The “Ve Day Em” stall is only a little over 10 m². It sits in a narrow alley off Phan Van Khoe Street, Binh Tay Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, and it is known for its cheap 8‑cent porridge.

The stall was run by 70‑year‑old Thai Cong Minh together with his wife Nguyen Thi Kim Phuong. It closed in July because Phuong became ill and had to stay in hospital. Minh reopened the stall on Oct. 10 with help from his daughter.

Minh says the porridge’s low price lets people from all walks of life eat there, and he also gives free meals to customers who have money problems. Since reopening, fewer customers come, so he now cooks only 1.5 kg of rice each day to avoid waste.

The story shows how a small family stall can survive personal hardship. Even with fewer customers, Minh keeps the porridge affordable and helps those in need.