On the morning of 21/8, customers gathered in an alley on 3 Thang 2 Street, Hoa Hung ward, to buy flan from 55-year-old Bui Thi Thai and her husband. After nearly one hour, the queue stretched along the narrow alley. Limited parking space caused some customers to leave and plan to return another day.

Customers queue in front of Thai's house, waiting to buy flan on the morning of 21/8. Photo: Tuan Anh

After 32 years of selling flan from a sidewalk cart, Thai's family business experienced a surge in customers about three weeks ago. This followed a customer's TikTok video featuring their 'giant flan'. The flan, notable for being the size of a rice bowl and larger than typical versions, is steamed in a special mold to achieve a thick, soft, and smooth texture. Customers can request black coffee, condensed milk, and ice to accompany their dessert.

Thai and her husband now sell from their home, maintaining the price of 20,000 dong per piece, the same as when they operated a cart. 'Previously, we sold about 100 pieces daily while on the move, but now that number has increased 5 times. The phone constantly rings with people asking about the flan,' Thai shared.

Family members wake up at 3h to begin preparations, with each batch of flan taking about three hours to make. Although the shop opens at 9h, it often sells out in under one hour. Occasionally, they must close for a few days to get assistance from relatives coming from their hometown.

Despite the significant increase in customers, Thai stated that she maintains her original methods. Ingredients like eggs, milk, sugar, and coffee are all sourced from reputable suppliers. 'Customers seek us out because the flan is delicious. If we rush and the quality drops, we will lose them,' she explained.

Bui Thi Thai prepares flan for customers on the morning of 21/8. Photo: Tuan Anh

Originally from Quang Ngai, Thai and her husband moved to Ho Chi Minh City to earn a living during difficult economic times. She learned to make flan from a fellow villager, then adapted the recipe to create her own unique formula. For over three decades, she and her husband pushed a cart, selling along streets such as Vinh Vien, Cach Mang Thang Tam, and Cao Thang. Now, with customers coming directly to their home, she describes it as 'an immense joy'.

Nguyen Bao Ngoc, 22 years old, had previously tried to buy the flan but was unsuccessful. She returned to queue with a friend. 'The flan is very smooth, lightly creamy, and has no eggy smell. The sweetness is just right, so you can finish a whole piece without feeling overwhelmed,' Ngoc commented, adding that despite waiting nearly one hour, the experience was still worthwhile.

Hoang Anh, 20 years old, waited nearly 40 minutes to buy 10 pieces to share with family and friends. She remarked that this flan is more for satisfying curiosity than for regular consumption. She also suggested ordering online rather than visiting in person due to the narrow, crowded alley.

Bao Ngoc and a friend buy flan on the morning of 21/8. Photo: Tuan Anh

Giant flan. Photo: Tuan Anh

Khanh buys flan on the morning of 21/8. Photo: Tuan Anh

The shop currently offers takeout only and often closes early once the flan sells out. The owners plan to extend opening hours from 7h until the afternoon, install a signboard, and increase ingredient supply to meet customer demand.

Tuan Anh