Nestled in a small alley in the Trung Liet area of Hanoi’s Dong Da District, a lively snail restaurant called Oc Oanh has become quite famous. The establishment is not only known for its delectable offerings but also for its 71-year-old proprietor, Vu Van Sy, who delights diners with live violin performances.

“Uncle Sy, could you play something for us today?” one patron inquires. “Absolutely! What would you like to hear? Sit back, enjoy your meal, and I’ll handle the music,” Mr. Sy responds warmly, balancing orders, serving sauces, seating new arrivals, and coordinating with the kitchen staff.

The air is filled with the aromas of crispy spring rolls, sweet potatoes, and bowls of hot, steamed snails. Amidst the bustle, Mr. Sy sneaks into his home, retrieves a violin case, cleans his hands, and makes a proud return with his cherished instrument.

As he steps out, patrons applaud. The lively eatery quiets down as Mr. Sy begins to play beautiful renditions of classic Vietnamese melodies like Dat nuoc tron niem vui and Nhu co Bac Ho trong ngay vui dai thang. Dressed simply in shorts, a T-shirt, flip-flops, and a cap, he performs with the grace of a seasoned musician.

Videos of Mr. Sy’s performances in his quaint snail shop have taken social media by storm, leading many to affectionately label him as “the barefoot violinist,” “the alley artist,” and “the street food gentleman.” Some patrons even compare their dining experience to that of an upscale lounge.

The establishment, run by Mr. Sy’s spouse Tu Oanh (or Tu Anh), has been a beloved spot in the Thai Ha-Trung Liet region for many years. However, since Mr. Sy began sharing his musical talent with diners, the place has seen a surge in visitors. While some come for the expertly prepared snails, others return for the enchanting music and Mr. Sy’s charming personality.

Music has always held a special place in Mr. Sy’s heart. He became a member of a local music troupe as a youth and picked up the violin during high school. Back then, students used to share homemade violins crafted by local artisans. Fascinated, he dedicated much time to practice.

In 1975, he invested 200 dong—a significant amount at that time—to purchase his own violin. “A bowl of snails used to cost just two hào,” he reminisces.

Despite his passion for music, financial struggles led Mr. Sy to work at a bus station, while his wife sold snails to make ends meet. “She carried our baby while managing the snail cart,” he recalls. After his shifts, he would assist her. His violin, unfortunately, collected dust as his musical ambitions took a backseat.

Thanks to his wife’s talent for preparing snails and their sauces, their small business flourished. They started a shop in Thai Ha before moving to their current location in Trung Liet in 2008. As stability returned to their lives, Mr. Sy picked up his violin again at the age of 53. “My fingers were stiff at first, but I gradually regained my dexterity,” he noted.

Now, he plays whenever there’s a lull in the activity or whenever a customer makes a special request.

On one occasion, a visitor from Ho Chi Minh City asked him to play Moi tinh dau by The Duy. Although Mr. Sy was unfamiliar with it, the customer promised to return in a week. He practiced daily, and when the patron returned, he performed the song with confidence. “It made me so happy. That’s the essence of music,” he expressed with a smile.

With their two children now grown, Mr. Sy and his wife experience less financial strain. He helps with morning preparations—peeling fruits, chopping herbs, and lighting the stove—while she selects and cleans the snails. They open their shop at 2 PM.

The establishment consists of two compact areas: one overlooking the alley and another located at the front of their home. The menu is simple, featuring boiled snails, steamed clams, crispy spring rolls, sweet potato fries, quail eggs (either boiled or tamarind-stir-fried), and seasonal fruits. Yet, from 5 to 8 PM every day, the venue is filled to capacity. Despite the narrow alley and limited parking, customers willingly walk from afar to enjoy the food. Delivery orders are equally busy.

“I’ve tried many places, but I keep coming back here. The snails are clean and tasty, and the dipping sauce is beyond compare,” said Thu Huong, a loyal customer for 20 years. “Friends visiting from abroad always make this their first stop when back in Hanoi.”

Mr. Sy is quick to praise his wife: “She uses simple ingredients—fish sauce, sugar, lime, and chili—but her recipe is flawless. Everyone says it’s ‘so delicious it doesn’t need any other sauce’!”

A small bowl of snails is priced at VND 30,000, while a larger one costs VND 60,000.

Some online reviews comment on Mr. Sy’s grumpy demeanor, but he confesses that he is strict with disrespectful customers, especially those who smoke or are overly loud. “That’s why they call me Sy ‘the nutcase.’ But if you treat me politely, I’m warm and friendly,” he laughs.

There’s no set schedule for his violin performances. Whenever he has spare moments or when diners ask, Mr. Sy joyfully retrieves his prized instrument and fills the alley with beautiful music.