Phở cuốn is a delicious Vietnamese dish that is often enjoyed as a snack or appetizer, especially during the summer. The dish is essentially rolled pho made with sheets of uncut pho noodles that are used as a type of wrapping paper. These rolls are then filled with a variety of ingredients such as stir-fried beef, garlic, ginger, pepper, onions, lettuce, and herbs like mint, perilla, and cilantro. The assembled rolls are served with a dipping sauce on the side, which usually consists of a combination of fish sauce, sugar, garlic, chilli, and vinegar.
Vu Thi Chinh, the owner of Chinh Thang restaurant in Hanoi had a brilliant idea for a new dish. She decided to roll pho sheets with beef and herbs and serve it with fish sauce, a typical sauce of Vietnam. The result was a delicious and satisfying snack that has become a popular dish in Vietnam and beyond.
Phở cuốn, or Pho Rolls as it translates to, is a popular dish in Vietnam that features Pho noodles, a staple in Vietnamese cuisine. Red meat is easily found in many Vietnamese dishes, along with pork in the country. Pho Cuon is a light way to enjoy some of the delicious red meat. It is served with some side sauce, which gives a spicy flavour to the dish and balances it out.
While you can find steak places or hamburger spots, if you want an authentic Vietnamese food experience, you may not find a lot of beef served here due to the general lack of cows in the country. This is also the reason why cheese is not as common in Vietnamese cuisine.
Ngu Xa has an interesting history as a copper casting craft village since the 15th century. However, in recent times, the area has become synonymous with Phở Cuốn, being the birthplace of the red meat delicacy. While there are many restaurants offering this dish, Chinh Thang restaurant is a standout for its original flavour and history.
Address: 7 Mac Dinh Chi, Hanoi (Pho cuon Chinh Thang)
If you're in Hanoi and looking to try Pho Cuon, here are a few places to check out. Pho Cuon Ngu Xa is located at (233 To Hieu Street, Dich Vong Ward, Cau Giay District) which is quite a lowkey restaurant, but serves some really good Phở Cuốn and is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. Another option is Pho Cuon 31, situated at (31 Ngu Xa Street, Truc Bach Ward, Ba Dinh District) which is a high-end restaurant which serves some good vegetarian dishes such as the banana plant salad.
If you're looking for a more traditional restaurant setting, Huong Mai Restaurant is another great option. Located at (25-27 Ngu Xa Street, Truc Bach Ward, Ba Dinh District), this restaurant is known for its delicious Pho Cuon and other Vietnamese dishes.