“Hanging” Pho and Community Cohesion
"Hanging" Pho is an initiative with a charitable message that started in July 2024 at a pho restaurant on Bao Khanh Old Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi. This model was initiated by Ms. Nguyen Thi Cat Le - a Hanoian woman with a kind heart. According to Ms. Le, the idea of "hanging" Pho originated from the "hanging coffee" and "hanging apple" models in Italy, where customers can pay in advance for drinks and food and leave them for the needy to receive later.
"Hanging" Pho is an initiative with a charitable message that started in July 2024 at a pho restaurant in Bao Khanh old town.
"Hanging" pho is not only a free meal, but also carries love and sharing from people with better conditions.
In this “hanging” pho model, after customers enjoy their bowl of pho, they can pay extra for another bowl of pho so that those less fortunate can also enjoy a full meal. “Hanging” pho is not only a free meal, but also carries love and sharing from those who are more fortunate. These customers often contribute silently, because they believe that every small action will bring meaning to others. This is what they want to do from their heart, not to show off.
Every day, Ms. Le’s restaurant opens its doors to serve a large number of customers who are both regular customers and domestic and international tourists. In addition, the restaurant also welcomes many special guests – people in difficult circumstances, poor workers, the elderly and the disabled. According to Mr. Hoang, these guests often come to the restaurant at noon or in the evening and are enthusiastically helped by the owner and staff, who give them free bowls of “hanging” pho.
The pho making process is carried out quickly and meticulously by the restaurant staff.
At first, many people were unfamiliar and hesitant because they did not understand the meaning of “hanging” pho. Therefore, Ms. Le and her husband and the restaurant staff were very careful in explaining this model to the guests, and were also very enthusiastic and proactive in inviting them to enjoy delicious bowls of “free” pho. The restaurant’s friendly and open reception brought comfort and warmth to guests with special circumstances.
Even though it's free pho, the quality of the food is guaranteed to be identical to the pho they sell to customers.
The delicacy and meticulousness in every bowl of pho
Le and her husband and the restaurant staff are very meticulous and thoughtful in preparing each serving of “hanging” pho. Even though it is free pho, the quality of the dish is guaranteed to be identical to the pho they sell to customers. What is special is the larger bowls for “hanging” pho to ensure a larger portion, with more noodles and beef. This idea is to ensure that people in difficult circumstances not only have a delicious bowl of pho, but also enough to continue to earn a living.
Each person receiving the “hanging” pho is served with the same respect and care as any other customer. They understand that these people often carry complexes and apprehensions, so they always try to make them feel welcome and respected.
Diners arrived early to enjoy "hanging" pho.
Warm humanity in the bustling city
“Hanging” pho is not just a small initiative but has quickly spread throughout the community. Many locals and foreign tourists, upon learning about this story, have come to contribute and support more pho portions to “hang” for others. This model has become a special highlight, making many international tourists curious and fond of it.
They cherish each precious meal that comes from the sharing and kindness of the "hanging" pho restaurant.
Mrs. Minh enjoys pho at the hanging pho restaurant
According to Ms. Minh (76 years old, Hanoi) about the "hanging" pho restaurant: "She has been a regular customer at the restaurant for a long time. This form of "hanging" pho has been enthusiastically received by everyone, so she also hopes that more and more restaurants will follow suit to help people in difficult circumstances."
Not only stopping at pho, Le and her husband also hope that in the future, there will be many other restaurants across Hanoi applying a similar model. Rice, bread, and vermicelli restaurants can also have “hanging” sections to help more people in need. The “hanging” pho model not only provides meals for people in need but is also a way for everyone in the community to express the spirit of “helping each other” and “mutual love” of the Vietnamese people.
“Many people want to help those in difficult circumstances but are worried about how to help and who to trust. This model was created for everyone to join hands and contribute, it is a trustworthy address for anyone to contribute,” said Mr. Hoang, owner of the “hanging” pho restaurant.
In addition to the “hanging” pho activity, Ms. Le’s family also carries out many other charitable activities. Mr. Hoang confided that during the time his wife had to stay in the hospital for more than a year, they witnessed and sympathized with the lives of those who still faced many hardships and difficulties. Therefore, for more than 13 years, they have regularly distributed free porridge and rice to poor patients at K Hospital and E Hospital.
Warm humanity in the bustling city
Amidst the hustle and bustle of Hanoi, noble acts like the “hanging” pho of Nguyen Thi Cat Le and her husband make people feel warm. In a society where many people live in seclusion and rarely communicate with each other, acts of kindness, no matter how small, can create a huge impact. They hope that this small act will spread great meaning and more people will join hands to help those in difficult circumstances in society.
Kindness is spread not only in the bowl of pho but also through the stories, smiles and gratitude of those who are helped. This makes “hanging” pho a cultural beauty of Hanoi – a place where not only delicious pho is served but also full of humanity and community connection.
