Vietnamese son-in-law sells grilled rice paper in Thailand, earns a few million/day 'lightly'

Without a sign, scale or loud advertising, the "mobile" grilled rice paper shop of Le Dinh Duy (31 years old, from Phu Quoc, Kien Giang ) and Nan (real name Winnisa Sodwilai, 31 years old, Thai nationality) in Surat Thani province, Thailand is always full of customers.

The special thing is that the shop does not have a fixed address, it changes frequently by day and only sells for about 2-3 hours/day.

“We sell grilled rice paper in Bangkok and some neighboring provinces, but mainly at markets in Surat Thani province such as Kanchanadit market, Bannadoem market, Kim Cuong market, etc.

The market here mainly meets in sessions, so depending on the day, the couple will sell at different locations," Duy said.

The young couple's grilled rice paper shop is always crowded with customers.

According to the Vietnamese son-in-law, instead of doing business in a fixed area, the "mobile" grilled rice paper shop helps them reach customers in more regions.

"This also creates favorable conditions for the couple to introduce and widely spread Vietnamese dishes to people across provinces and cities in Thailand," the 9X added.

Previously, Duy and Nan opened a sidewalk stall selling fried spring rolls in Bangkok but soon closed due to lack of customers. They continued to try other Vietnamese dishes such as stir-fried beef noodles, snails, and banh xeo, but it was still not feasible.

“When Vietnamese grilled rice paper became known to many Thai people and became a 'fever' on social networks, we decided to switch to selling this snack.

Luckily, the dish was loved by many Thai people and the couple's grilled rice paper shop became more crowded from then on," Duy recalled.

The grilled rice paper shop has no fixed location and is only open a few hours a day.

Before opening for sale, Duy had to figure it out himself, refer to how to make grilled rice paper from instructional videos online, then experiment many times to come up with the most suitable recipe.

Regarding rice paper, the Kien Giang man chose the turmeric rice paper imported from Da Lat and sent to Thailand. This type of rice paper has moderate thickness, and when processed, it still ensures crispness, aroma, and attractive color.

As for the filling, 9X uses familiar ingredients such as minced meat, sausage, crab sticks, green onions, etc., then seasoned to suit the taste of local people.

Vietnamese grilled rice paper dish is loved by many Thai students.

Initially, Duy and Nan sold grilled rice paper in school areas, which were enthusiastically supported by local students. Later, they moved to traditional markets to serve workers and tourists.

“Because markets in Thailand are usually held in sessions, traders who want to sell their goods have to draw lots to get a number, so our selling locations are not fixed and change every day.

I was lucky to choose beautiful locations in the market so more customers know about and come to me," Duy said.

The Vietnamese groom also revealed that to ensure their health, the couple only prepares the right amount of ingredients to sell for a few hours, instead of selling all day. There are days when there are many customers, they run out of stock and close early after only 1-2 hours.

The Kien Giang boy feels very happy and proud to be able to contribute to promoting his hometown's culture and cuisine to international friends.

The young couple sells the grilled rice paper for 30-40 baht each (equivalent to 22,000 VND - 29,000 VND) depending on the filling. In addition to the salty filling, customers can add more money to order cheese or increase the portion.

They are also researching and creating grilled rice paper with seafood filling (shrimp, squid), with an expected selling price of 50 - 60 baht/piece (about 37,000 - 40,000 VND).

“When selling to students, we lower the price a bit. But when selling at the markets, the price remains the same.

“A normal grilled rice paper cake costs 30 baht/piece (about 22,000 VND), a grilled rice paper cake with cheese costs 35 baht/piece (about 26,000 VND) and a double cheese rice paper cake costs 40 baht/piece (about 29,000 VND),” Duy said.

Couple selling fruit tea

The 29-year-old man revealed that selling rice paper brings a stable income for the couple. On average, they earn about 2,000 baht (equivalent to 1.4 million VND) a day, and at peak times it can be more.

According to him, this is not a small number, quite good compared to the average living standard of local people.

It is known that in addition to grilled rice paper, Duy Nan and his wife also make fruit lime tea to serve customers who need refreshment. The couple hopes to introduce and promote Vietnamese cuisine to the Thai people.

Duy and his wife also often cook Vietnamese dishes and invite local people in Thailand to enjoy them.

At the grilled rice paper shop, Duy also decorates a few conical hats, drawing familiar images such as ao dai, lotus flowers, etc. Nan often wears ao ba ba, braids her hair on both sides when selling, like the image of women in the river regions of Vietnam.

She hopes to have the opportunity to express her love for the S-shaped land and spread the cultural beauty and traditions of her "second homeland".

The couple plans to sell their products at the markets for a while to build their brand. In the future, when they have the means, they will open a restaurant selling Vietnamese specialties in Thailand.

Photo: Duy Nisa

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Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/chang-re-viet-ban-banh-trang-nuong-o-thai-lan-kiem-vai-trieu-ngay-nhe-tenh-2323967.html