For many in Ho Chi Minh City, xôi (sticky rice) is more than just a daily meal; it represents the heart of street food culture and leaves a strong mark on the city's vibrant life.

Among the many beloved spots, Xoi Ga 315 Tan Dinh on Tran Quoc Toan Street in District 3 stands out as a favorite venue for sticky rice lovers.

No flashy signs or an extravagant space, the eatery draws crowds with its well-stocked cart of toppings, a large steaming pot of sticky rice, and a mouthwatering aroma that fills the street corner.

A Tuoi Tre (Youth)newspaper correspondent visited Xoi Ga 315 Tan Dinh one late afternoon, finding Ha Phuong, 25, her mother, and brother busy preparing for the next round of customers.

“This shop has been around since 1999, when my parents got married,” Phuong said while preparing an order for a client.

“They both came from families that had a history of selling things, so they wanted to follow that path.

“But what to sell? After much thought, they realized that no one nearby was selling sticky rice, so they started with that.”

In the beginning, what they sold was topped simply with pork floss, pâté, and chả lụa (Vietnamese pork roll), Phuong recalled.

Over time, and thanks to customer suggestions, they began adding more toppings.

'Like cooking for family'

The sticky rice here is made of fragrant, high-quality glutinous rice, which creates a soft and moist texture.

According to Phuong’s mother, who runs the shop, every step – from selecting the rice to cooking – is done with meticulous care.

“The soaking process is especially important,” she said. 

“Each type of glutinous rice requires different soaking times.

“Get it wrong, and the rice turns mushy or too dry, losing its signature chewiness and aroma.”

The two most popular offerings are the xôi thập cẩm (sticky rice with mixed toppings) and xôi đầy đủ (sticky rice with full toppings).

The xôi thập cẩm, priced at VND45,000 (US$1.76), comes loaded with tempting toppings including unlaid chicken eggs, crispy chicken skin, Chinese sausage, fried shallots, scallion oil, and pâté.

The xôi đầy đủ, which sells for VND85,000 ($3.33), has an additional sizable chicken drumstick. 

Customers can also customize their orders, with the smallest portion fetching from VND30,000 ($1.18).

“In the early days, business was tough,” Phuong recalled. 

“Even in 2009, we still didn’t have many customers, but my parents persevered despite the low profits.

“From 2011 until before the COVID-19 pandemic, our shop gradually gained popularity and a large customer base. 

“While many still visit post-pandemic, it’s not quite like before. 

“We now sell about 30 kilograms of sticky rice daily, slightly less than in the past.”

Ha Phuong humbly noted that there’s no secret recipe or standout technique behind their success. 

It’s simply the result of years of experience passed down from her parents’ generation to hers. 

“We cook like we’re preparing a meal for our own family,” Phuong stated.

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