According to the Hoan Kiem Ward People's Committee, the inter-sectoral inspection team inspected the vermicelli soup business at No. 14 Hang Luoc (Hoan Kiem ward, Hanoi), a street food type owned by Ms. N.T. H. (born in 1963).
The inspection was carried out after the social network Xiaohongshu posted a post by a Chinese tourist reflecting on hygiene conditions at some small eateries in Vietnam, including a bun rieu restaurant on Hang Luoc street.
At the time of inspection, the inter-sectoral delegation discovered many violations of food safety such as food not being covered, processing areas with insects entering, and employees not wearing gloves and masks when processing.
Functional agencies have made a record to fine the facility owner 4.5 million VND, and at the same time requested the bun rieu restaurant to stop operating due to violations of food safety regulations.
The facility owner is committed to complying with the decision of the Hoan Kiem Ward People's Committee and will only reopen when all conditions are fully met according to regulations.
Before being fined and closed for not ensuring hygiene, the bun rieu restaurant at 14 Hang Luoc - often called Ms. Hoan's bun rieu by diners - was a familiar address for many diners in Hanoi.
The restaurant is located deep in a small alley on Hang Luoc street, the walkway is only enough for two people to avoid each other. This address is rumored by many gourmets to come to.
According to many diners, the bowl of bun rieu here is quite full with toppings such as beef, pork sausage, beans, and rich broth. The restaurant also prepares shrimp paste and fried onions for diners to season to their taste.
Before being fined, Hang Luoc bun rieu restaurant was often crowded with customers. During peak hours, the number of customers coming in and out is continuous, many people have to queue to wait for their turn to order.
The fact that restaurants violate food safety and hygiene shows that not every crowded address ensures full conditions according to regulations. The incident raises the requirement to improve hygiene standards at street food restaurants in Hanoi's Old Quarter, in order to ensure the image of local cuisine in the eyes of international tourists.
