Some restaurants and eateries in Ho Chi Minh City also reported a slight decrease in customer numbers during the last months of the year. However, the owners still hope that the situation will change in the coming days.
"Back then, eating a bowl of noodles for 130,000 dong was worry-free, but now…"
One weekday, Mr. Tran Vy (30 years old, residing in Binh Chanh District) and his friends went to a braised duck noodle shop on Nguyen Trai Street (Quang Tri, Ho Chi Minh City) to enjoy a meal. The customer said that this dish is his favorite and this has been his go-to place for many years.
Many people say that due to the difficult economic situation , in order to have some savings at the end of the year to celebrate Tet comfortably, they prioritize affordable restaurants and eateries.
Normally, he would visit the restaurant 2-3 times a week, mostly to eat with friends and colleagues. He would also order the basic braised duck noodle dish, which costs between 130,000 and 140,000 VND at the restaurant. However, for the past few months, Mr. Vy said that he only visits the restaurant 2-3 times a month at most.
Having worked as a salesperson, he said that business hasn't been very good this year, similar to several other industries facing economic difficulties. That's why he can no longer spend as freely as before, nor does he frequent large, upscale restaurants.
Office workers work overtime at night, saving money in anticipation of Lunar New Year bonuses.
"Before, I could eat a bowl of noodles costing 130,000 VND at a fancy restaurant without a second thought. Now I have to reconsider, especially with Tet (Lunar New Year) approaching. At the end of the year, I work in sales and have to try to meet my targets, but the situation isn't promising. If I don't save money, I'll probably have a sad Tet holiday this year," said Vy.
Instead of choosing "fancy" restaurants, Mr. Vy said he made it a habit to cook at home or choose affordable rice, noodle, or rice soup restaurants with prices ranging from 30,000 to 40,000 VND, which he finds more suitable.
The budget-friendly eateries on Bui Minh Truc Street (District 8) are packed with customers every night.
The owner of this noodle shop also shared that this year, business is different from previous years, with unexpectedly few customers. However, because it's an essential food business, and the shop is known for its delicious food, it's not too bad. According to the owner, many other shops are facing much greater difficulties, with some even having to close down.
"At the end of the year, customers tend to be more frugal. Previously, our special noodle dish was very popular, but now people often order the cheaper, more affordable options. However, many people who can afford it still eat as usual," the restaurant representative added.
"Buying a portion of duck offal stew for 50,000 VND will last you three meals."
That's how Hoai Thu (26 years old), who lives in an apartment on Ta Quang Buu Street (District 8), saves money for the end of 2023. Thu said that she works as an office employee with a stable income, so she's not too worried about food expenses.
Normally, she would order food through delivery apps, or on weekends she would go to the supermarket near her house to buy vegetables and other food items to cook herself as a way to relieve stress.
"Saving money" is the spirit many people are embracing this year's Lunar New Year.
"But for the last two months of the year, I've set a goal to save up a decent amount for Tet (Lunar New Year). During the week, I'll dedicate two days to tightening my spending by not buying snacks and drinks, and going to the traditional market near my house. That market is cheaper; sometimes I buy a portion of duck offal stew, ask for extra broth, and buy some vegetables to make a hot pot that can be shared over three meals," she said with a smile.
Meanwhile, at a noodle shop on National Highway 50 (the section passing through District 8, Ho Chi Minh City), Mrs. N. (56 years old) bought a bowl of noodles for 52,000 VND. Mrs. N. said that in the months before, she and her husband had a habit of checking online, and whenever they saw a delicious-looking restaurant, they would go together to try it out.
However, at the moment, she and her husband are also "cutting back," limiting eating out to save money for Tet. "My husband and I run a grocery store, but for some reason, this year there are fewer customers than in previous years. Our children's salaries have also been reduced; my child said that this year's Tet bonus will probably not be as much as usual. In general, this year's Tet will be a frugal one for my family, not overly extravagant, but warm and joyful, and that's enough," she said.
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