Bustling as Tet Approaches

(DTO) These days, the space of the My Phong Noodle and Rice Paper Craft Village (My Phong Ward, Dong Thap Province) is abuzz with the roar of engines, the red glow of charcoal stoves, and the swift, rhythmic hands of artisans. From noodle workshops to racks of snow-white "Hu Tieu" (tapioca noodles), everything blends together to create a vibrant and energetic labor portrait, clearly reflecting the bustle of a traditional craft village as the Lunar New Year approaches.

STOVES GLOWING RED IN PRODUCTION WORKSHOPS

Winding through the small roads leading into the neighborhoods of the My Phong Noodle and Rice Paper Craft Village, it is easy to sense a labor atmosphere quite different from ordinary days.

In houses that serve as both living spaces and production workshops, lights stay bright, machinery operates continuously, and stoves glow red for many hours on end.
At the rice noodle (Bun) and thick noodle (Banh canh) production facility owned by Ms. Nguyen Thi Hong Nhung (My Hoa neighborhood), stages of production are carried out incessantly, with almost no downtime. 

Some workers monitor the batter, others tend the boiling water, while others arrange noodles into baskets in time for early morning delivery to traders. The fresh, evenly white strands still hot are swiftly packed and loaded onto motorbikes and three wheeled carts bound for the markets.

Ms. Nhung shared: “During the peak season, our output doubles compared to normal days. On regular days we make 200 – 300 kilograms, but during Tet we have to produce 600 – 800 kilograms a day to meet orders. It’s harder work, but the extra income motivates everyone.”
Not only rice noodles, but Hu tieu producers in My Phong are just as busy. 

At Ms. Phan Thi Ngọc Thu’s establishment (My Hoa neighborhood), long, snow white strands of noodles are cut evenly, creating a characteristic scene of the craft village during its peak season. 

According to Ms. Thu, "Hu Tieu" is a high demand item, especially for eateries, restaurants, and home cooking needs. "Orders are constantly increasing; some days, I have to mobilize family members to help. We work a lot, but everyone is happy because there is work and income," Ms. Thu said.

“Orders keep increasing. Some days I have to call in family members to help. It’s a lot of work, but everyone is happy to have jobs and income,” Ms. Thu said.

This lively atmosphere spreads throughout the community.

During peak periods, many workshops hire seasonal workers mostly women and elderly residents in the ward. Though the work is demanding, it provides stable income, helping many families cover daily expenses.

PRESERVING THE CRAFT, SECURING LIVELIHOODS

The My Phong Noodle and Rice Paper Craft Village was formed decades ago and is closely linked to the lives of many generations of local people.

Over time, the craft has been preserved and passed down from parents to children, becoming the main livelihood for many households. Residents say that although the work is labor intensive, it provides stable income, helping families improve their living standards. More importantly, the traditional craft is the “root” that binds people to their homeland and preserves local cultural identity.

Currently, My Phong Ward is home to about 28 households and facilities producing traditional noodles, cakes, and Hu Tieu. During peak season, producers proactively boost capacity, operating from early morning until late at night to meet market demand.

According to workshop owners, consumption of these products rises by about 10 – 20% compared to normal days, with a slight increase over the same period last year. Products are supplied not only within the province but also to neighboring localities, reinforcing the craft village’s reputation.

Alongside increased output, producers place special emphasis on food safety and hygiene. From selecting rice and water sources to production and drying areas, households invest in improvements to ensure product quality before reaching the market.

Local authorities regularly coordinate inspections, reminders, and guidance to ensure compliance with regulations, protecting the village’s shared reputation. Maintaining quality is not only an immediate requirement but a decisive factor for sustainable development.

Mr. Doan Quoc Khuong, Vice Chairman of the My Phong Ward People’s Committee, said: “The craft village not only creates jobs and increases incomes for residents, but also helps preserve traditional trades. The ward consistently supports production facilities while strengthening management to ensure food safety, aiming for stable and sustainable development.”

In the coming time, My Phong Ward will continue encouraging producers to join cooperative groups and cooperatives; gradually improve product quality and designs; and build brands linked to the OCOP Program.

The Ward is also studying ways to combine craft village development with experiential tourism, especially during peak seasons, to add value to traditional products.

As vehicles loaded with noodles, cakes, and Hu Tieu depart the village one after another, joy is evident on the workers’ faces. Despite concerns over input costs and market prices, with diligence and dedication, My Phong’s traditional noodle producers steadfastly keep the flame alive.

Amid the pace of modern life, the My Phong Rice Noodle, Cake and Hu Tieu Craft Village remains lively and warm.

Each strand of noodle and each sheet of cake is not only a means of livelihood, but a crystallization of labor, faith, and long-standing commitment to tradition forming the foundation for a bountiful season and confident steps forward.

 By SONG AN
Translated by X.QUANG