Naturalized striker Nguyen Xuan Son, who recently garnered widespread attention for his impressive performances in the ASEAN Cup 2024, has revealed a soft spot for a beloved Vietnamese street snack - banana fritters.

A simple treat loved by a star athlete

Nguyen Xuan Son, born in 1997, has become a viral sensation, with fans eager to learn about his life off the field.

Recently, photos of Xuan Son buying banana fritters at a street vendor in Nam Dinh City created a buzz on social media.

The images, showing the footballer riding a motorbike and patiently waiting for his order, delighted fans. The snack, a quintessential winter treat for many Vietnamese, is now also associated with this celebrated player.

The banana fritters, made with a Malaysian-inspired recipe, are a regular indulgence for the 27-year-old and his family.

The street vendor behind the famous banana fritters

The vendor, located at a bustling intersection on Nguyen Du Street across from Nguyen Khuyen High School, has been in operation for nearly three years.

Pham Thi Thu Ha, the stall owner, confirmed that Xuan Son and his family are frequent customers.

“Several months ago, his sister ordered banana fritters and had them delivered to their home. Since then, both he and his wife have been regulars,” Ha shared.

“When he’s not busy with matches, Xuan Son often drops by in the afternoon to buy fritters. On other days, his wife comes by instead. They usually purchase around 10 pieces or more each time.”

A recipe with an international twist

Ha explained that her fritters are made using a Malaysian technique.

“We use a special variety of bananas known for their naturally sweet and aromatic flavor. The batter, sourced from Malaysia, ensures the fritters are crispy on the outside while remaining soft and easy to eat.”

She added that the bananas are carefully selected to ensure they are ripe but not overly so, preventing them from releasing excess sugar and darkening the fritters.

The stall operates daily from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM, selling approximately 200 fritters a day. Besides banana fritters, the menu also includes sweet potato fritters with coconut milk.

A friendly star and a humble favorite

Ha described Xuan Son as cheerful and approachable, often engaging in light-hearted conversations in simple Vietnamese during his visits.

“Before heading to training camp, he came by on his motorbike to buy fritters. He told me how much he loved them and promised to return once the tournament was over,” Ha recounted.

The heartwarming story of Nguyen Xuan Son’s love for this humble snack not only showcases his connection to everyday life but also highlights the universal appeal of Vietnam’s street food culture.

Thao Trinh