According to Lao Dong reporters' records, after a series of cases of food businesses being fined by functional agencies for food safety violations, many office workers in Hanoi are starting to be more cautious in choosing lunch restaurants.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Lanh (office worker in Hai Ba Trung ward, Hanoi) said that recently, every time she chooses a restaurant with colleagues, she often spends time learning more carefully about the criteria of space, the restaurant must ensure food safety and hygiene.
“Previously, we often chose restaurants near offices and workplaces. Recently, many restaurants on the street have been continuously fined for food safety and hygiene violations, so now I often prioritize choosing clean restaurants with open kitchens or those that are highly appreciated by many people,” Ms. Lanh said.
Similarly, Mr. Nguyen Van Ngoc (IT staff in Cau Giay ward, Hanoi) also shared that he often chooses restaurants near his workplace and apartments because they are convenient and quick.
Due to concerns for health, his family prioritizes restaurants with clean spaces and ingredients processed on the spot. According to Mr. Ngoc, the cost of these restaurants may be slightly higher, but the issue of food safety and hygiene is still more reassuring, especially when information about food safety violations has continuously appeared in the press recently.
According to announcements from the Hoan Kiem Ward People's Committee (Hanoi), in January 2026 alone, 14 business establishments in the Old Quarter were fined with a total amount ranging from 1.5 million to nearly 60 million VND.
Common errors that are pointed out include unsanitary processing areas, open sewers, lack of standard garbage containers and employees not using labor protection.
According to the People's Committee of Hoan Kiem Ward (Hanoi), on March 5, 2026, the inter-sectoral delegation of the ward inspected the vermicelli soup business on Hang Luoc street after reflections from Chinese tourists appeared on social networks.
At the time of inspection, functional agencies discovered that this restaurant violated food safety regulations such as food not being covered, insects entering the processing area, and employees not wearing gloves and masks.
The inspection team made a record of a fine of 4.5 million VND and requested the establishment to terminate operations due to violations of food safety regulations. The shop owner also committed to comply with the decision of the Hoan Kiem Ward People's Committee, not reopening when conditions are not met according to regulations.
