15 Iconic Dishes You Have to Try in Their Country of Origin

11. Vietnam – Pho (Hanoi)

There’s no dish more symbolic of Vietnam than pho, the soul-warming noodle soup that has captured hearts around the world. But if you want to taste pho at its best, you must go to Hanoi, where this iconic dish was born. Pho is all about the broth, which is slow-simmered for hours with beef bones, charred onion, cinnamon, star anise, and cloves to create a deeply aromatic, savory flavor. Thin rice noodles are added, along with slices of raw or cooked beef, fresh herbs, and a squeeze of lime. For the best pho experience, visit Pho Gia Truyen, a no-frills spot where locals line up before dawn for a bowl of steaming perfection.