Warm bowls of free noodles in the heart of District 1

Open Monday to Friday evenings, the zero-dong noodle shop of Mac Ty Nho Parish (16A Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City) is a familiar address to many people.

“You haven’t had dinner yet, but you still have some money in your pocket! Don’t worry, come to Mac Ty Nho Church and enjoy a bowl of free noodles!”, those are the warm and friendly words on the signboard of Mac Ty Nho Parish (No. 16A Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Da Kao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City) that attract the attention of many passersby.

Accordingly, the zero-dong noodle shop was born from an idea when by chance one evening, Father Nguyen Hoang Le Nguyen - parish priest at Mac Ty Nho church saw the image of a man with a haggard face, holding a cold lunch box, sitting and eating tiredly in front of the church gate, so he suddenly thought: Why don't I help similar people have a hot meal? Since then, the zero-dong noodle shop was born.

Up to now, the free noodle shop of Mac Ty Nho Parish has been operating for more than 1 year. The shop opens from 8:00 pm to 9:30 pm every Monday - Friday. The shop does not discriminate against anyone, anyone can come and eat. The menu that goes with the noodles will change, every week there is chicken, beef balls, sausage... In addition, in the morning, the church also sells meat sandwiches for 2,000 VND/loaf for students.

The free noodle shop of Mac Ty Nho Parish has been in operation for more than a year. The shop opens from 8:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. every Monday to Friday. Photo by Ky Duyen

According to a parishioner, in the first days of operation (October 2023), only about 30-50 people came to eat each night. Then the story of the zero-dong noodle shop was spread by word of mouth, and gradually the servings increased to 200 bowls/day. There were days when many guests arrived late, but the parish priest still happily served them.

The "employees" at the zero-dong noodle shop are mostly parishioners who volunteer to help out. Initially, the target customers here were lottery ticket sellers, the disabled, and students in the surrounding area. Now, people from all walks of life come to eat. Here, regardless of title or profession, everyone gathers together to enjoy a warm bowl of noodles.

Another special thing about the restaurant is that customers serve themselves. They will come and choose their dishes, then bring their own bowls to ask the "staff" to get them some hot water, then bring their own bowls to the table and sit down. After eating, customers also clean up their own dishes.

A meal will include a package of noodles and 3 side dishes including pork roll, tofu, shredded chicken and fish balls, served with vegetables, bean sprouts and onions.

“I am a regular customer here, every night I often go to the zero-dong noodle shop to eat. This helps me save money on dinner, helping me reduce the burden of monthly living expenses,” said Mai Duyen, a student at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Ho Chi Minh City National University.

Mr. Nguyen Xuan Hoang, a motorbike taxi driver, also said that the zero-dong noodle shop not only helps him have a free meal, but many people here talk very friendly, making him feel that this is also a place to share many stories in life.

The story of the zero-dong noodle shop was passed around by word of mouth, and gradually the servings increased to 200 bowls/day. Photo: Nhat Vu

According to the reporter's records, the space inside is spacious, with many large tables, always full of people coming and going. Diners here are of all ages, from students to elderly workers. A meal will include a package of noodles and 3 side dishes including pork roll, tofu, shredded chicken and fish balls, served with vegetables, bean sprouts and onions. All ingredients are prepared very meticulously and cleanly.

At the restaurant, there will be a parishioner in charge of cooking and shopping. In particular, although the service is free, the food here always focuses on safety, the ingredients are fresh and quality is guaranteed. The zero-dong noodle restaurant at Mac Ty Nho Church is currently a familiar address for many workers, children, and the disadvantaged, conveying the message of care, sharing and solidarity in the community.

Source: https://congthuong.vn/tp-ho-chi-minh-am-long-nhung-to-mi-0-dong-giua-trung-tam-quan-1-364506.html