Hanoi street vendor fined after charging foreign tourist over $16 for 10 fried cakes

On Wednesday evening, police in Hoan Kiem Ward, Hanoi issued an administrative penalty against P.T.Y., a 50-year-old woman from Ngoc Thien Commune, Bac Ninh Province.

She was fined VND225,000 ($8.5) for engaging in unlicensed small-scale street vending.

Police identified Y. as the woman who sold 10 fried cakes to the foreign tourist for VND430,000 in an area near Hoan Kiem Lake.

A video of the incident, recorded on the same day, quickly attracted widespread attention and generated numerous comments online.

Many viewers pointed out that the amount charged was far higher than the typical market price. 

Similar fried cakes are commonly sold for around VND5,000 ($0.18) each, depending on their size and location.

Many social media users accused the vendor of overcharging the foreign tourist and warned that such behavior could negatively affect Hanoi’s tourism image.

According to a representative of Hoan Kiem Ward Police, officers launched an investigation immediately after receiving information about the case.

Police summoned Y. for questioning to clarify the reported incident.

During the working session, she admitted that the content shown in the video was accurate and expressed her willingness to refund the money to the foreign tourist.

Police also reminded and instructed her to publicly display prices and sell goods at appropriate rates, while refraining from charging customers unreasonable amounts.