In Vietnam, taking leftovers from parties sparks debate

“At weddings and other events, I have seen well-dressed women or neatly groomed young men pack up dishes like whole sticky rice-wrapped chickens or several steamed prawns and crabs to take home,” a reader of Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper shared.

At first, the act seemed inappropriate, but the reader speculated whether these guests were simply trying to make up for the monetary gift they gave by collecting food in return.

However, after speaking with some of them, their explanation offered a new perspective.

“Sometimes people attend two or three weddings in a day. They only stay for a few drinks to show their support, and don’t have time to eat. The food remains untouched.”

In such cases, some guests gather up the leftovers, not just for themselves but to share with others on the way home.

To them, it is not shameful or selfish but a practical solution to avoid food waste.

Over time, this behavior, once considered unusual, has become relatively common.

However, not everyone sees it this way.

Reader Khai Phong asked bluntly, “If you didn’t pay for the meal, what right do you have to take food home?”

He argued that wedding gifts are meant as financial support for the couple, not a ticket to take home leftovers.

Another reader agreed that only the host has the right to decide what happens with leftovers.

“The food had just been served, and one woman immediately portioned it out into bags, leaving the rest of us awkwardly looking on,” reader Nguyen Van Phuc recalled.

“Some guests pack up food without even asking if everyone has eaten. I've seen it happen many times, and it’s off-putting,” another commented.

One reader suggested the food should be left for the family or helpers who supported the event.

“I saw one wedding where the family wanted to have a small dinner later, but there was nothing left.”

Waste reduction or social misstep?

In contrast, many argued that taking leftovers should be normalized, not frowned upon.

“We should stop shaming people for taking leftovers. It’s not stingy, but it is smart and practical,” reader Bao Ngoc shared.

Echoing the view, Kha Tu wrote: “Taking home untouched food from weddings or parties isn’t wrong. In fact, it’s civilized.”

Others thought this behavior helps reduce food waste.

“As long as the food is truly leftover and not snatched before others can eat, I don’t see a problem,” one reader commented.

“In the U.S., the host often encourages guests to take leftovers home,” another reader wrote.

“Now even in my hometown, it’s becoming normal,” the reader added.

In some rural areas, this practice is even a cultural norm.

Reader Sao Xet shared, “In my hometown, people eat soup and wet dishes at the party. Dry food is wrapped up and taken home. The host provides bags. Everyone smiles—no shame at all.”

“If someone wraps up food while others are still eating, it’s awkward. However, if everyone’s done and there’s food left, why not? Just don’t take too much,” reader Anh Thu said.

Another reader suggested waiting until the party ends and asking the host for the food rather than taking it directly from the table.