On the evening of June 10, Trinh Hoang Tung, Chairman of Hoan Kiem Ward People's Committee, said local authorities had completed an investigation into the incident after the video attracted widespread attention online.

Following a review of the footage, the ward's public order police unit identified the vendor as P.T.Y., born in 1976 and residing in Ngoc Thien Commune, Bac Ninh Province.

She was summoned for questioning, after which authorities issued an administrative fine of 225,000 VND ($8.85) for unauthorized street vending. Officials also instructed her to clearly display prices and sell goods at reasonable rates, while reminding her of the importance of preserving Hanoi's image as a friendly and welcoming destination for visitors.

According to Tung, Hoan Kiem Ward Police will continue strengthening inspections and handling similar violations to maintain public order and a civilized tourism environment in the area.

Video sparks public backlash

The case emerged after a foreign tourist shared a short video documenting his experience buying fried doughnuts in Hanoi's Old Quarter.

In the footage, the vendor introduces the snack as a "Vietnamese doughnut" before quickly placing 10 pieces into a bag and quoting a price of 150,000 VND ($5.90). After receiving the bag, the tourist hands over a 500,000 VND note but is given only 80,000 VND in change.

The tourist did not question the transaction in the video and appeared to be simply sharing his street food experience in Vietnam. He enthusiastically showed the bag to the camera, sampled the snack on the street and praised its crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior.

Fried doughnuts, known locally as banh ran or banh cam, are among Vietnam's most popular street foods and have long been favored by international visitors. In 2025, culinary guide TasteAtlas included the snack among the world's 100 best dessert doughnuts.

However, viewers quickly noticed that the tourist had effectively paid 420,000 VND ($16.50) for 10 doughnuts. Many social media users described the price as excessive and called on authorities to investigate and take action. Others questioned whether the video had been edited.

The two videos posted by the tourist attracted more than six million views and tens of thousands of comments on TikTok.

Not the first incident

Speaking to VietNamNet before the investigation concluded, Trinh Hoang Tung confirmed that local police had been instructed to verify the authenticity of the footage and determine whether any violations had occurred.

Authorities noted that similar incidents involving street vendors charging tourists inflated prices have previously occurred in Hanoi's Old Quarter.

In early 2024, another case drew widespread attention after two foreign visitors were reportedly charged 50,000 VND ($1.97) for four small doughnuts near Hoan Kiem Lake. Following an investigation, authorities identified the vendor, penalized her for unauthorized street vending and required her to sign a commitment not to reoffend.

Linh Trang