Diners on Phan Dinh Phung street in the central area of Hanoi can meet the western young man, skillfully preparing nem lui and banh xeo and serving clients.

He is seen waving a bamboo fan in one hand, and overturning skewers over the glowing charcoal stove with the other. He looks happy and friendly. Occasionally, he cries out in Vietnamese “Ai nem lui, banh xeo di” (Does anyone want nem lui, banh xeo!).

His name is Moritz, 28, from Switzerland. He came to Vietnam last year as a traveler and planned to go from the north to the south for one month. However, attracted by the beautiful landscapes and culture, he decided to come back to Vietnam in late 2023.

Moritz has lived in Hanoi for three months. His main job is a teacher of German. After working hours, he goes to the banh xeo shop on Phan Dinh Phung street, run by a friend, to help manage the business.

“The shop owner is a good friend of mine. She has a great cooking talent. When she said she wanted to open a restaurant, I applauded the idea and I wanted to help,” Moritz said.

The man said the eatery has just opened, so there are many things that need to be done. Though the shop is small, it attracts many diners, and Moritz is busy all the time.

“The work is hard, but I am happy as I can meet people and talk with them,” he said.

“Street food in Switzerland is not as diverse as in Vietnam. I once enjoyed Vietnamese good in Switzerland, but when I came here, I realized that Vietnamese cuisine is more diverse than I imagined,” he added. “Though eateries are small, dishes are delicious with wonderful taste."

Le Thi Duyen, 26, from Ha Nam, the owner of the shop, said Moritz is gentle, humorous and hard working.

“Moritz is in charge of marketing and introducing the dishes to foreign diners, and showing them how to eat,” she said. “I am happy to have the company of a good friend."

Fassih, 37, from Australia, said he visited the shop by chance on the fourth day he was in Vietnam. 

“When banh xeo was brought to my table, I did not know how to eat it. It was wonderful that he showed me what to do,” he said, adding that an English-speaking worker is very helpful at restaurants.