Savoring stone pho: A culinary journey into traditional Vietnamese flavors

Have you ever heard about pho, or more specifically, the fascinating stone pho, from Vietnam? This iconic dish, deeply rooted in Vietnamese culinary traditions, has won the hearts of food enthusiasts around the world. Renowned for its unique preparation, delightful flavors, and immersive dining experience, stone pho offers a captivating way to savor Vietnam’s heritage. In this article, AK Food will take you on a flavorful journey into the world of stone pho and the rich cultural experience it brings.

What is pho?

Pho (pronounced “fuh”) is a signature Vietnamese noodle soup that has become a global culinary icon. The dish consists of:

• A rich, aromatic broth made by simmering beef bones and fragrant spices for hours.
• Rice noodles, soft and slurpable, as the base.
• Thinly sliced meats (usually beef or chicken) as the protein.
• An assortment of fresh herbs like Thai basil, cilantro, and culantro.
• Additional toppings such as bean sprouts, lime wedges, and sliced chilies.

Pho is more than just a meal; it’s a sensory experience. The balance of the savory, flavorful broth, tender meat, fresh herbs, and customizable condiments like hoisin sauce or chili sauce makes pho a beloved comfort food.

Pho from Vietnam

More infomation: Vegetarian Pho: A Flavorful Adventure

What is stone pho?

“Phở thố đá,” or stone pho, takes the beloved Vietnamese noodle soup to another level by serving it in a heated stone bowl or crock. This method enhances the pho-eating experience, ensuring the broth remains piping hot while adding a touch of drama to the presentation.

Originating from northern Vietnam, particularly in Hanoi, stone pho preserves the authentic flavors of pho while offering diners a unique and memorable way to enjoy this traditional dish. Its innovative serving style sets it apart from the classic pho typically served in ceramic bowls.

Stone pho serving in a heated stone bowl or crock

What makes stone pho unique?

Stone pho stands out among variations of Vietnamese pho due to its innovative and traditional method of presentation in a heated stone bowl or crock. This distinctive serving style not only enhances the visual appeal of the dish but also provides a range of practical and sensory benefits that elevate the entire dining experience. Let’s delve deeper into the unique attributes of stone pho and why it has become a cherished culinary tradition with AK Food.

Retains heat

One of the most remarkable features of stone pho is the excellent heat retention of the stone bowl. Unlike conventional ceramic or plastic bowls, the dense material of the stone vessel is designed to maintain high temperatures for an extended period. This ensures that the broth, noodles, and other ingredients remain piping hot from the moment the dish is served until the last bite.

Retain heat in the hot stone pho bowl

Continued simmering

The heated stone bowl not only retains heat but also enables the broth to gently simmer throughout the meal. This ongoing cooking process adds a dynamic element to the dish, enhancing both its aroma and flavor development as you eat.

Authentic experience

The practice of serving pho in heated stone bowls is deeply rooted in northern Vietnamese culinary traditions, particularly in Hanoi. By choosing stone pho, diners are not just enjoying a meal but also engaging with a piece of Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage.

Texture enhancement

The continual gentle simmering in the stone vessel does more than keep the dish hot—it also improves the texture and quality of the broth over time. The high temperature also keeps the other ingredients, such as noodles and meats, at their optimal state of tenderness and freshness.

Temperature control

One of the more interactive aspects of stone pho is the ability for diners to control the temperature of their meal. In fact, diners can control the temperature by leaving the stone bowl on the heating source or removing it as desired.

Control temperature of stone pho

More information: Lang ta beef Pho – Instant Beef Pho

The ingredients of stone pho

The ingredients for stone pho are the same as the classic Vietnamese pho noodle soup, with the key difference being served in a heated stone bowl. These are the ingredients commonly used:

• Broth: Made by simmering beef bones, spices (star anise, cinnamon, fennel seeds, cloves, cardamom), and aromatics (yellow onion, ginger, rock sugar) for hours.
• Noodles: Fresh or dried pho rice noodles are boiled until al dente.
• Proteins: Thinly sliced rare beef (such as brisket or eye of round) or beef meatballs.
• Herbs and Garnishes: Thai basil, cilantro, bean sprouts, lime wedges, sliced green onions, and optional sliced chilies.
• Condiments: Fish sauce, hoisin sauce, and Sriracha or chili sauce.

Ingredients of stone pho

Stone Pho – Making process

The preparation of stone pho involves meticulous attention to detail, from crafting the broth to heating the stone bowls. Here’s the step-by-step process:

• Prepare the broth:

• • Blanch the beef bones in boiling water to remove impurities.
  • In a large pot, add the blanched bones, spices (star anise, cinnamon, fennel, cloves, cardamom), and aromatics (onion, ginger, rock sugar).
  • Cover with water and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 6-8 hours, skimming off any foam or fat that rises to the surface.
  • Filter the broth with a fine-mesh strainer to eliminate the solid components.

• Cook the noodles:

• • Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the banh pho rice noodles according to package instructions until al dente.
  • Halt the cooking process by draining the noodles and rinsing them under cold water.

• Prepare the toppings:

• • Thinly slice the beef (brisket or eye of round) against the grain.
  • Make beef meatballs, if desired.
  • Prepare the garnishes like Thai basil, cilantro, bean sprouts, lime wedges, and sliced green onions.

• • Heat the stone bowls: Place the stone bowls or crocks in the oven or on a stovetop burner to heat them thoroughly

• Assemble the boulder pho:
  • Place a portion of cooked noodles in each hot stone bowl.
  • Top with sliced rare beef and any other desired proteins like meatballs.
  • Ladle the piping hot broth over the noodles and meat.
  • Garnish with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lime wedges, and sliced green onions.

• Serve and enjoy: Serve the sizzling hot stone pho immediately, providing condiments like fish sauce, hoisin sauce, and chili sauce on the side. The stone bowl will keep the broth and noodles hot throughout the meal, allowing continuous gentle simmer and flavor development.

Boulder pho bowl

More information: Homemade pork pho: How to create Vietnamese dish

The stone pho bowls serving experience

The stone pho bowl serving experience is uniquely immersive and enhances the enjoyment of this iconic Vietnamese noodle soup. Key aspects include:

• The sizzling arrival of the piping-hot stone bowl releases enticing aromas
• Continuous gentle simmering in the heat-retaining stone vessel
• Evolving aromas and potential texture enhancement as you eat
• Interactive temperature control by removing/replacing the bowl
• Ability to customize with fresh herbs and condiments

Experience in serving stone pho

Customizing your boulder pho experience

One of the most exciting aspects of boulder pho is the ability to fully customize it to match your individual taste preferences, dietary requirements, and creative inclinations. Below, we explore the myriad ways you can personalize boulder pho and even adapt it for specific dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, and allergen-friendly options.

Personalizing boulder pho with various toppings and condiments

The true beauty of boulder pho lies in its adaptability. Each bowl can be transformed into a masterpiece, thanks to the variety of toppings, garnishes, and condiments available.

• Herbs: Thai basil, culantro, cilantro, mint.
• Vegetables: Bean sprouts, lime wedges, sliced chilies, shredded meatballs.
• Proteins: Thinly sliced rare beef, chicken, shrimp, beef meatballs.
• Condiments: Fish sauce, hoisin sauce, Sriracha, chili oil, lime juice.

Each bowl can be transformed into a masterpiece, thanks to the variety of toppings, garnishes and condiments

Vegetarian and vegan adaptations of rock pho

For vegetarians, the broth can be made with vegetable stock and seasoned with aromatics like star anise, cinnamon, and ginger. Protein options include fried or sautéed tofu, seitan, or plant-based meatballs. Vegans can enjoy a similar experience with a broth made from vegetable or mushroom stock, seasoned with aromatics and soy sauce. Toppings can include sautéed mushrooms, bok choy, and other fresh vegetables.

Allergen-friendly options for rock pho lovers

• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free rice noodles and ensure broth and toppings are gluten-free.
• Nut-free: Omit any nut-based garnishes or seasonings.
• Soy-free: Use alternative condiments like coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

In conclusion, stone pho provides an authentic and immersive way to experience this iconic Vietnamese noodle soup. Served sizzling in a heat-retaining stone bowl, it allows the broth and noodles to maintain optimal temperature and flavors throughout the meal. This northern Vietnamese tradition offers endless customization with herbs, proteins, and condiments, including vegetarian and allergy-friendly options.

 

For any inquiries, please feel free to reach out to us through the following channels:

Anh Kim Food Production Joint Stock Company (AK FOOD)

• Phone number: +84 28 3815 9696.
• Email: contact@akfood.com.vn.
• Address: Lot III – 1B, Street 1, Tan Binh Industrial Park, Tan Phu District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.