The list of "Southeast Asia's 4 most nutritious and delicious dishes" was published on 10/8 by The Nation, a reputable English-language newspaper established in 1971 in Thailand, based on the criteria of distinctive flavor and rich nutritional value.

Rare beef pho at Pho Tau Bay restaurant in Hanoi. Photo: Quynh Mai

Pho, a traditional Vietnamese dish, tops the list of the most nutritious and delicious dishes in Southeast Asia.

The Nation describes the dish as consisting of soft rice noodles, beef or chicken, fresh herbs, and distinctive spices. The broth, simmered from bones and a blend of herbs like cinnamon, star anise, ginger, and onion, creates a delicate sweetness. The dish is light, rich in protein and nutrients, and suitable for any time of the day.

Tom Yum Kung (Thailand). Photo: Som in Thai

Tom Yum Kung (Thailand) is ranked second on the list. Cooked with lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and chili, the dish is rich in antioxidants. Some studies have also shown that the herbs in the dish can inhibit the growth of cancer cells.

The remaining two spots belong to Gado-Gado (Indonesia), a vegetable salad with a peanut sauce rich in fiber and vegetable protein, and Tam Mak Hoong (Laos), a spicy green papaya salad containing probiotics that aid digestion.

Pho is a popular dish in Vietnam and comes in many varieties. Nam Dinh pho and Hanoi pho were recognized as national intangible cultural heritages by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism in August 2024. Last year, CNN Travel also ranked Vietnamese pho 2nd in its list of the world's 20 best soups. In 2025, the renowned international food website Taste Atlas ranked beef pho 93rd in its top 100 most delicious dishes globally.

Tuan Anh (The Nation)