Brian Jeffrey
Located on a quiet alley at No 76A Tran Huu Trang Street in Ho Chi Minh City, a small eatery specializing in hu tieu has gained popularity for its distinctive service.
The shop, owned by 70-year-old Nguyen Thanh Hong, affectionately known as Di Ba (Aunt Ba) by locals, features simple plastic tables against the wall and a modest signboard with the words ‘Hu tieu 30k’ (Hu tieu VND30,000).
Di Ba has been selling hu tieu for two decades, with a unique twist of serving it ‘brought to diners by a rope.’ During the Covid-19 pandemic, to adhere to gathering restrictions, she prepared and delivered hu tieu from the second floor to customers on the first floor via a rope delivery method.
Customers at the shop must place their orders loudly, and upon Di Ba’s cue, receive trays lowered from above with bowls of hu tieu for their enjoyment and payment.
Di Ba’s clientele includes locals, petty traders, and shoppers from Tran Huu Trang Market, who appreciate the unconventional yet engaging service provided.
Despite the self-service nature of the shop, diners like Quoc Anh find the experience intriguing and enjoyable.
Initially selling 30 bowls of hu tieu daily, Di Ba’s popularity has led to an increase to 60 bowls per day as more people discover her unique establishment.
Hailing from Tra Vinh province and settling in HCM City in 1992, Di Ba’s hu tieu reflects the flavors of the Mekong Delta, prepared with a traditional recipe passed down for over 50 years.
Her hu tieu features only pork and pig bones, distinct from other versions that include heart, liver, or beef balls. Diners can enhance their bowls with a squeeze of lemon and a touch of satay for added flavor.
Di Ba’s commitment to quality is evident as she wakes up at 3 am daily to source premium meat and bones from the market, emphasizing the importance of a well-simmered broth for the best hu tieu.
Priced at a modest VND30,000 per bowl, Di Ba’s hu tieu offers exceptional value, with the owner emphasizing that her venture is not driven by profit but by a desire to stay active and healthy.
“I believe in keeping active and working to stay healthy. I don’t want to be idle,” she remarked.
