During the days when Hanoi brilliantly celebrates the 80th anniversary of National Day on September 2, people from all over flocked to the city center to wait to watch the parade and parade. Amidst the bustling atmosphere and small restaurant at 24A, Nguyen Thai Hoc suddenly became a warm support for many people and tourists, continuously giving hundreds of free portions of seafood vermicelli soup to the people.
The restaurant owner, Mr. Doan Van Son, said the idea came quite by chance. "My restaurant specializes in hotpot and seafood vermicelli soup. At first, I planned to cook for a few days from August 21 to 30, but seeing how much fun everyone was, many people responded, so I decided to extend it until September 2, he shared.
If in the early days, the restaurant only gave about 200 servings, on September 1 and 2 alone, this number doubled, to 400 servings per session.
The activity took place in two time frames: 5:00 p.m. on September 1 and 5:00 a.m. on September 2. "This is the last day, I want to do my best to welcome the people," said Mr. Son.
Not only inviting hundreds of free bowls of noodles, the restaurant has also become a resting place for many people and tourists from far away to Hanoi. All tables, chairs, and space in the restaurant are used to serve the community.
"The elderly and children can rest, even sleep overnight at the restaurant. I also let people use toilets and blankets, everything can be supported, said Mr. Son.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Ha (Bim Son, Thanh Hoa) emotionally shared: "We went from 5am, arrived here at 9am. Unable to rent a room, I was lucky to meet a caring and enthusiastic restaurant owner. My group of 10 people were all shielded by the restaurant owners and given free food, very touching. No pen can describe our emotions.
According to Ms. Ha, the thoughtfulness of the restaurant owner makes many people excited. "The restaurant owner is as wet as a rat because he covers the people. In the afternoon, they also distributed free food to everyone. I am so wonderful as a Vietnamese person, she said.
Mr. Son admitted that transporting goods during the days of road closures was a challenge. "At first, it was a bit difficult, but it got used to it and I knew how to choose a reasonable time to pick up the goods. When I'm well prepared, everything goes right away," he laughed.
The motivation for maintaining this activity, according to him, is simply luck when the restaurant is located right on the parade route.
"Seeing people coming from far away, with great demand but no service, I wanted to contribute a little effort to create a beautiful impression. Hanoians are inherently hospitable, I also want to show that on this special day, he said.
Hot noodle dishes, temporary resting places in the rainy and windy days of Hanoi... have become a beautiful story in the heart of the capital before the A80 parade. Not only does it help relieve fatigue for people, the restaurant's activities also spread the spirit of sharing and hospitality of Hanoians.
