Hanoi probes tourist overcharged for fried cakes

Hanoi's Hoan Kiem district authorities are investigating a viral video that appears to show a foreign tourist being overcharged for street food. The footage captures a vendor selling approximately 10 fried cakes and a small sweet cake for 430,000 VND (about $17 USD).

The tourist paid with a 500,000 VND note and received 75,000 VND in change, later adding a 5,000 VND note. This pricing is substantially higher than the typical market rate in Hanoi, where fried cakes usually sell for 5,000-7,000 VND each, depending on size and location.

After the purchase, the tourist expressed enthusiasm for the street food, praising its crispy exterior and soft interior while filming. However, the video quickly sparked online debate, with many commenters accusing the vendor of "ripping off" the tourist. Concerns have been raised that such incidents could negatively impact Hanoi's reputation as a tourist destination.