A new culinary phenomenon is coloring the street corners of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. A simple dish of rice vermicelli served with a signature soy sauce has become a top choice for office workers seeking a practical takeout meal. Priced affordably from 20,000 to 25,000 VND, these vermicelli carts offer a home-style flavor that is currently going viral on social media.
Behind the simplicity of its presentation, vendors endure quite a grueling daily routine. They typically wake up early in the morning to prepare various toppings, such as boiled meat, eggs, tofu, and a variety of fresh vegetables. Limited capital does not hinder the creativity of these micro-entrepreneurs. Some sellers, like Kim Phuong, even use artificial intelligence (ChatGPT) to design stall signage in order to significantly cut down operational expenses.
This business ecosystem is growing rapidly alongside strong public interest. Beyond just selling, experienced vendors are starting online training classes for those wishing to launch similar businesses. The curriculum includes secret soy sauce recipes, operational cost management, and menu diversification strategies to stay resilient in a highly competitive market.
For many vendors, a vermicelli cart is more than just a daily livelihood. It represents a stepping stone toward building a family's future. Some even leverage social media and digital marketing to expand their market reach. With high dedication and a willingness to adapt, this small-scale culinary business has the potential to become a springboard for young entrepreneurs to achieve even greater success in the future.
