Pho Bo Among World's Best Soups by CNN

In the Food & Drink section, the globally recognized media outlet CNN has recently released its updated list of the Top 20 Best Soups in the World for 2025. Notably, Vietnam's famous pho bo (beef noodle soup) is once again featured, receiving high praise for its rich flavors and culinary heritage.

Vietnamese soup Pho Bo with beef and noodles 

According to CNN, the delightful aroma of pho is attributed to a broth that is traditionally simmered for hours with a careful blend of ingredients, including cinnamon, star anise, and an array of other distinctive spices.

In her acclaimed book "The Pho Cookbook," author Andrea Nguyen notes that while pho is one of Vietnam's most famous culinary exports, it remains a relatively recent creation in the context of the country's long culinary history. While many modern restaurants offer creative interpretations of pho, the classic beef version retains its status as the original and most beloved variant.

CNN identifies pho bo as the quintessential Vietnamese version, with a variety of choices for diners, including options for raw beef, cooked beef, a combination of both, as well as cuts like beef brisket and tendon.

The inclusion of pho bo alongside global favorites in CNN’s 2025 list, such as banga (Nigeria), bouillabaisse (France), caldo verde (Portugal), gazpacho (Spain), gumbo (United States), Lanzhou beef noodle soup (China), tom yum goong (Thailand), and tonkotsu ramen (Japan), further highlights the uniqueness of Vietnamese cuisine, providing yet another reason for travelers to explore Vietnam post-pandemic.