On Le Loi Street in Cai Khe Ward, Can Tho City, the couple Huỳnh Hồng Tuyết and Nguyễn Minh Trung operate "Mì 0 đồng" (0-Dong Noodle Shop). Starting on May 20, 2025, the initiative provides free hot meals to workers in financial difficulty and others in need. Local media coverage in July 2026 confirmed that the operation has continued for over a year.
From bread and tea to hot noodles
The couple originally planned to offer free bread and 40 liters of tea. However, thinking that dry bread would be hard to eat in the heat, they started the diner with instant noodles, quail eggs, and sausages. They later added bone broth, minced meat, and vegetables, and now serve a rotating daily menu that includes rice dishes and vegetarian options. The fact that they did not settle for "simple is fine because it's free" and instead kept improving the food with the satisfaction of diners in mind reflects the character behind this initiative.
Serving numbers are estimates at the time of reporting
Reporting from spring 2026 indicated that the number of meals had grown from around 50 per day at the start to an average of around 200, with approximately 400 vegetarian meals and rice vouchers sometimes prepared on full-moon days. This is not a guarantee that the same number will be served every day. Content varies depending on ingredients, volunteers, and the number of visitors. Operating hours have been reported as 11:00–24:00, but please check for the latest information if you are considering a visit or donation.
Do not treat those receiving support as a spectacle
Even if travelers stop by with good intentions, care is needed not to treat the free meals as a tourist experience. Please do not take seats or food away from those who need them, and do not photograph diners' faces without permission. It has been reported that the couple prefers to receive donations in the form of ingredients—such as noodles, rice, vegetables, and condiments—rather than cash, but avoid bringing large quantities unannounced; it is more considerate to ask in advance what is needed and when to bring it.
Confirm the address before visiting
Reports differ between No. 12 and No. 12A on Le Loi Street. Rather than relying solely on a ride-hailing app, cross-reference the shop name "Quán Mì 0 đồng" with the most current map information. The value of this initiative lies not only in the number of meals served, but in maintaining a place every day where those in need can eat without hesitation.
Sources & Related Articles
- Dân Trí: Report on the couple and the diner
- Tuổi Trẻ: Report one year after opening
- Can Tho food culture
Check the update date
Check the update date in the body of the article, not just the search result excerpt. If you are unsure whether figures or proper nouns are still current, go to the primary source from the company, organizer, or government authority. If no official page can be found, treat that fact itself as a factor in your judgment, and do not make bookings or long trips based on old articles alone.
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Daily servings at opening | About 50 bowls |
| Current average daily servings | About 200 bowls |
| Free vegetarian meals on full-moon days | About 400 meals |
| Rice vouchers handed out (exchangeable for a 5 kg bag) | 100 |
| Weekly rotating menu | 7 kinds |
Check Before You Eat or Take Away
Confirm prices at the in-store VND display, portion size, and any additional charges. For raw or room-temperature items, check turnover, temperature control, sealing, and production date, and also check for allergens such as seafood, peanuts, soy, and dairy. For food and plants brought back to Japan, quarantine conditions vary by item and processing method, even for packaged goods.
