Around 4 p.m., dozens of customers line up outside a stall on Yen Phu street, waiting to buy bo bia. Each wait takes at least 30 minutes, as there is only one vendor and each customer buys 5-6 pieces.

Stall owner Nguyen Van Thanh began selling bo bia in 2012. Three to four years ago, the stall gained recognition among many customers as "bo bia Thank you".

For one year now, the stall has become popular on social media platforms, with many diners sharing about the owner's "unusual gaze". Instead of focusing on preparing orders, the owner constantly scans both sides, sometimes staring at the ceiling. This has led many to jokingly call Mr. Thanh a "secret agent" on a mission.

The owner explained that he has changed over 10 selling locations around Ho Tay since he first opened. All were on sidewalks with many customers, so he often glanced around to help customers watch their vehicles. "I've heard some funny rumors about myself, but that's not the truth", he said, adding that the stall had always been popular, but recently more customers have sought it out due to widespread sharing about his "intriguing gaze". While making bo bia, he consistently reminds customers not to park their vehicles in the roadway, to avoid obstructing pedestrians.

After many years of street vending, Mr. Thanh rented a fixed stall on Yen Phu street.

Hai Yen, residing in Hoang Mai ward, said that whenever she visits Ho Tay, she looks for Mr. Thanh's stall. Because the stall frequently changes locations, she had to ask for the owner's phone number for updates. "Once you eat here, it's hard to eat anywhere else", she remarked.

Nguyen Ly, from Hung Yen, rested after a 20-minute wait while her friend stood in line to buy. Every time she comes to Hanoi, she makes sure to visit the stall, though Mr. Thanh often changes locations. A few months ago, when she came for an evening snack, she did not see such long queues as there are now. "The bo bia at this stall is delicious and larger than other stalls around Ho Tay, even though they are all priced at 10,000 dong", Ly stated.

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The owner said that while the basic recipe is similar, the difference lies in ingredient selection. He makes the wrappers himself using wheat flour combined with other flours, making them chewier. Daily, he prepares about 15 kg of wrappers. The owner shreds coconut manually, making fresh batches only after the previous one sells out to ensure freshness.

A finished bo bia piece from the stall.

The stall closes daily around 9 p.m.

On Goole Review, the stall is rated 4,9/5 stars. Most customers praise the flavor and enjoy observing the owner's intriguing facial expressions. On social media platforms, videos reviewing this bo bia stall are positive, with almost no negative feedback other than the long waiting times and the stall's frequent changes in location.

Hoai Anh

Photos: Hoang Giang