Since its commercial operation began three months ago, Ho Chi Minh City's first metro line, which stretches from Ben Thanh Station in District 1 to Suoi Tien Coach Station in Thu Duc City, has become a game changer for many food and beverage (F&B) establishments that are attracting a growing number of customers who use the metro to travel along the route.

The metro line officially opened on December 22 last year after 12 years of construction, marking a historic milestone in the urban transport development of the southern metropolis of Vietnam.

H.K., owner of a coffee shop just steps away from Ben Thanh Metro Station in District 1, shared that his business had seen a noticeable increase in revenue since the metro was officially launched, even though the shop had been operating before the metro began service.

“The F&B industry is facing general difficulties, but thanks to the launch of the metro and its convenient location, the shop has lured more tourists and people curious to experience the metro," said K.

“The shop has seen a major uptick in revenue compared to the same period last year."

Le Hoang Hieu, a resident of Thu Duc City, said that since the opening of the metro line connecting Thu Duc with District 1 in just 15 to 20 minutes, he often chooses coffee shops or eateries within a 500-meter radius of the metro stations.

“I usually meet friends or grab a coffee at shops near the metro stations. It saves time, money, and effort when moving around,” HIeu shared.

With the metro fares being inexpensive, under VND10,000 (US$0.4) per ride, more people are forming a habit of traveling by metro. 

As a result, not only coffee shops but many beer joints have also reported considerable growth in business.

Since Decree 168, which imposes stricter penalties for traffic offenses, took effect on January 1, 2025, beer joints near the metro stations have seen a surge in customers, especially after work hours and on weekends.

Cao Chuc Quyen, manager of a restaurant in Thao Dien Ward, Thu Duc City, noted that the metro has boosted customer traffic, attracting diners from District 1 who take the train to Thao Dien for a meal and return within the metro's operating hours.

Similarly, Le Nhu Y, a sales employee at Vincom Thao Dien, said that customer traffic has improved 30 percent thanks to the metro line.

“Many people step off the metro and visit stores to shop, dine, or experience services in the shopping mall as it is much more convenient than before,” he said.

Owners and managers of eateries and shops along the metro line assessed that F&B businesses, particularly those selling fast food and beverages, stand to benefit the most from the metro.

Metro line draws foreign patrons to nearby eateries

Ton That Hung, owner of a rice eatery in Thao Dien Ward, said that while his eatery had already built a loyal customer base, the metro has attracted many new patrons, including international tourists.

F&B outlets near the metro stations are especially convenient for international tourists who are not familiar with local dining spots, shared Lucas Moreau, a 35-year-old French tourist.

“I find the F&B scene around the metro stations a great way to experience the local culture without losing too much time,” he said.

The city’s first metro line spans 19.7 kilometers, including 2.6 kilometers of underground rail and 17.1 kilometers of elevated track, all built at a total cost of $1.7 billion.

Construction on the metro line project began in 2012, and the system operates with 17 trains, each capable of carrying 930 passengers.

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