Many local people were surprised by the former president's visit, while his wife is a regular guest at this Nu Cuoi (Smile) Restaurant.

The president came to talk with other customers in the restaurant, who are mostly low-income people and students who only have to pay VND2,000 (8 US cents) for a meal here.

He also came to the kitchen to talk with the chefs and other staff who are working for free or have low salaries to run this charity restaurant.

The president then enjoyed lunch with his wife here. Before leaving he donated VND50 million (USD2.213) to the restaurant. “I hope that more people will cut down on their extravagant spending and save money to help the poor,” he said.

The same day vice chairman of District 1 People’s Committee, Doan Ngoc Hai (at the end of the queue) also came to have lunch at the restaurant. Hai said that this was the first time he came here.