As Vietnam’s national dish, it’s a cornerstone of Southeast Asian cuisine, and thanks to Southern California’s thriving Vietnamese community, it’s a staple across Los Angeles too.

Even though Pham’s family owned a duo of pho restaurants for decades in Vietnam, they left those days behind them upon immigrating to the U.S. in 2010.

How long has pho been delighting taste buds across the US? Probably not as long as you'd think. Here's the history behind ...

Incorporating new preferences, Southern pho broth evolved to be sweeter, darker, and richer. In 1975, Northern troops captured Saigon, ending the Vietnam War and bringing about massive migrations.

Pho from the south is sweeter, bolder and fattier. (Unsplash: Hong Anh Duong)Pho was popularised in the city of Hanoi in Vietnam's north — today the national capital.

Phở King is a pop-up inside Pink Bellies, a Vietnamese restaurant on Upper King Street in Charleston. ... which has been serving pho in Southern Vietnam for four decades.

In contrast, the southern version is renowned for its richer taste, enhanced by bean sprouts and fresh herbs. Beef pho has recently been listed among CNN's 20 best soups worldwide. CNN describes beef ...

If you need a little visual help in making up your mind, Blooming Vietnamese Cuisine (11900 South St., Cerritos; 562-924-9998, www.bloomingcuisine.com) is the place for you.