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A serving of tofu pudding (photo: Kim Ngan)

Nguyen Hoang, 40, and Nguyen Thi Tuyet, his wife, said 8pm every day is the busiest time for them, as people like to enjoy tao pho, thach gang (green grass jelly), and che khuc bach (almond panna cotta lychee dessert).

Of these, tofu pudding is the bestseller, and there are nearly no leftovers. On weekends, the number of customers is so high that they have to sell tofu while cooking.

Hoang told VietNamNet that the shop has been open for five years. The shop is small with little space, just enough to display tofu and other kinds of snack, but it is always very crowded. Tens of people queue up to wait for their turn to be served at the same time, while the plastic tables and chairs placed on sidewalks are always fully occupied.

Tuyet revealed that making tofu pudding is not her traditional family career. She learned how to make tofu pudding from the internet several years ago and then decided to open a shop at their home.

The shop is open from 5.30 pm to 10 pm every day and 8 pm is the peak hour. It serves a wide range of tofu and sweet porridge products, priced from VND10,000 to VND30,000.

“We don’t have much experience or any special recipe. The most important thing is freshness,” Tuyet said. 

“I prepare materials and make dishes myself, and all materials are used within the day. I make caramel and che khuc bach in the morning, and make tofu pudding and tapioca pearls in the afternoon,” she added.

Bowls of tofu pudding are served when they are still hot, with a sweet syrup and a jasmine scent, reminiscent of the traditional tofu flavor. The ivory-white plump pieces of tofu are soft, smooth, fragrant, and melt in the mouth.

Those who like cold tofu can order more ice.

In addition to tofu pudding, the shop serves traditional-styled black jelly. The dark green jelly is cut into small pieces.

The two most popular dishes are tofu pudding with jelly priced at VND15,000 and tofu pudding with caramel and black tapioca pearls priced VND20,000. The prices are very reasonable considering the full serving.

"The tofu is smooth and soft, the tapioca pearls are chewy and crispy, a harmonious combination. I'm not too impressed with the jelly, but they're easy to eat," Lan Anh, a loyal client, commented.

The positive points of the shop are reasonable prices and quick service. 

Linh Trang - Kim Ngan