entertainment
informative
local

Pho museum opens to celebrate Vietnamese culinary heritage

Jan 16, 2026, 12:45 PM20
(Update: Jan 18, 2026, 1:55 PM)
country in Southeast Asia

Pho museum opens to celebrate Vietnamese culinary heritage

  • The pho museum opened on January 15, 2026, in Ho Chi Minh City, aiming to preserve the culinary heritage of Vietnam.
  • It features a three-floor layout with interactive displays, a dining area serving pho, and a cinema room.
  • The museum strives to promote Vietnamese cuisine and culture, expecting 1,500 to 2,000 daily visitors, many of whom are foreign tourists.
Share opinion
Tip: Add insight, not just a reaction
2

Story

Vietnam has recently taken a significant step towards preserving its culinary heritage with the opening of the country's first-ever pho museum in Ho Chi Minh City. This milestone event occurred on January 15, 2026, in the bustling Ben Thanh Ward. The museum occupies a spacious area of 800 square meters and is the first private culinary museum in Vietnam, having received official licensing from the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture and Sports. Visitors to the museum can embark on a comprehensive 60 to 70-minute tour that highlights pho’s rich history and cultural significance through various interactive displays and exhibits. The museum not only serves as an educational hub but also as a dining venue. Visitors are treated to a bowl of pho and local dessert as part of their experience, showcasing the culinary delights associated with this iconic dish. The museum features a three-floor layout, which includes a show kitchen, a cultural exhibition space, and even a cinema room dedicated to storytelling around pho. Director Le Nhat Thanh emphasized the importance of this venue in preserving the stories and values surrounding pho, marking its evolution from street food to a global culinary icon. He expressed the museum's mission of promoting the essence of Vietnamese cuisine and building national pride among international visitors. Forecasts suggest that the museum anticipates welcoming between 1,500 to 2,000 visitors daily, with a significant portion being international tourists. This influx of visitors is expected to enhance cultural exchange while highlighting Vietnam's rich culinary traditions. In addition to its educational and immersive experiences, the establishment includes a pho restaurant that is open to the public on the ground floor. Through its exhibitions and culinary offerings, the museum aims to cater to the interests of various demographics, particularly tourists seeking a deeper understanding of Vietnamese culture, history, and cuisine. With its interactive elements designed for the enjoyment and education of visitors, the pho museum bridges cultural gaps and introduces a vital aspect of Vietnamese identity to a global audience. It serves as a light for those interested in the origins of pho, its preparation, and the significance behind the ingredients used. Ultimately, the pho museum is a reflective space that not only honors the past but also envisions the future of Vietnamese cuisine.

2026 All rights reserved