Nha Trang's 8,000 VND "Hunger-Saving" Noodle Soup Defies Inflation for Over Six Years

In the heart of Nha Trang, Vietnam, two "hunger-saving" banh canh (thick noodle soup) stalls continue to serve steaming bowls for an astonishing 8,000 VND (approximately 30 US cents), defying inflation for over six years. These establishments have become beloved by generations, particularly students and the working class, for their affordable prices and consistent taste. At 90 Nguyen Huu Huan Street, the "hunger-saving" stall run by Co Hai sees a constant stream of patrons from 11:00 AM to around 5:00 PM. It is common for the broth and noodles to sell out well before closing. The eatery is managed by the family of Tran Van Hien, 44, who took over the legacy from his mother, Nguyen Thi Dieu (popularly known as Co Hai), after she served for 32 years. Hien maintained the 8,000 VND price since 2020, the year he took over, despite gradual price increases from the initial 200-300 VND decades ago. Hien states that this price is sufficient to support his household and raise his three children. The stall specializes in banh canh, offering two types of noodles: chewy tapioca strands and soft rice strands. The noodles are custom-ordered from local workshops, while Hien personally sources fresh fish to make the fish cakes from scratch. Instead of investing in elaborate decor or expanding the menu, the family focuses on preserving the familiar taste and preparation methods refined over decades. The moniker "hunger-saving noodle soup" was bestowed by grateful early diners who found satisfying and affordable meals here during times of economic hardship. "The greatest joy is seeing patrons who ate here as young kids, now with families of their own, still dropping by every single time they return to Nha Trang," Hien reflected. Not far away, at the corner of Ngo Duc Ke and Nguyen Huu Huan streets, another "hunger-saving" stall run by Co Son also maintains the exact same price of 8,000 VND per bowl. Co Son recalls starting decades ago with servings costing barely 200 VND. Despite slim profit margins due to limited daily production, her family has faithfully kept the business going for over thirty years. Her banh canh also features rice and tapioca noodle choices, with a broth simmered purely from fish bones, yielding a light, naturally sweet clarity. Without towering signs, air-conditioned interiors, or elaborate recipes, these two "hunger-saving" stalls quietly endure in the heart of Nha Trang on a remarkably simple formula: comfort food, pocket-friendly prices, and uncompromised flavors sustained across generations. For Nha Trang locals, especially students, an 8,000-VND bowl of banh canh is not just a quick midday meal—it is an evocative reminder of school-gate memories, shared laughter, and an unpretentious corner of coastal Nha Trang that has stood the test of time for more than 30 years. Source: kenh14.vn