By: Marisol Gonzalez

For our first episode of the Mount Tahoma Cooking Show, student Sophia Tran shows how to make Pho Ga—a traditional Vietnamese chicken noodle soup that’s flavorful, comforting, and perfect for the colder weather.

“Hi, my name is Sophia and today we’re making Pho Ga,” she said, as she introduced the ingredients: rotisserie chicken, scallions, onions, ginger, chicken-flavored pho soup base, spice tea bag, rock sugar, pho noodles, basil, lime, cilantro, and salt. Each one adds to the rich and delicious flavor of the dish.

Pho has a long history that likely began in northern Vietnam in the early 1900s, influenced by French cooking during colonization. For Sophia, though, pho is more than just a traditional recipe—it’s a family memory.

“This dish is special because it was a flavorful dish that took lots of time, work, and patience and was passed down by elders and relatives,” she said. “A favorite memory I had with pho is it would always bring our family together… we spent so much time together no matter what.”

Sharing recipes like pho helps students celebrate their heritage and learn more about each other’s cultures. It’s a reminder that food can connect us, tell stories, and bring people together—just like a bowl of soup shared with family and friends.
 

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