Heartwarming "1,000 VND instant noodle shop"

Having only opened for over 3 months, the "1,000 VND noodle shop" at Bach Nha Bridge, Ward 4, My Tho City, Tien Giang Province, has become a popular destination for many laborers, students, and travelers... A WARM MEAL

The "1,000 VND Instant Noodle Shop" is a project jointly run by Mr. Le Trung Hieu (Ward 6, My Tho City) and other philanthropists and benefactors for over three months. Open from 5 PM to 7 PM on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, the "1,000 VND Instant Noodle Shop" provides a comforting meal for laborers, poor students, and those stranded on the road.

"The '1,000 VND Instant Noodle Shop' run by Le Trung Hieu's group shares with many people facing hardship."

Although called a shop, the place is very simply arranged, making it feel close to workers and laborers. The stall is filled with food, including instant noodles, boiled eggs, sausages, spices, and a large pot of broth constantly simmering over a fire to keep it warm, simmering bones, corn, various vegetables, and mushrooms... Customers serve themselves their meals. The shop's clientele is very diverse, ranging from children, students, workers, elderly people living alone, lottery ticket vendors, and more.

Since opening, the noodle shop has always had a warm and bustling atmosphere with customers coming and going. Mr. Hieu and a few friends have also become busier. Around 2 PM on opening days, those who share the same charitable spirit are busy preparing ingredients and food to cook and serve meals, ensuring nutrition and food safety for customers.

Mr. Le Trung Hieu (Team Leader) shared: “On average, the noodle shop serves more than 300-500 customers per day. The purpose of this ‘1,000 VND instant noodle shop’ is to help poor laborers, students, and those in difficult circumstances have a delicious meal without worrying about the cost. The price of 1,000 VND per bowl of noodles is symbolic, so that those who come to eat feel comfortable and happy.”

"The 1,000 VND Instant Noodle Shop" is the brainchild of three like-minded individuals who share a desire to do good. Just a few tables, some small chairs, a shelf for instant noodles and other food items, and a sign that reads: "1,000 VND Instant Noodle Shop - noodles are available, please serve yourself."

Initially, Hieu and his friends pooled their money to buy noodles, eggs, sausages, vegetables, etc., to realize their idea. As the initiative spread, many philanthropists brought supplies to support them. The noodle shop has now become a familiar address for many poor laborers, students, and those in difficult circumstances.

“For first-time customers, the team members will guide them, and on subsequent visits, once people are familiar with the process, they will do it themselves. The shop only operates from afternoon to evening, but we still have over 100 customers every day. The extra work is tiring, but seeing that we can share some of the difficulties with the local people makes everyone happy,” Mr. Hieu confided.

Mr. Duong Van Chien (a worker in My Tho City) frequently visits this shop to express his gratitude to the kind owner for opening a noodle shop to support poor laborers. Mr. Chien hopes that there will be more compassionate and meaningful eateries like this to help people in difficult circumstances.

Mr. Chien shared: “A bowl of instant noodles costs 1,000 VND and includes meat, egg, sausage, and noodles. At other restaurants, customers would have to pay 15,000 to 20,000 VND per bowl. Low-income workers face difficult circumstances, so when I encountered a restaurant owner with such a kind heart, I was deeply moved. Thank you, Mr. Hieu!”

According to Mr. Le Trung Hieu, after seeing many "1,000 VND Instant Noodle Shop" models on social media from Ben Tre and Vinh Long to Ho Chi Minh City, and witnessing many difficult circumstances in My Tho City, he decided to open this noodle shop to help the poor feel warmer and more comforted.

Every day, Mr. Hieu sells hundreds of bowls of noodles for 1,000 dong or for free to poor laborers, underprivileged students, and street lottery ticket vendors. After eating, customers put money into a designated donation box, or they don't have to. This money is collected along with everyone's contributions to buy new noodles.”

EVERYONE JOIN HANDS

Every week, the shop reviews its inventory and makes a purchase, including various types of noodles, eggs, and sausages. "Many elderly people come to donate voluntarily, but we only accept noodles, sausages, and eggs. Many also try the food and put large sums of money into the donation box to contribute to the noodle purchase fund."

"The shop has only been open for about 3 months, but it has received a lot of attention and support, which makes everyone in the group excited and feel like we've done something to help vulnerable people in society," said Hieu.

Mr. Hieu shared: “For first-time customers, the group members will guide them, but for subsequent visits, they do it themselves. After eating, most people are conscious of gathering their bowls and putting them in the trash can to keep things tidy. At the end of the day, the staff will clean up and prepare the dishes for the next customers. My wish right now is to open more restaurants in other locations so that people in nearby areas can more easily come and eat. We record and publicly report all contributions from benefactors on the group's personal page.”

Besides customers facing financial difficulties, the restaurant also welcomes many more affluent individuals who come not only to eat but also to contribute to maintaining this business model. Even when people offer cash donations, Mr. Hieu maintains his rule of only charging 1,000 VND per bowl; because for him, the greatest value is not profit, but "the joy of seeing others satisfied."

Speaking about future plans, Mr. Hieu said, "The '1,000 VND instant noodle shop' or free noodle shop doesn't have a set timeframe for when it will operate. However, the group members are determined to maintain this model for as long as possible to help more people in difficult circumstances."

The story of the "1,000 VND instant noodle shop" is a heartwarming beacon in the heart of the city. This small act, carrying a message of sharing and love, has spread widely throughout the community...

SONG AN

Source: https://baoapbac.vn/xa-hoi/202503/am-long-tiem-mi-goi-1000-dong-1038097/