Deep fried Vietnamese pho dish best tasting savory at Texas fair

By Bich Thao
Sun, September 24, 2023 | 9:56 pm GMT+7

A deep fried pho dish created by Vietnam-born chef Michelle Le has won the "Best Taste - Savory" award at the State Fair of Texas.

Since 2005, the Big Tex Choice Awards contest has placed the State Fair of Texas as a top for great food creations. Each year, State Fair of Texas concessionaires cook up tasty and unique foods for a chance to become a finalist at the competition.

This year, the award selected 57 participating dishes from 37 vendors in three categories: "Best Taste - Savory", "Best Taste - Sweet" and "Most Creative.”

Chef Michelle Le deep fried the Vietnamese rice noodles used for the famous pho soup and combined it with a Southern American culinary style. The dish beat other creations to win the “Best Taste - Savory” title.

“Deep fried pho is handcrafted, rolled up, and deep-fried Texas style. This unique combination creates a perfect balance between flavorful and refreshing. With every bite, you get a harmonious and succulent mouthful of noodles, slices of beef, fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and a taste of aromatic pho broth that has been slowly simmered for hours,” the State Fair of Texas wrote.

This dish is served with a side of pho broth for dipping, lime, jalapeños, cilantro, hoisin sauce, and sriracha for a spicy, fiery kick.

Vietnam-born chef Michelle Le created a deep fried pho fish that blended Vietnamese and American flavors to win the tastiest savory award this year at the State Fair of Texas. Photo courtesy of State Fair of Texas.

Vietnam-born chef Michelle Le created a deep fried pho fish that blended Vietnamese and American flavors to win the tastiest savory award this year at the State Fair of Texas. Photo courtesy of State Fair of Texas.

Sharing with NBC 5 about her feelings after receiving the award, chef Le said she “was in shock”. “I think I blacked out for a second. I could feel my husband squeezing my hand, it was so exciting,” Le said.

For years she had wondered if she could deep fry her father-in-law’s pho, which he makes at least once a week. “Having a dish that we enjoy as a family that’s the most meaningful. It brings the whole family together for dinner with Dad’s pho. That’s really where the inspiration started”, the winner of "Best Taste - Savory" said.

In addition to deep fried pho, the award had a surprising dish: deep fried Vietnamese coffee. It uses ingredients from slow-brewed coffee, is breaded with crispy fried dough and served with condensed milk.

Deep fried Vietnamese coffee will ignite your energy levels and sweet tooth. Photo courtesy of State Fair of Texas.

Deep fried Vietnamese coffee will ignite your energy levels and sweet tooth. Photo courtesy of State Fair of Texas.

“The cake is then rolled into a ball, battered, and deep-fried Texas style! To finish this off, it is dusted with powdered sugar and served with velvety condensed milk. Say goodbye to your mundane cup of joe and join us at the State Fair of Texas for an experience that will leave you begging for another bite”, the fair’s website gushed.

The 2023 State Fair of Texas, held September 29-October 22, will serve all the winning dishes as well as new ones from local restaurants, organizers said.

Comments (0)
  • Read More
HCMC partners with Nasdaq to develop int’l financial center

HCMC partners with Nasdaq to develop int’l financial center

The Finance Department of Vietnam’s southern metropolis Ho Chi Minh City has signed an MoU with the U.S.-based stock exchange Nasdaq on the development of an international financial center (IFC).

Top News - Sat, October 18, 2025 | 11:56 am GMT+7

Vingroup plans $325 mln issuance of international bonds

Vingroup plans $325 mln issuance of international bonds

Vietnam's leading private conglomerate Vingroup (HoSE: VIC) has announced a board of directors resolution to issue $325 million worth of international bonds, with a five-year term and a yield of 5.5% per year.

Companies - Sat, October 18, 2025 | 10:26 am GMT+7

Vietnam raises personal income tax deductions by over 40%

Vietnam raises personal income tax deductions by over 40%

The Standing Committee of Vietnam’s National Assembly, the country's legislature, on Friday approved a resolution on adjusting personal income tax (PIT) deductions, marking a significant increase of over 40% from current levels.

Economy - Sat, October 18, 2025 | 9:11 am GMT+7

EVN subsidiary spreads the spirit of solidarity, compassion

EVN subsidiary spreads the spirit of solidarity, compassion

The employees of National Power Transmission Corporation (EVNNPT) came together in an inspiring display of unity and compassion in October, each donating one day’s salary to support and express solidarity with the people of Cuba - a nation that has long shared a special friendship with Vietnam.

Companies - Sat, October 18, 2025 | 9:00 am GMT+7

Property fever prompts tighter inspection in central Vietnam's economic hub Danang

Property fever prompts tighter inspection in central Vietnam's economic hub Danang

Chairman of Danang city People’s Committee, Pham Duc An, has ordered a comprehensive inspection and audit of land valuation and auction activities to prevent and address market manipulation that could destabilize the local property market.

Real Estate - Sat, October 18, 2025 | 8:00 am GMT+7

Vietnam mulls opening door for private investment in small modular reactors

Vietnam mulls opening door for private investment in small modular reactors

Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade has drafted a parliamentary resolution that, for the first time, would allow private companies to participate in the development of small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs).

Energy - Fri, October 17, 2025 | 4:37 pm GMT+7

Kido seeks buyer for remaining 49% stake in frozen food affiliate

Kido seeks buyer for remaining 49% stake in frozen food affiliate

Kido Group (HoSE: KDC), a leading food company in Vietnam, has approved a plan to divest the firm's remaining 49% stake in its affiliate Kido Frozen Food JSC (Kido Foods).

Companies - Fri, October 17, 2025 | 4:25 pm GMT+7

Le Ngoc Quang appointed Danang city's Party chief

Le Ngoc Quang appointed Danang city's Party chief

Le Ngoc Quang, a Party Central Committee member and Party chief of Quang Tri province, has been appointed Party chief of Danang for the 2025-2030 term - the highest position in the city, central Vietnam's economic hub.

Politics - Fri, October 17, 2025 | 4:17 pm GMT+7

T&T Group seeks to reshape north-central Vietnam’s urban landscape with major projects

T&T Group seeks to reshape north-central Vietnam’s urban landscape with major projects

Multi-sector conglomerate T&T Group is developing a model eco-urban complex in Ha Tinh province and plans to build a massive 236-hectare urban area in neighboring Nghe An, with an aim to reshape north-central Vietnam's urban landscape.

Investing - Fri, October 17, 2025 | 2:44 pm GMT+7

Toyota plans $359 mln plant expansion in northern Vietnam

Toyota plans $359 mln plant expansion in northern Vietnam

Toyota Motor Vietnam (TMV) plans to invest about VND9.46 trillion ($359.2 million) in the first phase of its plant expansion project in Phu Tho province.

Investing - Fri, October 17, 2025 | 2:09 pm GMT+7

PVI Insurance sees 9-month profit before tax more than doubling

PVI Insurance sees 9-month profit before tax more than doubling

PVI Insurance has reaffirmed its position as the No. 1 non-life insurer in Vietnam, with total revenue increasing nearly 1.4 times in the first nine months of 2025 and pre-tax profit more than doubling year-on-year - surpassing its full-year targets for both revenue and profit.

Companies - Fri, October 17, 2025 | 9:08 am GMT+7

Vingroup to develop 4,600ha coastal urban project in northern Vietnam

Vingroup to develop 4,600ha coastal urban project in northern Vietnam

A consortium of Vingroup (HoSE: VIC) and its real estate arm Vinhomes (HoSE: VHM) will develop a 4,600-hectare coastal urban complex in Ha An ward, Quang Ninh province, following local authorities’ approval of a zoning plan.

Real Estate - Fri, October 17, 2025 | 8:30 am GMT+7

Indonesia resumes int’l carbon trading after 4-year hiatus

Indonesia resumes int’l carbon trading after 4-year hiatus

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has issued a new decree to restart international carbon emissions trading after a four-year hiatus.

Southeast Asia - Thu, October 16, 2025 | 9:23 pm GMT+7

Investors seek 2-year delay for $2.56 bln LNG power project in northern Vietnam, citing equipment hurdles

Investors seek 2-year delay for $2.56 bln LNG power project in northern Vietnam, citing equipment hurdles

Investors of a $2.56 billion LNG-fired power plant in Hung Yen province have proposed delaying the project’s commercial operation schedule by two years due to difficulties securing key equipment.

Energy - Thu, October 16, 2025 | 9:04 pm GMT+7

Vietnam to soon raise taxpayers' personal deduction: official

Vietnam to soon raise taxpayers' personal deduction: official

The personal income tax deduction in Vietnam is "very likely" to increase to VND21.7 million ($823,940) per month, including VND15.5 million (588,530) for the taxpayer and VND6.2 million ($235,410) for each dependent.

Finance - Thu, October 16, 2025 | 6:25 pm GMT+7

Business confidence climbs as reforms gain traction amid global headwinds: EuroCham Vietnam

Business confidence climbs as reforms gain traction amid global headwinds: EuroCham Vietnam

The index climbed to 66.5, surpassing pre-tariffs level and reaching its highest in three years – showcasing resilience and adaptability amid global headwinds and evolving U.S. tariff pressures.

Economy - Thu, October 16, 2025 | 4:36 pm GMT+7