David Hu, a mechanical engineering professor at Georgia Tech, dives into the fascinating mechanics of eating and the joy of slurping noodles. He reflects on the intricate art of enjoying pho, sharing humorous tips on etiquette and flavor harmony. The conversation gets lively as they explore how slurping enhances flavors and even discuss the science behind noodle types and sauce viscosity. Hu also reveals surprising insights about how our breathing affects taste perception, turning every bowl of pho into a delightful sensory experience.
Chef Charles Phan emphasized appreciating pho's broth on its own, avoiding overwhelming flavors to enhance the dining experience.
Professor David Hu explored the science of slurping noodles, highlighting its role in cooling soup and enhancing flavor perception.
Deep dives
Remembering Chef Charles Phan
Chef Charles Phan was a pivotal figure in bringing modern Vietnamese cuisine to America, particularly through his acclaimed restaurant, The Slanted Door. His approach was marked by a deep passion for authentic flavors and a no-nonsense attitude towards cooking practices. In an interview, he shared insights on enjoying pho, emphasizing the importance of appreciating the broth without unnecessary additives like hoisin sauce. Phan's influence extended beyond his culinary achievements; he was remembered fondly for his generosity and genuine nature, leaving a lasting impact on those who encountered his work.
Mastering the Art of Pho
Pho is a Vietnamese dish known for its complex flavors and interactive dining experience, yet many feel intimidated by its multiple components. Chef Phan explained that rather than seeking a single 'perfect' bite, diners should savor each element individually to fully appreciate the dish's variety. The broth, considered the essence of pho, is carefully crafted over hours, deserving to be enjoyed on its own, without overwhelming it with sauces. Phan also highlighted cultural nuances in eating practices, such as the correct use of chopsticks, emphasizing that pho can be an enjoyable yet casual experience.
The Science of Slurping Noodles
The phenomenon of slurping noodles is not only culturally significant but also has intriguing scientific explanations behind it. Professor David Hu discussed how slurping effectively cools hot soup while capturing flavors from both the soup and the air above it. He delved into the mechanics of slurping, explaining how different noodle lengths and sauces can affect the dining experience, potentially leading to splatter if not carefully executed. Additionally, he noted that breathing techniques while eating play a role in maximizing flavor perception, making moderation essential for an enhanced dining experience.
We're reheating this episode in honor of Chef Charles Phan, owner of The Slanted Door, who recently died. In 2016, he showed us the right way to eat the Vietnamese noodle soup pho. Then we take a deep dive into the science of soup slurping with a researcher who studies the mechanics of eating.
This episode originally aired on February 14, 2016, and was produced by Dan Pashman and Anne Saini. Engineering by Irene Trudel and Ellen Reinhardt. The Sporkful team now includes Dan Pashman, Emma Morgenstern, Andres O'Hara, Giulia Leo, Kameel Stanley, and Jared O'Connell. This update was produced by Gianna Palmer. Publishing by Shantel Holder.
Every other Friday, we reach into our deep freezer and reheat an episode to serve up to you. We're calling these our Reheats. If you have a show you want reheated, send us an email or voice memo at hello@sporkful.com, and include your name, your location, which episode, and why.
Right now, Sporkful listeners can get three months free of the SiriusXM app by going to siriusxm.com/sporkful. Get all your favorite podcasts, more than 200 ad-free music channels curated by genre and era, and live sports coverage with the SiriusXM app.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode