The allure of Vietnamese culture

No need for superheroes or a futuristic setting, "Brother Hai's Pho Shop" - a game developed by Vietnamese students - still managed to create a stir online with just the familiar image of a pho restaurant. In an era where games are racing for special effects and sharp graphics, the humble bowl of pho carried on a mobile cart creates a special appeal by embodying the sour, spicy, salty, and sweet flavors of Vietnamese culture.

A humorous image created by users using AI for the "Anh Hai Pho" restaurant. Photo: Google Maps.

In a digital gaming landscape that always emphasizes modern technology, the appearance of an independent video game with a rustic style seems to go against the trend. However, it is precisely this "unconventionally ugly" style that has made "Anh Hai's Pho Shop" a phenomenon, attracting millions of downloads and receiving a flood of positive reviews. The question is, what helped this small game surpass many blockbuster titles? Perhaps the public has become too accustomed to glitz and glamour, so simple and relatable values ​​have become the emotional anchor.

Players take on the role of Anh Hai, the owner of a pho restaurant located at a fictional address, 10 Dan Phuong ( Hanoi ). During the day, his daily routine involves cooking pho, serving customers, and cleaning the restaurant. As night falls, the setting changes: dim lights, strange noises, and customers returning in unpredictable ways. This shift creates an air of mystery that keeps players engaged.

What makes the game stand out is the naturally incorporated Vietnamese atmosphere. A green plastic chair, the sound of street vendors' calls, a "concrete drilling and cutting" sign, old patterned tiles... all connect to create a familiar street scene. The unexpected appearance of famous faces like Cristiano Ronaldo or popular rappers adds humor and the characteristic quirky nature of Vietnamese online culture. Players are not just entertained; they are stepping into a very Vietnamese aspect of life with elements everyone has encountered before.

The raw, unrefined graphic style is also a sensible choice. It lightens the horror-tinged segments while highlighting the characters' naivety. The contrast between the somewhat clumsy visuals and the constantly shifting storyline stimulates curiosity, creating a strong viral effect. Notably, the entire project was developed by a student from Hanoi University of Science and Technology, a detail that further enhances the pride of the young creative community.

The phenomenon of "Anh Hai's Pho Restaurant" reminds us that cultural value lies not in grandeur, but in the ability to touch memories and familiarity. The game doesn't try to emulate European, American, or Korean styles, or create a strange, fantastical world . Its appeal comes from preserving the Vietnamese spirit: authenticity, fun, sometimes mysterious, but always creating a sense of closeness.

This success story is a positive sign for Vietnam's digital creative industry. When young people dare to utilize local resources with modern thinking, their products not only spread domestically but also have the opportunity to make their mark on the international creative map.

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/tin-moi/202511/suc-hut-van-hoa-viet-71a06e0/