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(A Japanese perspective who has been living in Vietnam)
Recently, short videos about Vietnamese street food and dining culture have been flooding social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Just watching them is enough to make you hungry. The food looks amazing, and with such a wide variety of dishes, Vietnamese cuisine never gets boring.
After living in Vietnam for some time, you naturally develop your own favorite local eateries. From a Japanese perspective, eating out in Vietnam has many unique and interesting aspects. Here are three experiences that left a strong impression on me.
1. Food Served Without Ordering
When I was living in District 3, Ho Chi Minh City, I often ate at the same three places: Phở bò, Bún thịt nướng and Bún mọc. After a while, the staff remembered me so well that I didn’t need to order anymore. Just making eye contact was enough for them to bring out my usual dish.
This experience felt very different from dining in Japan. In Japan, customer service is known for being extremely polite and detailed. Staff carefully confirm each order, and when the dish is served, they often say, “Sorry to keep you waiting. Here is your dish,” to confirm it once again. At first, I believed this was the best kind of service.
However, as I spent more time in Vietnam, I began to appreciate the Vietnamese style more. There are fewer words, but the staff remember their customers and serve food quickly. It is simple, efficient, and very convenient. Of course, if I want to change my order, I need to say so clearly from the beginning.
2. The Warm Hospitality of Local Owners
When you visit the same restaurant regularly, you may be greeted by owners who warmly welcome you with a smile, a light pat on the shoulder, and words like, “Oh, you’re back again! Thank you!”. Sometimes, they start chatting about everyday life as if you were an old friend.
This kind of openness reflects the friendly and sociable nature of Vietnamese people. In Japan, such close and casual interactions with shop owners are quite rare, so these moments always make me feel happy and welcome.
3. A Generous “Extra Rice” Service
One of my former colleagues has a favorite Cơm Tấm (broken rice) restaurant hidden in a small street. It seems to be a family-run place: the mother cooks, and the child helps serve the food. A meal costs only 30,000 vnd(2USD), yet the quality is excellent.
My colleague really enjoys eating, especially rice. The owner knows this well and always serves him an incredibly large portion, probably enough for three people with same price(30.000 vnd). This generous gesture feels full of care and kindness. In Vietnam, men who eat a lot are often viewed fondly. Unfortunately, I belong to the group of people who eat very little.
Closing Thoughts
Eating out in Vietnam is not just about food. It is about speed, convenience, and most importantly, human connection. As a Japanese person living in Vietnam, these everyday dining experiences have taught me that warmth and familiarity can be just as valuable as politeness and precision.
by Takkun
by Takkun