Anti-Pho/MEGA protesters march in Seattle

Seattle’s International District saw an unusual demonstration yesterday as dozens of self-described “Anti-Pho” activists marched through the neighborhood’s Little Vietnam section.

Many of the protesters wore “MEGA” hats: Make Eating Great Again.

Carrying placards that read “Pho is a Globalist Plot!,” “Down With Pho!,” and “Fight the Pho,” the group declared their opposition to the beloved Vietnamese noodle soup. One protester shouted through a megaphone, “They’re putting noodles in our schools!” and “Pho is a threat to traditional American stew,” as bewildered bystanders slurped steaming bowls on the sidewalk.

Counter-demonstrators quickly assembled, styling themselves “Pro-Pho.” Waving chopsticks and chanting “Pho-ever! Pho-real!” they set up outside a popular noodle shop, offering free samples to passersby.

The face-off remained peaceful, with only minor scuffles reported — mainly involving spilled broth. Police described the scene as “spirited but saucy,” and no arrests were made.

Local restaurant owners were largely unfazed. “Business is up 40 percent,” said Linh Tran, who runs a pho café on 12th Avenue. “Every time they march, more people come in to see what the fuss is about. Honestly, we hope they protest again next weekend.”

(Images made with AI)