A humble crab noodle stall that endures at Ho Chi Minh City’s Binh Tay Market

Hidden deep within the market, the small stall can be tricky for first-time visitors to locate.

However, just ask any nearby vendor and they will gladly point the way, as everyone at Binh Tay Market seems to know Pham Thi Lan, the woman who has devoted her entire youth to this family heritage.

A bowl of Chau Lan’s crab noodle soup costs between VND40,000 ((US$1.53) and VND80,000 ($3.07) depending on portion size, with the VND60,000 ($2.30) option often enough to satisfy an average eater.

Meanwhile, the stall is famous for its signature bowl which features a whole crab, priced at VND120,000 ($4.60).

On days when Lan finds particularly large crabs, the price can rise to VND150,000 ($5.75), yet customers are still happy to pay for the treat.

The first thing that stands out about Lan’s noodle is the naturally sweet, umami-rich broth.

It is made by simmering pork bones, fish cakes, dried shrimp and other “secret” ingredients, Lan told Tuoi Tre (Youth) Newspaper.

The noodles are made from soft yet slightly chewy rice flour.

Generous toppings include thick chunks of crab meat, bouncy and flavorful fish cake, and gelatinous pork skin, creating a deeply satisfying experience that keeps diners reaching for the next bite.

On social media, Chau Lan’s stall is a familiar name in Saigon foodie groups.

Many loyal customers have been returning for 10 to 20 years, while others insist on visiting every time they pass through Binh Tay Market.

Hoa, 24, said she discovered the stall through a Threads post and did not hesitate to travel from Phu Nhuan District just for a taste.

“Totally worth the trip,” she said.

“The price is a bit high, but when the craving hits, I come straight here for half a crab,” Huy, 36, a regular, added.

More than just a dish, this crab noodle soup is part of Lan’s family legacy.

Lan began helping her mother sell it at age 14, and learned the craft during her teenage years.

By the age of 20, she opened her own stall in the heart of Binh Tay Market.

Since then, Chau Lan has remained a modest spot with warm service, standing firm amid the many changes in the market over the years.

Together with her husband, Lan continues to serve bowl after bowl, day after day, for over four decades.