Pho Bo Tai Nam (The Perfect Vietnamese Beef Rice Noodle Soup)

Gooooood morning, Vietnam! Phở is the National Vietnamese food. Phở bò tái nạm is a beef broth served with rice noodles and tender, thin pieces of flank steak flavored with traditional Vietnamese spices. It's one of my favorite Asian soups. When I visited Saigon 10 years ago, I remember having a big bowl of phở for breakfast! It's as good in the morning as it is for lunch and dinner. I think it's THE best street food in the world. Oh and it's pronounced "fuh" like the beginning of the word "fudge".

OK. Here goes... I might get in big trouble for handing out this recipe. I got it from my Tatie Danielle (aunt) who, unlike the one in the French comedy classic, is a sweetheart and an amazing cook, except that she does not share her recipes. She used to run a restaurant in the early 90s. She doesn't know the existence of this site yet and she's not very computer literate, so I hope that keeps me safe. At any rate, I figure I can't call myself a femme fatale if I don't do a little bit of recon and intel gathering. Shhh...

If - like me - you're a fan of Anthony Bourdain, you might be interested to know that Pho is one of his favorite dishes. Tony, this pho is for you .