The 'hell' tofu cart sells in the middle of the night, attracting customers to Can Tho for over 20 years

When the streets of Can Tho gradually fall into silence, a familiar corner near Quang Trung Bridge lights up again. That is the hot tofu cart of Ms. Nguyen Thi Bich Tuyen.

Over 20 years selling hot tofu

At around 11 pm, the streets were quiet, Ms. Nguyen Thi Bich Tuyen (42 years old, residing in Cai Rang ward, Can Tho city - formerly Cai Rang district, Can Tho) started to light the stove, serving the first pots of hot tofu.

Up to now, Ms. Tuyen has had more than 20 hot tofu stalls, especially those that are only open in the middle of the night.

PHOTO: DUY TAN

From her street stall in the past, she now has a more spacious selling corner, but the taste remains the same as the beginning. People often call this small shop "ghost tofu". "On normal days, I sell until 3am. Before, the customers were mainly people working the night shift or exercising late at night. Gradually, more and more students and young people come here", Ms. Tuyen shared.

The special thing that makes diners remember forever is the soft, smooth tofu with the fragrant smell of soybeans, served with coconut milk.

PHOTO: DUY TAN

Every night, about 700 - 800 visitors come to enjoy hot tofu, with the peak of the festival exceeding 1,000 visitors. For many people, eating a bowl of hot tofu at midnight is not only a habit but also an experience associated with Can Tho. The special thing that makes diners remember forever is the soft, smooth taste of tofu, fragrant with soy, served with coconut milk with just the right amount of fat. Ms. Tuyen also created sweet and chewy tapioca pearls, creating an interesting feeling when enjoying with tofu. For 7,000 VND, diners can have a bowl of hot tofu.

Every night, hundreds of guests come to enjoy "hellish" tofu.

PHOTO: DUY TAN

Sitting on the sidewalk late at night, holding a bowl of hot tofu, many people clearly feel the warmth and peace. "At 1am, eating tofu while watching the street with few vehicles is really pleasant. I feel warm inside," shared Ms. Nguyen Phuong Oanh (25 years old, living in Ninh Kieu ward, Can Tho city).

Meeting place for young people

Not only a late-night treat, the tofu cart has also become a "slow-living coordinate" for Can Tho's youth. Student Nguyen Dang Hung (19 years old) said: "We like to come here because we can eat delicious food, especially the tapioca pearls, and have a relaxing space after stressful days of studying."

Diners are mostly young people who exercise early.

PHOTO: DUY TAN

As for Tran Quoc Thai (22 years old, living in Cai Rang ward), the tofu cart is a place to find balance after a long day. "Some days when I get off work late, my friends and I stop by to eat. While chatting and looking at the yellow lights spreading down the quiet street, I feel relieved, as if life is slowing down," Thai confided.

Ms. Tuyen creatively added sweet and chewy tapioca pearls, creating an interesting feeling when enjoyed with hot tofu.

PHOTO: DUY TAN

For over 20 years, Ms. Tuyen’s tofu cart has been lit up every night, without loud advertising or flashy signs. For locals, this is a part of their youth memories. For tourists, it is an experience not to be missed to feel the nightlife in Can Tho.

In the rich culinary map of Tay Do, from fish sauce hotpot, banh xeo to floating market coffee... to a simple midnight tofu cart is still enough to attract diners, becoming a delicious dish with a memorable aroma full of humanity, preserving the full flavor of the river region.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/xe-tau-hu-am-phu-ban-giua-khuya-hon-20-nam-niu-chan-thuc-khach-can-tho-185250911101925342.htm