nam Dinh pho has just "surpassed" Hanoi pho to be listed as a national intangible cultural heritage.

This is Decision No. 2326/QD-BVHTTDL of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism signed by Minister Nguyen Van Hung on announcing the list of national intangible cultural heritage for Nam Dinh pho folk knowledge.

Thus, “Pho Nam Dinh” has been officially included by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in the List of National Intangible Cultural Heritage in the form of folk knowledge, meeting all the following criteria: representative, expressing community and local identity; reflecting cultural diversity and human creativity, inherited through many generations; capable of recovery and long-term existence; agreed upon by the community, voluntarily nominated and committed to protection.

The Decision states that the Chairman of the People's Committee at all levels where there are intangible cultural heritages named in the above list, within the scope of their tasks and powers, shall carry out state management in accordance with the provisions of law on cultural heritage.

Previously, both Hanoi and Nam Dinh had built dossiers to propose that pho cooking in these two localities be a national intangible cultural heritage. However, this time, only Nam Dinh pho is on the list.

Nam Dinh is considered the homeland of pho. Pho, a popular dish in Vietnamese culinary culture, is loved by many people not only domestically but also in many countries around the world.

Over time, Pho has become the pride of Nam Dinh, affirming the value of its culinary brand with unique features expressed from the preparation stage, selection of ingredients, food to the method of making typical pho noodles, then the processing stages, completing a delicious bowl of pho ensuring flavor, nutritional quality...

The fact that "Pho Nam Dinh" has become a national intangible cultural heritage is the initial basis for the Government to submit to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for consideration and inclusion of "Pho Nam Dinh" in the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

From there, propose solutions to preserve and promote the value of intangible cultural heritage "Pho Nam Dinh;" continue to promote propaganda and promotion activities of culinary cultural heritage "Pho Nam Dinh;" strengthen State management of heritage.

At the same time, enhance the role and responsibility of authorities at all levels, culinary organizations, associations and the community in preserving and protecting the brand value and unique culinary products of Nam Dinh land and people.

Besides Nam Dinh pho, Quang noodles folk knowledge is also included in the list of national intangible cultural heritage in this announcement.

Thus, up to now, in terms of cuisine, Vietnam has a total of 4 national intangible cultural heritages including Nam Dinh Pho, Quang noodles folk knowledge, Nam O fish sauce making, and Phu Quoc fish sauce making./.