Recent food review clips on platforms like TikTok and Facebook showed Chung Thuy, a local rice eatery in Quang Ngai Province, serving a lavish, home-style feast—replete with fish, chicken, pork, eggs, and multiple side dishes—for a mere VND35,000 (US$1.3). 

The videos quickly gathered millions of views, igniting a heated online debate. 

While many expressed awe at the unbeatable price, skeptics openly questioned whether such a bargain was real, safe, or simply a staged publicity stunt.

What's in the viral meal?

Intrigued by the digital uproar—and perhaps driven by a healthy appetite—a Tuoi Tre (Youth) online newspaper reporter headed out to Chung Thuy on Wednesday afternoon to see if the viral $1.3 feast was the real deal or just clever camera magic.

At the time, most customers at Chung Thuy arrived in groups of two or more, while only a few diners came alone.

Chung Thuy is neither the busiest nor the oldest eatery in the area, which is home to multiple affordable rice eateries that are popular stops for long-haul truck drivers and travelers.

To test the hype, your correspondent ordered a meal for two—meaning a mere VND70,000 ($2.7) for the entire table. 

The spread was surprisingly hearty: jack mackerel simmered in savory broth, braised chicken, a fried egg, boiled pork slices, fresh herbs, stir-fried greens, and a steaming bowl of soup accompanied by free refills of rice.

The eatery serves the dishes in moderate portions, rather than the seemingly overflowing plates shown in some viral videos.

Mixed reactions from diners

Diners have mixed opinions about the food, with some praising it, others finding it ordinary and some showing dissatisfaction.

Hai, a tractor-trailer driver, expressed his surprise knowing that Chung Thuy suddenly became a social media sensation.

“I don’t know why a VND35,000 meal that has been around here for years suddenly became so sought-after,” he said.

“The price only went up this year.

“It was VND30,000 [$1.1] per serving in previous years.

“I’ve seen so many reviews online lately that I was surprised.”

Hong Phuong, who came to the eatery after watching viral videos, said the food was tasty, similar to a home-cooked meal, and reasonably priced.

Several other diners declined to comment or noted the dishes were not particularly unique.

Meanwhile, on social media, many people were impressed by the $1.3 meal.

Some netizens even questioned how the eatery could make a profit at that price, while others speculated about food quality or suggested the viral videos were simply a publicity stunt.

Eatery owner’s perspective

Nguyen Thi Chung, 64, owner of the Chung Thuy eatery, said her family has run the business for around seven years.

“I only heard my children say that the eatery had become famous online,” Chung said.

“I don’t use social media, so I didn’t know.

“We’ve always sold food normally, but recently there have been more customers.”

Before the viral attention, she cooked 25-40 cups of rice daily, but now she prepares 45 but still runs out early.

She explained profits are possible because her family grows its own rice, does not rent space, and handles operations themselves.

“Prices rose from VND30,000 to VND35,000 per portion due to higher costs, but we still keep it affordable,” she said.

Chung added that local authorities regularly inspect food safety, and she strives to maintain fresh, clean ingredients.