When it first opened in 2003, a bowl of porridge only cost 500 VND. In 2013, when this banknote was no longer popular, the new shop increased the price to 1,000 VND.

When it first opened in 2003, a bowl of porridge only cost 500 VND. In 2013, when this banknote was no longer popular, the new shop increased the price to 1,000 VND.

In 2003, Mr. Thai Cong Minh (68 years old) and his wife Kim Phuong (55 years old) opened a small porridge shop on Phan Van Khoe Street (District 6, Ho Chi Minh City). Recently, the shop is known because for 10 years, even though the market has had many fluctuations, the bowl of porridge for grandparents still only costs 1,000 VND.

Mr. Minh said that the population in the area is mainly laborers with unstable income, so he and his wife want to sell at the lowest price to help their relatives.

Every day, the restaurant cooks about 4 kg of rice. Mr. Minh thinks that he cooks for sale as well as cooks for family members, so the recipe is simple. However, at first that simplicity was not accepted by many people. For many days, the whole family had to eat porridge instead of rice.

Later, Mrs. Phuong devised a variety of side dishes such as salted duck eggs, pickles, braised fish, braised fish, etc., which attracted more customers. The above dishes are priced from 2,000 to 10,000 VND. Diners can choose comfortably to suit their needs and finances.

“Business is based on the principle of selling at any price, so we prepare dishes with different prices. Those who have a lot of money can order more dishes, those who have difficulties will order less,” Minh said.

It is known that when the restaurant first opened, the dried fish dish was a “god” to hold diners. Many people passing by, smelling the characteristic dry smell, were curious to try it. Besides, the shop also sells duck eggs.

Talking about the unique name “Come here me” of the porridge shop, the owner said that the name reads out affectionately and gently, like a familiar call between family members. Or it’s simply an invitation from him and his wife to relatives who are in need of delicious and cheap meals.

“Come here” porridge shop is less than 10 m2 wide, only enough space for about 10-12 people, open for sale from 3pm to night. The shop happily welcomes all customers, regardless of rich or poor. Many people are also curious to visit. “With the price of 1,000 VND, I think the quality is worth it. If I live near District 6, this will be my place to eat often,” said Ms. Lien (20 years old, living in District 3).

People living around Phan Van Khoe street, doing all kinds of jobs such as technology car drivers, motorbike taxi drivers, lottery ticket sellers or students, office workers all visit the shop to enjoy a delicious bowl of porridge every afternoon. “Porridge here is both cheap and delicious. It helps our workers a lot in this time of escalating prices,” a regular customer shared.

Photo: Internet