Le Quoc Truong, 35, runs the small stand on Truong Cong Dinh Street, Phu Loi Ward. Though he once worked as a supermarket employee, his life changed about five years ago after a spontaneous livestream while managing the stall alone. That simple broadcast, showing the banana-frying process and chatting with viewers, unexpectedly attracted thousands of viewers.

From then on, “Chuoi Chien Soc Trang” - his banana fritter brand - began to spread rapidly on TikTok. Today, Truong’s TikTok channel boasts over 312,000 followers and more than 77,000 likes.

“I tied my phone to an electric pole and livestreamed just to pass the time,” he recalled. “I still don’t know why so many people watched, but ever since then, more and more customers started coming.”

His daily routine now includes two livestream sessions, each lasting 2–3 hours. Before the surge in popularity, Truong sold about 100 fritters a day, mostly to locals. Just two weeks after going live, he was selling three times as much - and launched his own branded frying flour, now shipping 50–100kg a month at $1.60 per kg.

His banana fritter recipe is a blend of glutinous rice flour, wheat flour, turmeric starch, and sugar. The bananas - black-skinned Siamese variety - are gently pressed before frying. Each fritter is coated in three layers of batter, topped with black sesame, then fried twice for maximum crispness. The oil is changed frequently, and crumbs are removed constantly to maintain clarity.

Fritters sell for about $0.32 each, while his sweet potato cakes go for $0.20 per serving.

Still, the shop’s biggest attraction isn’t just the food - it’s Gau, Truong’s beloved four-year-old dog.

Gau, a local-breed mixed with Belgian Malinois, was adopted as a pup. Remarkably well-behaved and obedient, Gấu quickly became part of the shop’s daily rhythm. Initially taught to hold a small metal bowl when asking for food, Gấu’s intelligence led Truong to teach him more elaborate tricks.

Now, Gau has become the “cashier.” When a customer hands over money, the dog gently takes the bill in his mouth and delivers it to Truong behind the stand. Then, without prompting, he returns to his station at the entrance, waiting for the next transaction.

Customers are often charmed by the sight. Some even delay handing over their money just to watch Gấu tilt his head in curiosity and wait patiently. His gentle demeanor and quick responses have made him an internet star - and given the shop an endearing, almost family-like atmosphere.

Gau’s daily favorites include bánh mì, soda, and even coffee. Truong’s wife has since created a Facebook page sharing Gấu’s photos and videos, drawing hundreds of thousands of views.

To Truong and his family, Gau is far more than a pet. He’s a teammate, a friend, and a key part of the warm, unforgettable experience they’ve created at their little banana fritter shop.