Octogenarian sells desserts on Ho Chi Minh City sidewalk to care for ill son

For over 30 years, Pham Thi Mai has sat here, through sun and rain, waiting for customers to stop for her cups of che (Vietnamese sweet soup).

At 83, Mai is still often seen scooping che, setting out plastic stools, and inviting passers-by to her modest sidewalk stall, made up of a pair of bamboo baskets she relies on to earn money for her son's care.

Mai, originally from Quang Ngai Province, central Vietnam, has lived in Ho Chi Minh City for many years.

She devotes herself fully to selling che to support her ill son, sending most of her earnings back to her hometown to care for him.

Mai has four children, three sons, and a daughter.

While her eldest son lives far away and occasionally sends money to support her, her second son has suffered from mental illness since the age of 23.

Her daughter is preparing to get married.

Her youngest son, who was closest to her, recently passed away from a congenital heart condition.

Though the pain of losing a child still lingers, Mai continues to push through life’s hardships, determined to tend to the children she still has.

“My youngest loved me dearly, but he passed away too soon,” Mai said, with her voice trembling.

“And my second son, he’s 53 now, but that’s just how life turned out for him. 

"The two of them... such unfortunate boys. 

"That’s why I have to keep trying, now more than ever.”

Up at 4:00 am to cook che

Everyday, Mai wakes up at 4:00 am to prepare her sweet soup.

Around 9:00 am, she takes a motorbike taxi to Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, where she sells che till about 2:00 pm, then moves to Ben Thanh Market and walks around to sell until her pots are empty, sometimes as late as evening.

Every ingredient is prepared by Mai, from soaking beans to cooking coconut cream. Her che is known for its light sweetness, not overly sugary.

Her setup is simple, with a few pots of che, some plastic cups of che arranged on pot lids, a small icebox, and a couple of plastic stools for customers.

Childhood favorite types of Vietnamese che such as corn, mung beans, and black beans are available, each for VND10,000 (US$0.38).

A special che thap cam (mixed che) is sold for VND20,000 ($0.76).

Occasionally, young customers stop by, warmly greeting Mai and asking to buy 30 or 40 cups of che to share with their coworkers at the office.

Mai said several young visitors have turned into regulars who not only return for her che but also take photos and share her story online.

Their efforts have helped her reach a wider audience and attract more support.

“I’m grateful to them,” Mai said. “I always want to thank those who’ve helped me.”

“Some don’t even buy che, but they still sit with me, help scoop the soup, tie up the bags, and chat with me.

“Their kindness reminds me that I have to keep earning money the honest way. 

"No matter how hard life gets, I have to keep going for my son, for as long as I can.”