Bustling vibes now return to the famous food and drink street Phan Xich Long in Ho Chi Minh City’s Phu Nhuan District, as retail spaces previously left vacant due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic have been increasingly occupied by both domestic and international food businesses.

The section starting from the intersection of Phan Xich Long and Phan Dang Luu Streets to Van Kiep Street and neighboring areas is donning a new look, with all sidewalks being resurfaced.

Workers pave Phan Xich Long Street, Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City with flat stones, August 10, 2023. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre

Just several vacant retail spaces remained available on the street as of this Thursday, compared to a dozen units seen three months ago.

Some food brands are also putting the finishing touches to make their debuts on this foodie street.

A beverage business representative told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that the street has seen fewer vacant retail spaces than in early 2023.

Lots of eateries and coffee shops rushed to reopen despite the relatively high rents of US$800-1,000 per month.

Many eateries and coffee shops along Phan Xich Long Street serve a large number of guests, after they began commercial operations several months ago. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre

Food and beverage (F&B) businesses active along Phan Xich Long said they were looking forward to the date the route is officially developed into a food town as proposed.

“We hope that the street after being renovated will entice more guests, especially in the evening, to help us improve our revenue during an economic slowdown,” the representative elaborated.

Besides F&B establishments along Phan Xich Long Street, those in neighboring areas will be beneficiaries of the upcoming food town, said Nguyen Duc Nhat Thuan, owner of Ca Men, an eatery offering food delights from Quang Tri Province, located in central Vietnam.

The municipal Department of Industry and Trade previously reported on a project to develop a food town along Phan Xich Long Street to the municipal administration.

In this project, part of a night-time economy development plan put forward by Phu Nhuan District, the street is projected to become a food town by 2025 on a trial basis.

Works are in rush to pave Phan Xich Long Street with flat stones. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre

An eatery located on Hoa Su Street, near Phan Xich Long Street, is going to open. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre

Just several vacant retail spaces remained available on Phan Xich Long Street as of August 10, 2023, compared to a dozen units seen three months ago. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre

The sidewalk in front of a gas station on Phan Xich Long Street undergoes renovation. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre

A Thai eatery on Phan Xich Long Street will launch its services soon. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre

A newly-opened coffee shop on Phan Xich Long Street serves many guests. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre

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