Na Rì Hand-Rolled Pho – The Rustic Flavor Of The Highlands In Bắc Kạn.

Speaking of Na Rì cuisine, alongside vermicelli or traditional dishes of the highland people, hand-rolled pho is a specialty that bears a strong local imprint that any traveler should try at least once. Not complicated in terms of ingredients, but with traditional handcrafted preparation and a unique flavor, Na Rì hand-rolled pho has become a source of pride for the local people.

Essence from Bao Thai rice grains

The special feature that makes Na Rì hand-rolled pho famous is the ingredient selected from the famous Bao Thai rice variety of Bắc Kạn.

This type of rice is grown on highland fields, yielding fragrant, sticky grains with a natural sweetness. Thanks to the use of 100% Bao Thai rice, without any additives or preservatives, the pho retains its characteristic aroma and a very unique light nutty flavor that is hard to find elsewhere.

Traditional handcrafted pho making

To create delicious pho strands, the people of Na Rì still maintain the traditional handcrafted production method passed down through many generations.

The rice is soaked thoroughly, ground into a water dough, and then spread on a fabric mold placed over a pot of boiling water. The steam from the wood stove cooks the dough slowly, creating thin, soft sheets that smell of fresh rice.

After the sheets are cooked, the maker skillfully rolls them up and uses a knife to cut them into even strands. This hand-cutting process is what gives the name "hand-rolled pho" and helps the pho strands achieve a natural softness that industrially produced pho often lacks.

Unique "ngot" pho specialty

A unique feature of Na Rì is the product "ngot pho" – a type of pho that is lightly sun-dried before cooking.

After drying, the pho strands become firmer and denser but still retain their softness and chewiness. When cooked, the pho strands do not break apart but have just the right amount of chewiness, providing a very different experience when enjoyed.

This is also the traditional preservation method of the local people, while creating a distinctive flavor that can only be found in Na Rì.

Rich and sweet broth

A delicious bowl of hand-rolled pho is not only about the pho strands but also about the broth.

The people of Na Rì often use free-range chicken or local pork to simmer the broth. Thanks to natural ingredients, the pho broth has a light, clear sweetness while still being rich. When eaten with green onions, herbs, and a bit of local seasoning, the flavor becomes even more appealing.

Not too many complicated spices, the dish retains its simplicity but leaves a lasting impression on diners due to its authentic taste.

Flavors of highland culture

Na Rì hand-rolled pho is not just an everyday dish but also reflects the lifestyle and culture of the people in the mountainous Bắc Kạn region. From the carefully tended Bao Thai rice grains in the fields to the skillful hands of the pho makers, everything embodies diligence and love for the traditional craft.

Nowadays, hand-rolled pho has become one of the attractive specialties for tourists visiting Na Rì. Many production facilities have also developed packaged "ngot" pho products for tourists to take home as gifts, contributing to promoting local cuisine to many other regions.

A must-try dish when visiting Na Rì

In the chilly weather of the Northeast mountains, enjoying a steaming bowl of hand-rolled pho with fragrant sweet broth and soft, chewy pho strands is an unforgettable experience for any traveler.

If you have the chance to visit Na Rì, don't forget to take the time to enjoy the traditional hand-rolled pho – a rustic flavor that fully embodies the essence of the Bắc Kạn region.