Restaurant owner lost property after flood but still cooks thousands of free meals for people in Nghe An

Despite suffering heavy property damage due to floods, Mr. Vu Tien Thanh, owner of Que Minh restaurant (Muong Xen commune, Nghe An province), still decided to maintain a zero-dong kitchen to support people. Every day, thousands of free, high-quality meals are prepared to support people in flooded areas and volunteer groups, strongly spreading the spirit of "the rich help the poor".

In the flood zone, in recent days, Que Minh restaurant (Muong Xen commune) has provided more than 6,000 meals to people severely affected by natural disasters. Mr. Vu Tien Thanh (born in 1988), the restaurant owner, shared: "Faced with the situation of many people losing their homes and lacking food, with available resources and facilities, we decided to distribute free meals from July 23. On the first day, the kitchen made 800 meals but it was not enough. In the following days, we increased it to 1,200 - 1,300 meals/day. All ingredients are guaranteed to be hygienic and of good quality, absolutely no frozen goods are used".

Que Minh restaurant's free meals are all made from fresh ingredients. Photo: NVCC

In the early days, all expenses were paid by Thanh alone. Then, in response to the willingness of many people to join hands, he agreed to receive support from some friends and relatives, continuing to light the fire in his kitchen. Not only cooking for the people, he also cooked to show gratitude to volunteer groups. On July 27 alone, the restaurant made 1,100 meals for people in flooded areas, 130 meals to show gratitude to police officers, and 250 meals and egg noodles for relief groups.

It is worth mentioning that Mr. Thanh’s family also suffered heavy losses in the recent flood. The entire warehouse of sound and lighting equipment and utensils was swept away by the flood. To maintain the kitchen, the members of Que Minh restaurant had to make every effort.

Mr. Vu Tien Thanh's kitchen has received support and encouragement from many other benefactors. Photo: NVCC

In recent days, information about a makeshift rice shop at Cay Chanh market, Nhan Hoa commune (formerly Anh Son district) has also spread widely on social networks, receiving special attention. The kitchen was established on July 23 by traders at Cay Chanh market. Sharing about this initiative, Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoa (58 years old), a member of the group, said: "Witnessing the miserable situation of people in the flood area, we wanted to do something within our ability to support. From there, the idea of cooking free rice for people and rescue forces was born."

Free rice cooking point of Cay Chanh market vendors (Nhan Hoa commune). Photo: NVCC

With consensus, the traders contributed money, materials and borrowed a location to organize the kitchen. In just the first 3 days, 1,500 meals were delivered to the people and flood control forces. From July 27, the kitchen officially provided free meals to volunteer groups when they came to Western Nghe An. Ms. Hoa said that on the first day, the kitchen welcomed more than 20 groups from many localities inside and outside the province such as Hanoi , Ho Chi Minh City, Ha Tinh... The groups of soldiers on duty to help people, who were not convenient to stop by the restaurant, would have their meals brought to them by the members.

Volunteer groups can enjoy free meals at the rice distribution point of Cay Chanh market vendors (Nhan Hoa commune). Photo: NVCC

Sharing the same wish, Ms. Tran Thi Huong (born in 1981), owner of Pho Duy restaurant (26 Ly Thuong Kiet, Thanh Vinh ward), posted information on social media about the program of free food and drinks for volunteer groups. The restaurant is open from 6am to 10am, ready to serve. For groups going outside of these hours, Ms. Huong encourages them to contact in advance for careful preparation.

Ms. Huong said that since implementing the program, the restaurant has cooked 100 more meals per day than usual. "There will be days when there are a lot of leftover ingredients, but we will not reduce the number of meals because of that. We will maintain this program until there are no more support groups," Ms. Huong affirmed.

Ms. Tran Thi Huong not only directly supports people in flood-hit areas but also provides free meals to volunteer groups at her pho restaurant. Photo: Diep Thanh

Not only food, many hotels near the flood areas in the mountainous areas of Nghe An also provide free rooms for volunteer groups. As of the morning of July 28, Dai Thanh Hotel (Anh Son commune) has welcomed 6 volunteer groups, providing free accommodation for a total of 130 guests. A hotel representative shared: "We wish to contribute a small part to the emergency and long-term relief work for the people. This is also a way for us to send our sincere thanks to all organizations and individuals who have not hesitated to bring love to the people in the flood areas."

Dai Thanh Hotel (Anh Son Commune) offers free accommodation for volunteer groups supporting flood-hit areas. Photo: NVCC

The list of restaurants and hotels offering free services to people and relief groups continues to be updated. From long-standing restaurants to spontaneous eateries, from large-scale hotels to family homestays, all are showing a heart of compassion, kind and precious actions in times of trouble.

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Source: https://baonghean.vn/chu-nha-hang-mat-mat-tai-san-sau-mua-lu-van-do-lua-nau-hang-ngan-suat-com-mien-phi-cho-ba-con-o-nghe-an-10303368.html