Overview & Key Highlights
A hu tieu noodle stall in a villa courtyard in Ho Chi Minh City has temporarily closed after a sudden surge in customers overwhelmed the family-run business.
Detailed Story & Culinary Insights
Owner Mai Van Liem said the family stopped serving customers on Tuesday morning after some diners had to wait up to 45 minutes.
"There were so many customers that we couldn't keep up. I feel bad about making them wait so long," he said.
The family plans to take a few days off to hire additional staff, buy more bowls, and reorganize the service area.
It has not yet announced a reopening date.
Liem and his wife have sold hu tieu (noodle soup) for 36 years, previously operating a sidewalk cart that mainly served local residents.
The business gained unexpected popularity after moving into the courtyard of a newly built villa.
Liem said crowds began growing about three weeks ago after a customer posted a TikTok video of the "noodle cart inside the villa."
The price has remained unchanged at VND30,000 (US$1.14) per bowl.
Previously, the stall sold around 50-70 bowls a day, with about 20 additional bowls on weekends. Over the past three weeks, daily sales have surged to 150-200 bowls, reaching around 250 on some days.
Viral social media trends can cause sudden surges at family-run street stalls. To enjoy authentic thick tapioca noodle soup (Bánh Canh) in peace, explore neighborhood markets in District 3, 5, or 10 during mid-morning hours.
Author: Tuan Anh | Published on: 2026-08-12
Original Source: HCMC noodle eatery closes after TikTok fame draws overwhelming crowds — VnExpress International
