Saigon Night Noodle Soup: Sidewalk Shop Makes Customers Wait 45 Minutes

A familiar meeting place for sleepless Saigonese

Amidst the bustling nightlife of Ho Chi Minh City, a stretch of sidewalk on Tran Binh Trong Street (Cho Quan Ward) has become a familiar destination for those looking for a quality late-night meal. Here, the unnamed noodle shop of Ms. Luong Thi My Trang (born in 1974) is always crowded with customers from evening until 4am the next morning.

Diners filled the tables on the sidewalk of the noodle shop at midnight. — Despite it being nearly midnight, diners still packed the sidewalk tables of Trang's noodle shop. Photo: Ha Nguyen

What is special here is not the luxurious space, but the long line of people patiently waiting from 30 to 45 minutes just to enjoy a hot bowl of noodles. This scene has become a characteristic part of the restaurant for nearly 10 years.

Long lines of people stood on the sidewalk waiting their turn to buy noodles. — With no more seats, latecomers had to line up and wait their turn. Photo: Ha Nguyen

What makes a bowl of sidewalk noodles so attractive?

Starting with Nam Vang noodles, Trang has gradually expanded the menu to meet the diverse tastes of diners. Currently, the restaurant serves two main dishes: pork noodles and chicken noodles, along with other options such as rice noodles, vermicelli, macaroni, and noodles. The price of each meal ranges from 35,000 to 100,000 VND.

Ms. Trang, the owner of the noodle shop, is preparing food for customers. — Ms. Trang - the restaurant owner - said that she has no special secret other than preparing dishes that suit the tastes of most diners. Photo: Ha Nguyen

Her secret lies in the meticulousness in each step. The broth is simmered from spare ribs, marrow bones, chicken bones and vegetables, creating a naturally sweet and rich taste without being boring. The toppings are very rich, from heart, liver, intestines, stomach, spare ribs to shredded chicken, chopped chicken, young eggs and chicken giblets. All are selected from fresh ingredients and carefully prepared.

Close-up of a full bowl of noodles with clear broth and many attractive toppings. — The noodle soup at the restaurant has clear broth and a variety of delicious side dishes. Photo: Ha Nguyen

Another highlight is the unique dipping sauce made from good fish sauce and lemon leaves, which stimulates the taste buds and enhances the flavor of the dish.

Experience the "test of patience"

Long waits have become part of the experience of coming to the restaurant. Ms. Thanh (37 years old), a regular customer, happily calls this restaurant "not for the impatient". She said that although she has to wait 30-40 minutes every time, she still comes here often because of the delicious food and the bustling, cozy atmosphere.

Two young people Thu Ngan and My are enjoying noodles after waiting. — Thu Ngan (right) and her friend said the food at the restaurant was delicious. Photo: Ha Nguyen

The first time coming to the restaurant, Thu Ngan (20 years old) was also surprised because she had to wait nearly 45 minutes. "However, the food is very delicious, the broth is sweet, the chicken is chewy, the meat is sweet, not mushy, the dipping sauce is also very tasty. The only downside is that you have to wait a long time, not suitable for hungry people," Ngan shared.

Explaining the slow service, Ms. Trang said that it was due to the large number of customers and all dishes were prepared on the spot when customers ordered to ensure they were hot and fresh. However, she was very happy that customers always understood and continued to support her.