In 2019, Hoang Duc Lam, the founder of a pho brand, aimed to enhance the classic dish by incorporating top-quality ingredients along with artistic flair.
The expansive bowl, crafted by artisans from Bat Trang Pottery Village, undergoes 8 hours of hand-painting with detailed patterns that reflect Vietnam’s vibrant cultural heritage.
Offered in five distinct colors symbolizing the five elements of nature (referred to as “ngũ hành”), customers can select their preferred hue or receive guidance from staff regarding the best choice for their zodiac sign. Even the accompanying chopsticks and spoons are uniquely designed to complement this special dining experience.
The pho served is equally remarkable, comprising 350 grams of soft beef ribs and 100 grams of assorted cuts like rare, cooked, brisket, and tendon. It also includes a poached egg and crispy fried dough sticks (quẩy) on the side.
The beef is procured from the largest farms in northern Vietnam, and the noodles—available both traditionally and hand-cut—are made to high standards, ensuring no preservatives are used. The broth is simmered for an impressive 24 hours with bones and sea worms (sá sùng), delivering a naturally rich and sweet taste without artificial flavors.
Due to the careful selection of fresh ingredients and the limited supply of high-quality beef ribs, only 10 bowls of this exclusive pho are available each day at each restaurant location. The price for each bowl is VND 168,000, reflecting notions of prosperity in Vietnamese culture. However, diners can enjoy a special price of VND 99,000 on Mondays.
More than just a delicious dish, the giant bowl of pho carries a significant cultural message. The restaurant promotes traditional Vietnamese cuisine and craftsmanship while advocating for health, environmental sustainability, and community wellness.
In addition to the specialty pho, the restaurant serves traditional pho dishes starting at VND 40,000 per bowl, along with a selection of hot pots and other beef dishes.