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| Free vegan instant noodle meals are provided for free each evening from 4pm to 10pm, primarily to students and low-income workers. — VNA/VNS Photo |
HCM City — Amid the bustling pace of urban life in HCM City, a humble noodle stall located along Phạm Văn Đồng Street in Thủ Đức City has quietly become a source of comfort and compassion for many.
Since March 3, the self-service food stall, operated by the volunteer group Tâm Tự Tại (peaceful mind) club, has been providing free vegan instant noodle meals each evening from 4pm to 10pm, primarily to students and low-income workers.
The project was initially introduced under the name “VNĐ1 Noodle Stall,” but after some confusion from visitors unfamiliar with the symbolic pricing, the name was changed to “Zero-VNĐ Noodle Stall,” that offers warm, nutritious meals at no cost. This new title more accurately reflects the stall’s spirit of sharing. The adjustment has helped foster greater understanding and attract wider community support.
According to Ngô Hoàng Ngọc Linh, a member of the organising club, the stall serves only one main dish vegan instant noodles. The broth is prepared entirely from vegetables, and the toppings vary from day to day, including items such as tofu, bean sprouts, and fresh greens. All ingredients are plant-based, in line with the club’s commitment to promoting healthy, cruelty-free meals.
Linh shared that at first, some donors brought both vegetarian and non-vegetarian instant noodles but once they understood that our mission is to serve only vegan food, they began donating accordingly.
The preparation begins early in the afternoon, around 2pm, as volunteers gather to cook and set up the space. By 3pm, tables, ingredients, and utensils are neatly arranged, and guests start arriving soon after.
On average, the stall serves between 70 and 100 bowls of noodles daily. Guests are invited to serve themselves, selecting ingredients, pouring broth, and customising their bowls to taste.
The self-service model has been widely appreciated by visitors for its simplicity and respect for personal choice.
For many students facing financial pressure, the noodle stall has become a welcome relief. Trường Giang, a fourth-year student, noted that the stall helps ease his monthly budget constraints. He shared that especially near the end of the month, it really makes a difference.
Another student, Trần Duy echoed this sentiment, saying that the value of a free meal when you’re in need is immeasurable.
Despite its modest offerings, the stall attracts a wide range of patrons. Many come not just because the food is free, but because the meals are wholesome and thoughtfully prepared.
Beyond its practical support, the stall has also become a place of emotional connection and shared humanity.
For the members of “Tâm Tự Tại” Club, their greatest hope is that the flame in their humble kitchen will continue to burn brightly, providing warmth and kindness to anyone in need.
As the sun sets on the city, this small corner of Phạm Văn Đồng street serves as a gentle reminder that even the simplest gestures like a bowl of noodles can carry deep meaning and bring people together in unexpected ways. VNA/VNS
Read original story on Vietnam News