On the corner of Nguyễn Trãi Street in Ho Chi Minh City, an 81-year-old woman known as "Bà Hai" sells bánh mì. She attracted attention after being reported on for naturally conversing with foreign customers in English and French. While her language skills are the focus of the coverage, her years of early-morning preparation and her daily practice of remembering customers' preferences are equally worth noting.
A small stall that starts up around 8 in the morning
According to reports, Bà Hai prepares her ingredients in the early morning and begins selling around 8:00. She prepares around 30 to 40 bánh mì per day, and sometimes sells out by around 9:00. However, the stall's opening hours and number of items available are not necessarily the same every day. Please keep in mind that she may take a day off due to her health, the weather, or supply issues.
| Item | Information at time of reporting |
|---|---|
| Location | Corner of Nguyễn Trãi Street, Ho Chi Minh City |
| Started selling | Around 8:00 a.m. |
| Number of items available | Around 30–40 per day |
| Price | 15,000–25,000 VND |
What to confirm before ordering—before worrying about language
Fillings include several options such as egg, sausage, and meat floss. Rather than visiting solely because English is spoken, confirm the fillings you want, the spice level, and the price before ordering. If you have food allergies, note that in a limited cooking space it may not be possible to keep utensils completely separate.
Considerations when "going to meet her"
When people flock after seeing an article or video, it places a burden on her usual business and on foot traffic in the neighborhood. Do not assume that long conversations or photography are your right—order a product first, and ask for permission before taking photos. If she has sold out, do not detain her; come back another day or choose a nearby shop instead. It is important not to treat an elderly vendor like a tourist attraction.
Summary
What draws people to Bà Hai's stall is not only her language skills, but the fact that she has been preparing small quantities from early in the morning and building relationships with regular customers over the years. If you visit, do not think of it as a guaranteed-open shop—respect her daily routine and savor one bánh mì as part of her day.
Related articles:Banh mi／Hồ Thị Kỷ Market／Thao Dien
Source:DTiNews / Dân trí
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Compare on equal terms
Align not just the price but also the date of use, number of people, volume or content, taxes and service charges, cancellation conditions, and travel time before comparing. Convert to yen at the rate on the day, and for evaluative terms such as "cheapest," "popular," or "high quality," check whether the basis and the period covered are stated.
Have One Backup Plan Ready
Closures, sell-outs, rain, and traffic delays can all happen while traveling. Deciding in advance on a nearby alternative, a different time slot, or an indoor option helps you avoid unnecessary travel or costly snap decisions on the ground. Also share information about your companions' stamina, dietary restrictions, and any concerns about steps or restroom access before you go.
