In an inspiring turn of events, a Vietnamese mother has successfully transformed her home in a Choa Chu Kang HDB flat into a bustling kitchen, where she sells delectable banh mi—Vietnamese sandwiches—at unbeatable prices. Selling each sandwich for as little as $5.50, Hue Thi Banh has become an unlikely culinary star, drawing customers from all over Singapore, even as far as Orchard and Bugis.

After her rent was doubled at her previous stall in Teck Whye, Hue and her husband took matters into their own hands. “I asked my husband to investigate how to run a home-based business,” the 47-year-old wife and mother shared. Having relocated to Singapore in 2009, she initially honed her culinary skills by working in local Vietnamese restaurants for a decade before starting her own venture.

Impressively, Hue invested over $3,000 in kitchen equipment and took a leap of faith. “If the business didn’t take off, I planned to sell everything,” she admitted. Surprisingly, her gamble paid off. She reports that on weekends, she can sell up to 60 sandwiches. "After more than a year, the business is doing quite okay," she enthused.

To perfect her banh mi recipe, Hue experimented with various flavors to suit local palates while maintaining the authentic Vietnamese taste. The delicious outcome includes seven different types of banh mi, with a beef stew option priced at $7.50. What propelled her business significantly was a viral TikTok reel posted by local content creator ninjabread, which captured the attention of over 800,000 viewers, showcasing Hue's unique and accessible home-based eatery.

Despite the success, Hue emphasizes her commitment to affordable pricing. “Even though the business is picking up, I only make a modest profit as my food is cheaper than other stalls,” she explains. "As long as my customers get to eat nice authentic Vietnamese food, and as long as I’m earning enough to make a living, it’s enough."

For those wishing to indulge in Hue's culinary creations, pre-ordering is highly recommended via WhatsApp, as walk-in customers can experience waiting times of up to an hour during peak hours. With her heart and soul poured into every sandwich, this home-based business exemplifies the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of individuals navigating Singapore's vibrant food scene.

This story not only highlights Hue's unique contributions to Singapore's diverse culinary landscape but also serves as a reminder of the power of community support and innovation in the face of challenges. If you've ever craved authentic Vietnamese cuisine, Hue's door is wide open for business—and at prices that won't break the bank!