Would you like some noodle soup with that basil?

The Vietnamese claim they can debate endlessly over the north and south of their politics, the clashes of their history, the contradictions of their culture. But mention pho (pr. "fuh"), the beloved beef noodle soup, and differences vanish. Pho comes with a variety of toppings including rare beef, well-done beef and slices of brisket. The bowl is served with various add-ins, including bean sprouts, fresh chilis (these babies are HOT!), fresh lime, and a mountain of Asian basil leaf sprigs. Toss 'em in, and maybe some chili sauce and/or hoisin sauce, and give her a stir.

Now the hard part, at least for me: actually getting the noddles from the bowl into my mouth. You see, I can't seem to get the chopsticks-in-one-hand, spoon-in-the-other mechanics down. I hold my wrist at exactly the wrong angle and the noodles slide down to my wrist. Hien's family--not to mention Hien and Dan-- have watched this embarrassing struggle with (I fear) pity and amusement. But the Vietnamese are far too gracious and polite to let on. I've come to learn that slurping and having clumps of noodles dangling from one's mouth are SOP.

So here are a few pics to show you the sacred pho ritual itself during Dan's, Hien's and my first pho breakfast together. Dan had promised me a proper introduction to this national obsession. I was delighted to make pho's acquaintance, and look forward to meeting again soon.

(Full Disclosure--my soup was with chicken, not beef.)

JT