Working as a professional food reviewer for two years, Le Ngoc Trung, 29, in Hanoi, says he is happy when he can help a restaurant or street eatery to be better known and attract more clients. 

Nguyen Tran Phong Vu, a shipper and reviewer, said he has been working as a reviewer for one year, with many happy and sad memories. Some restaurant owners refused him when he asked for permission to film, but other good natured people welcomed him.

“Most of my reviews are about street shops, and common and traditional dishes. In many cases, I introduce eateries and their food because of good taste, not because I am asked to advertise their food,” he said.

“One day, I posted a review about a vermicelli shop located on a small alley. I am a loyal client and I call the shop owner mom," he said. “Previously, the shop mostly served local people and sold via apps. After my review, the shop became crowded. The owner asked the community of shippers about me and said she wanted to meet me to give me a big thank you. However, I told them that God will decide when we can meet each other again."

The woman came to see Vu a few days ago when he was ill and in bed. He was very  moved by her gratitude and kindness.

Vu said he takes pride in being recognized by people. One of his fans who watches his videos regularly, recognized him at a street shop and acted as if she had met a celebrity.

Bui Tuyet Mai, 25, in Hanoi, a food reviewer with four years of experience, said she has established good relations and met many good people. At first, they were just partners but later became friends.

Mai said in 2021, when the Covid-19 pandemic was at its peak, she decided not to return to her hometown to celebrate Tet with family because she feared she would be put under quarantine. However, many restaurant owners invited her to their family parties on Tet days, and others sent Tet gifts.

Food reviewers’ experiences

Food reviewing is a job that attracts youth, especially those born in the 1990s. In the era of  smartphones, food reviewing can appear to be an easy job with a high income. 

Many food reviewers will praise all dishes if they are paid. But Trung believes these reviewers will lose their jobs, sooner or later, because of their dishonesty. When people lose confidence in them because of wrong information, they will unfollow them.

Vu also believes that honesty is an important factor that helps retain audiences.

In addition, the reviewers try to take care of themselves. “I know some food reviewers who have gained tens of kilograms in weight after one year of working,” said a food reviewer, who goes to a fitness center regularly.

Asked why he refuses many orders, he said he fears that if he eats too much, he will lose his passion for food one day.

Vu said food reviewing is not just simply copying and pasting compliments. Many reviewers don't understand the dishes they eat, and just copy others' comments, which misleads diners because they then don't know the differences between restaurants, he said.

Nguyen Thao