Vietnam in a bowl

Tuck into street noodles

No visit to Vietnam is complete without at least one bowl of delicious noodle soup a day – it sums up all that’s great about Vietnamese cuisine. You can buy pho (pronounced ‘fur’) from street stalls throughout the country, but the best, in our opinion, can be found in Hanoi (and we’ve sampled a few).

There are many different versions, and local people will usually be more than happy to help you navigate the complexities of where to the find the best of each. When you’ve selected your outlet of choice, pull up a stool, point at what you would like and then wait for the steaming bowl of magic to arrive. There are always plenty of leaves and herbs, such as mint and coriander, served alongside, as well as beansprouts, chillies and a variety of sauces. Make up your own blend and get stuck in – it really is Vietnam in a bowl.