The free noodle shop run by Huynh Hong Tuyet and her husband Nguyen Minh Trung, who are both 60, is located on Le Loi Street in Cai Khe Ward, Can Tho City.
Tuyet said the shop first opened on May 20, 2025. Initially, the couple planned only to provide free bread and a 40 litre tea container for people in need. However, after noticing that bread was difficult to eat in the hot weather, they decided to open a noodle stall instead.
Tuyet, the owner, serves customers free of charge (Photo: Viet Hang).
What began as simple instant noodles with quail eggs and sausages gradually evolved after Trung suggested improving the dishes by simmering bones and minced meat to create a richer broth.
“Once we improved the quality of the noodles, more and more people started coming,” Tuyet said.
“At first we served only 50 bowls a day, but after media outlets reported on the shop, we now distribute nearly 200 bowls daily on average. Many regular customers now arrive early and wait for their meals.”
To keep customers interested, the menu changes daily.
“We serve seven different dishes each week. As long as everyone leaves full, I’m happy,” Tuyet said.
The shop operates from 11 am until midnight. Although the couple sometimes finish cleaning at 1 am, they continue welcoming customers with enthusiasm the next morning.
Customers at the shop (Photo: Viet Hang).
Huynh Van Bay, 70, a regular customer since the early days, said the free meals had made a major difference to his life.
“Because I’m old and no longer strong enough to work, I come here every day for a free meal,” he said.
“Before I found this place, I survived mostly on bread. Since coming here, I’ve been able to eat full meals every day without worrying about the cost.”
Bay also praised the owners for their kindness and attention to detail.
“They always offer extra food when the rice runs out, and they even leave seasonings on the tables so people can adjust the flavour themselves. The shop is also very clean. After eating, I bring my bowl over to wash it.”
Nguyen Thi Huong, 51, a lottery ticket seller, said she was touched by the couple’s compassion.
“I come here not only because the meals are free, but because the owners are so caring,” she said.
“The owner remembered that my teeth are weak and I cannot chew bones, so she always gives me meat only. I’m very grateful.”
Trung said the couple had invested nearly VND 50 million (approximately USD 1,900) in kitchen equipment alone, excluding electricity, gas and other operating costs.
“Our family runs a hotel business, so we still have enough income to maintain the shop,” Trung said. “Sometimes it can feel overwhelming, but for now we are still managing.”
The biggest challenge has been a shortage of staff as customer numbers quadrupled. Fortunately, the couple’s son often helps when he has free time, allowing the shop to continue operating smoothly.
Despite the growing demand, Trung and Tuyet refuse to accept cash donations. Instead, they welcome support in the form of noodles, rice, vegetables and seasonings.
The couple also prepare nearly 400 free vegetarian meals on every full moon day.
“In addition, I have printed 100 rice vouchers,” Trung said.
“Every afternoon I ride around looking for people in hardship and give them the vouchers. They can come to us and exchange one for a 5-kilogramme bag of rice.”
