In March, I was commissioned by Lucky Peach Magazine to create images in Saigon and Hanoi for their Phở Issue. In case you don’t know, Phở, pronounced more like ‘Fuh’ rather than ‘Foe’ is a beef (sometimes chicken) noodle soup, the national dish of Vietnam, and as much a part of the culture as motorbikes, conical hats and traffic!
Over a handful of restaurants in both cities, I think I ate and photographed enough noodles and beef to keep me full for the year. Or not! I’m always up for a big bowl for breakfast 🙂
Below are a few images and a video of the very generous spread they printed.
Just a handful of frames on the topic below. No real order or story here, but I’d recommend to order a copy of the issue to read all you can handle about phở until you’re hungry enough to go on a hunt for a bowl!
Phở in the north is typically served without a basket of herbs as it is in the south.
A regular customer at Phở Phu Huong in Binh Thanh District, Saigon.
A handful of spices that go into making the broth that is both simple and complicated.
Customers in Phở Cuong in Hanoi.
A bowl streetside with plastic stools serving as both chairs and tables. A very Vietnam way of dining!
The street as a kitchen, because, why not!?
A selection of condiments for Southern Phở, including garlic in vinegar, sate, chili, fish sauce and hoisin sauce.
A lovely aged face selling ingredients in Ba Chieu market in Saigon.
Wholesale herbs destined for a dunk in steaming bowl being sold in the market.
A similar scene at Chau Long market in Hanoi, where apparently you can get drive up service!
Phở Gia Truyen in Hanoi, where lines stretch out the door every morning. They must be doing something right!
When it’s good, you kill it all!
