Zom Marie, born in 1992 as Marie Eugene Le Lay, is a renowned singer and YouTuber from Thailand with over 3.3 million followers. During her recent visit to Ho Chi Minh City, she spent time shopping, exploring the city, and indulging in local delicacies, including the famous “Michelin pho.”

A taste of tradition

Zom Marie visited a well-known pho restaurant on Pasteur Street, District 3, which has been recognized twice in the Michelin Bib Gourmand category for its quality food at reasonable prices.

The group ordered three large bowls of beef pho, a plate of fried spring rolls, and a plate of fresh spring rolls. Since Zom Marie doesn’t eat beef, she opted for a chicken pho instead.

Their meal began with fresh spring rolls, which delighted the team with their vibrant presentation. Zom Marie remarked on their freshness and flavor, nodding in satisfaction as she tasted them.

The highlight of the meal was the pho. The manager of Zom Marie’s team shared that they chose the most expensive option to sample various beef cuts. Zom Marie, meanwhile, expressed relief that chicken pho was available as an alternative.

Following the restaurant’s recommendations, she added herbs, blanched bean sprouts, and seasonings to enhance the dish. Tasting the broth for the first time, she described it as “delicious” with a unique fragrance, noting the thin, tender noodles that absorbed the flavors well.

She also praised the chicken for its tenderness and aroma, and the accompanying fried dough sticks (quay) for their chewy texture.

A legacy of pho

The meal totaled 586,000 VND (approximately 800 Thai Baht), which the team deemed reasonable for the quality. “I’m very satisfied and full after this pho meal,” said the team manager, adding that Zom Marie couldn’t even finish her large serving.

The restaurant, owned by Pham Thanh Tan, has a history dating back to 1968. Tan, now 52, is the third generation to manage the family business.

“When we started, my grandmother sold pho from a simple pushcart on the sidewalk of Pasteur Street. Over time, the restaurant was established, and the craft was passed down to my mother, then to me and my family,” Tan shared.

The pho here is prepared in the Southern style, characterized by a slightly sweet broth infused with aromatic spices like cinnamon, ginger, and star anise.

The menu includes five main pho options: brisket, rare beef, tendon, flank, and flank with fat, priced at 90,000 VND for regular bowls and 105,000 VND for large servings. Additional dishes include beef tripe pho, beef meatball pho, chicken pho, fresh spring rolls, fried spring rolls, and even steamed buns.

Diners can also order extra rich broth, a poached egg, and scallions for a customizable experience.

Thao Trinh

Photo credit: Zom Marie