High-End Eel Porridge Priced at VND 250,000 Faces 'Price Gouging' Allegations in Tourist Area, Authorities Investigate

Local authorities in Cua Lo town, Nghe An province, have launched an investigation into a restaurant following a customer's accusation of exorbitant pricing that went viral on social media. On July 20, a tourist posted on a Cua Lo travel forum an image of a bill totaling VND 720,000 (approximately $30 USD) for a group of about 15 people. The post, which included a menu, highlighted a large bowl of eel porridge priced at VND 250,000 (approximately $10 USD), sparking widespread outrage and accusations of "price gouging." Upon receiving the complaint, Cua Lo town police promptly investigated, summoning the restaurant owner, staff, and the individual who posted the complaint for questioning. Initial findings by authorities indicate the incident occurred shortly after midnight on July 20 at Minh Kiem, a late-night eatery in Thu Thuy 1 neighborhood. The group ordered two large bowls of eel porridge, two bowls of clam porridge, two plates of fried bread, and two pitchers of iced tea. According to the owner and the serving staff, the price was not discussed when the order was placed. Later, a member of the group requested additional eel for their porridge. The kitchen staff informed them that a large bowl of eel porridge would cost VND 200,000 (approximately $8 USD), to which the customer agreed. However, the final charge was VND 250,000 per bowl. The restaurant claimed they did not re-inform the customer of the revised price due to "oversight." The group paid the total bill of VND 720,000 and left without lodging a complaint at the scene. Cua Lo town leadership stated that a price of VND 250,000 for a large bowl of eel porridge is "appropriate," citing that smaller bowls of eel porridge in the tourist area typically range from VND 50,000 to VND 80,000 ($2-$3 USD). Authorities have not yet released details of their meeting with the social media poster. They indicated that if the poster provided unverified information that negatively impacted the local tourism industry, legal action could be considered. The original post has since been removed. Eel is a familiar ingredient in Nghe An cuisine, prepared with characteristic spices like shallots, turmeric, and chili for a pungent flavor. Eel porridge and soup are the most popular dishes, often served with bread or rice noodles. Prices for a bowl of eel porridge or soup at casual eateries typically range from VND 30,000 to VND 80,000 ($1.20-$3 USD), depending on the establishment and portion size. In early 2026, the culinary knowledge of preparing eel dishes in Nghe An is recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage. Cua Lo beach, located just over 10 km from Vinh city center and over 300 km from Hanoi, is a renowned destination in central Vietnam, attracting millions of domestic and international tourists each summer. While many visitors note a trend of increasing prices for food and tourist services in Cua Lo in recent years, most businesses now display their prices publicly, limiting instances of incorrect charges.