A small fried chicken rice restaurant in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City has built a devoted following for more than 20 years. Despite its lack of signage and modest setting, the eatery continues to attract customers with its rich flavors and the warmth of its owners.

Located in Alley 31 on Ly Tu Trong Street in District 1, Phat and Hanh’s fried chicken rice restaurant has stood the test of time.

The couple has run the business for more than two decades, quietly serving customers who are drawn in by the irresistible aroma of fried chicken.

Known as 'nameless chicken rice' and 'four-hour chicken rice,' the restaurant opens only from 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm but frequently sells out before closing.

For Phat, 70, and Hanh, 66, each day follows the same routine: they shop at the market, prepare ingredients, and cook every plate of fried chicken rice themselves.

The dish’s appeal lies in its crispy skin, which melts in the mouth, leaving a light, savory aftertaste, while the meat remains tender and juicy.

The rice is fried to perfection, each grain glossy and fragrant with chicken fat, carrying a slight charred flavor from the pan.

“This fried chicken is addictive, and the fried rice is unmatched anywhere,” said Long, a regular customer who has been eating at the restaurant for 20 years.

Phat and Hanh started their business as street vendors, selling chicken rice on the sidewalk near an old apartment building on Ly Tu Trong Street.

Back then, a plate of rice cost just VND7,000 (US$0.27), making it an affordable meal.

When the apartment was demolished, they relocated to Alley 31, which is just wide enough for two motorbikes to pass.

By 2019, they moved deeper into the alley but continued their tradition, maintaining the same quality and care.

The price has since risen to VND50,000 ($1.96), yet the restaurant remains an affordable choice in District 1.

Despite the increase, customers continue to return, drawn by both the food and the owners’ hospitality.

Diners come from all walks of life -- students, office workers, and the elderly -- not just for the meal but for the warmth of Phat and Hanh’s presence.

“I’ve been coming here since I was a university student,” recalled Tran, a long-time customer.

“Back then, Hanh would give me extra rice and soup for free because she knew I was still in university.

"That kindness made me fall in love with this place.”

When asked about the secret to the restaurant’s success, Hanh smiled and replied, “There is none.

“People find the food delicious and spread the word.

"We treat customers sincerely, like family, and they remember us -- no secret recipe needed.”

Amid the skyscrapers and rapid development of District 1, Phat and Hanh’s small fried chicken rice restaurant endures, a reminder that Ho Chi Minh City is not just about modernity but also about the small, warm corners where community and sincerity thrive.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on X to get the latest news about Vietnam!