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"Hanging" pho and community bonding.
"Hanging Pho" is a charitable initiative that began in July 2024 at a pho restaurant on Bao Khanh Street in Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi's Old Quarter. This model was initiated by Ms. Nguyen Thi Cat Le, a compassionate woman from Hanoi. According to Ms. Le, the idea of "hanging pho" originated from the "hanging coffee" and "hanging apple" models in Italy, where customers can pay for their drinks and food in advance and leave them for those in need to receive later.
"Hanging" pho is a charitable initiative that began in July 2024 at a pho restaurant on Bao Khanh Street in the Old Quarter.
"Hanging" pho is not just a free meal, but also carries the love and sharing from those who are more fortunate.
In this "hanging pho" model, after customers enjoy their bowl of pho, they can pay extra for another serving so that less fortunate people can also enjoy a complete meal. "Hanging pho" is not just a free meal; it also carries love and sharing from those who are more affluent. These customers often contribute silently, because they believe that every small act has meaning for others. This is what they want to do from the heart, not as a deliberate display of wealth.
Every day, Ms. Le's restaurant opens its doors to a large number of customers, including both regulars and domestic and international tourists. In addition, the restaurant welcomes many special guests – those in difficult circumstances, poor laborers, the elderly, and people with disabilities. According to Mr. Hoang, these guests often come to the restaurant at lunchtime or in the evening and are warmly assisted by the owner and staff, who offer them free bowls of "hanging" pho.
The process of making pho is carried out quickly and meticulously by the restaurant staff.
Initially, many people were hesitant and unfamiliar with the concept of "hanging" pho. Therefore, Ms. Le and her husband, along with the restaurant staff, meticulously explained the concept to the customers and enthusiastically invited them to enjoy delicious bowls of pho for free. The friendly and open welcome provided comfort and warmth to customers with special circumstances.
Even though the pho is free, the quality of the dish is guaranteed to be exactly the same as the pho they sell to customers.
The sophistication and meticulousness in every bowl of pho.
Ms. Le and her husband, along with the restaurant staff, are very meticulous and thoughtful in preparing each serving of "hanging" pho. Although it's free, the quality of the dish is guaranteed to be exactly the same as the pho they sell to customers. What's special is that the bowls for the "hanging" pho are larger to ensure a more generous portion, with more noodles and beef. This is intended to ensure that those in difficult circumstances not only get to eat a delicious bowl of pho, but also have enough to eat to continue earning a living.
Each person who receives a bowl of "hanging" pho is served with the same respect and care as any other customer. The couple understands that these people often carry feelings of inferiority and shyness, so they always strive to make them feel welcome and respected.
Diners arrived early to enjoy the "hanging" pho.
Heartwarming human kindness amidst the bustling streets.
The "hanging" pho is not just a small, isolated initiative; it has quickly spread throughout the community. Many locals and foreign tourists, upon learning about this story, have come to contribute and support by donating additional bowls of pho to be "hanging" for others. This model has become a unique highlight, sparking curiosity and affection among many international visitors.
They cherish every precious meal that comes from the sharing and compassion of the "hanging" pho restaurant.
Ms. Minh enjoys her meal at the hanging pho restaurant.
According to Ms. Minh (76 years old, Hanoi) about the "hanging" pho restaurant: "I've been a regular customer at this restaurant for a very long time. This 'hanging' pho concept has been very well received, so I hope more restaurants will follow suit to help those in difficult circumstances."
Not stopping at just pho, Ms. Le and her husband hope that in the future, more eateries throughout Hanoi will adopt a similar model. Rice, banh mi, and bun cha restaurants could also offer "hanging" meals to help more people in need. The "hanging" pho model not only provides meals for those in need but also allows people in the community to demonstrate the Vietnamese spirit of "helping those in need" and "mutual support."
"Many people want to help those in need but worry about what methods to use and who to trust. This model was created so that everyone can join hands and contribute; it's a reliable place where anyone can donate," shared Mr. Hoang, the owner of the "hanging" pho restaurant.
Besides their "hanging" pho stall, Ms. Le's family also engages in many other charitable activities. Mr. Hoang shared that during the more than a year his wife was hospitalized, they witnessed and deeply empathized with the hardships faced by many others. Therefore, for over 13 years, they have regularly distributed free porridge and rice to poor patients at K Hospital and E Hospital.
Heartwarming human kindness amidst the bustling streets.
Amidst the hustle and bustle of Hanoi, acts of kindness like the "hanging" pho stall run by Ms. Nguyen Thi Cat Le and her husband warm the hearts of many. In a society where many people live in isolation and rarely interact with each other, acts of compassion, however small, can have a huge impact. They hope that this small act will spread its meaning and encourage more people to join hands in helping those in need in society.
Kindness spreads not only through the bowl of pho but also through the stories, smiles, and gratitude of those who have been helped. This makes "hanging" pho a beautiful cultural feature of Hanoi – a place not only known for its delicious pho but also for its abundant human kindness and strong community bonds.
