Hanoi ward authorities published a list of food safety violators following intensive inspections in march and april. The list notably features major brands and popular youth beverage chains.

In Lang ward, authorities issued 11 fines. Specifically, Laboong milk tea shop in Nam Thanh Cong area was fined 4 million dong for lacking hygienic waste containers. Vuon Bia on Hoang Ngoc Phach street faced the highest fine of 12 million dong for issues including insects in the processing area and stagnant, uncovered drainage.

Similarly, in Kim Lien ward, Dooki restaurant on Pham Ngoc Thach street also received an 8 million dong fine for unsanitary kitchen drainage. Korean restaurant Han Kim Chi was fined 4 million dong for substandard food storage containers. Bao Hoa, another cooked food establishment, received a 1,5 million dong fine because an employee handled food with bare hands.

A portion of Dooki's signature dishes. Photo: Dooki

The current inspection campaign is part of the "Food Safety Action Month" 2026, launched by the Hanoi City People's Committee from mid-april to 15/5. Focusing on hygiene and preventing food poisoning in catering and street food services, the citywide initiative aims to tighten control over food sourcing and processing.

Inspections revealed common violations among establishments: deteriorating sanitary infrastructure, including stagnant and uncovered wastewater drainage systems in processing areas. This allows harmful insects to enter cooking spaces, directly compromising food quality.

Additionally, many places still use improper waste and food storage containers, and kitchen staff often neglect to wear gloves when handling cooked food.

Hanoi's food hygiene issues previously drew public attention after a famous bun rieu shop on Hang Luoc street was temporarily shut down in early march. The incident stemmed from a Chinese tourist's complaint, who described the "restaurant as dirty as torture," citing uncovered food, a damp processing area, and insect infestation.

Subsequent inter-agency inspections confirmed severe food safety violations and that employees did not use protective equipment. The owner received a 4,5 million dong fine and was forced to close until all violations were rectified. In mid-march, the shop reopened at a new location, receiving positive feedback from many diners regarding its hygiene.

Hoai Anh