An inter-agency inspection team, including representatives from the Culture - Society, Economy, and Ward Police departments, directly verified the claims at the restaurant on Vo Thi Sau street. Authorities requested the owner to explain the service provided to a group of customers on the afternoon of 30/4.

Previously, Nguyen Ly Ly from Hanoi posted on social media an image of a 30,000 VND plain rice dish from this establishment, commenting that the rice was dry and of poor quality compared to prices in the capital. However, Ly stated she only intended to share a personal experience and had no intention of escalating the matter.

The restaurant owner provided an invoice totaling 715,000 VND and stated that customers made no direct complaints about the price at the time of payment. According to the owner, the restaurant, which opened in late 4/2026, specializes in Hue dishes with prices starting from 40,000 VND per serving. Regarding the 30,000 VND plain rice dish, the owner explained that the price varies from 10,000-30,000 VND depending on the amount of rice ordered and the rental costs in the city center. During the recent holiday, the restaurant served an average of over 200 customers daily.

A 30,000 VND plain rice portion in Hue. Photo: NVCC

A reporter's survey in the Vo Thi Sau "Western Quarter" area found that set meal prices range from 40,000-60,000 VND. Selling plain rice separately for 30,000 VND often happens when customers order an extra large plate for the entire table. Le The Hien, a lecturer at the Faculty of Tourism Management, University of Economics and Finance Ho Chi Minh City (UEF), commented that once prices are listed, whether something is expensive or cheap is a matter of personal perception. "However, to maintain the destination's image, businesses should be flexible and thoroughly advise customers before serving," Hien said.

A 715,000 VND meal portion at a rice restaurant in Hue. Photo: NVCC

Immediately after Ly's post, on 1/5, a Grab driver transporting tourists to Hue also shared an experience at Ba Chu restaurant, where a meal cost 100,000 VND. He argued that the price was significantly higher than similar meals in Da Nang, which are typically 30,000-40,000 VND.

A representative of Thuan Hoa Ward People's Committee stated they would continue monitoring, requiring businesses to publicly list prices and behave courteously to build a safe tourism environment for the ancient capital.

Authorities working with the business that received complaints. Photo: Thuan Hoa Ward People's Committee

During the 30/4 - 1/5 holiday, Hue city received an estimated 610,000 tourist arrivals over 5 days (from 29/4-3/5), a 73.7% increase year-on-year. International visitors accounted for an estimated 164,000 arrivals, a 129% increase. Tourism revenue was estimated at 1,350 billion VND, an 85% increase.

Tuan Anh