The History of Pho and How It Made Its Way to North America
Pho is a traditional Vietnamese dish that has long been enjoyed by people in Vietnam and other parts of Southeast Asia. In recent years, however, this delicious noodle soup has made its way to North America and has become increasingly popular in cities like Toronto. If you’ve never had pho, you’re in for a treat! Keep reading to learn more about the history of this dish and how it made its way to our shores.
A Brief History of Pho
Pho is a hearty noodle soup typically made with beef or chicken broth, rice noodles, and various herbs and spices. While the exact origins of pho are unclear, it is thought to have originated in northern Vietnam sometime in the early 20th century. The dish then began to spread to other parts of Vietnam and eventually made its way to Southeast Asia.
In the 1970s, many Vietnamese refugees began immigrating to North America, bringing their culinary traditions. During this time, pho began appearing on menus at Vietnamese restaurants in cities like Toronto, Hamilton or Woodbridge. In the decades since, pho has become increasingly popular and can now be found at many different types of restaurants across the city.
Why Pho is So Popular in Toronto (and Beyond!)
There are many reasons why pho has become so popular in Toronto (and beyond!). First, it is a delicious and hearty meal that can be enjoyed anytime. Secondly, it is relatively inexpensive, which makes it a great option for budget-minded diners. Finally, pho is a healthy dish packed with nutrients and low in calories. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a satisfying dinner, pho is always a good choice!
Who opened the first pho restaurant in Toronto?
Golden Turtle has been a fixture on Ossington since opening in 1987. The 60-seat space is filled with Vietnamese art, including a six-foot-wide painting of nine horses running (the lucky number in Vietnamese culture). Outside, the turtle mural holds court on Argyle Street. Golden Turtle was joined by many other Vietnamese restaurants in the 1990s, as Toronto’s Vietnamese community grew.
Our Role in the PHOnomenom!
We’ve been serving the community for almost 10 years. Most recently, by hosting a Free Pho Event on Christmas Eve, we gave away over 1,000 bowls of pho and introduced the dish to more people in Toronto than ever before — it was fantastic. So many people were trying pho for the first time that day and loved it!
Pho Is also now seen in a lot of pop culture. For example, in the Netflix show Master of None, the main character eats pho in almost every episode. This increase in popularity has resulted in more and more people becoming interested in this delicious dish. Maybe you’ve seen it in movies like The Hangover Part II, where the characters enjoyed a bowl of pho after their wild night out.
No matter how you slice it, pho has become a global phenomenon. And we’re proud to have played a role in its rise to prominence. So thanks for helping us make pho history!
If you’ve never had pho before, we hope this article has whetted your appetite! This delicious noodle soup will become one of your new favourite dishes.
Looking for Pho open now? Toronto Pho is a Vietnamese restaurant serving up some of the best pho in the city. We’re committed to providing our customers with an authentic Vietnamese dining experience, from the moment they step through our doors to the last slurp of their soup.
Our pho is made with only the freshest ingredients, and our soup is slow-cooked for hours to extract maximum flavour. Come try us out and see why we’re the best pho in town!