The Train Restaurant in District 7 has been open for more than three months.
Nguyen Thi Theu, the owner, said she learned about the train restaurant business model while visiting the Czech Republic about a year ago. "I think it's a fun business model, so I spent VND500 million ($21,704) to purchase a model train and bring it back to Vietnam to open a restaurant," the 41-year-old woman said.
Dishes are placed on a model train that swings around the restaurant, stopping for about 15 to 20 seconds each at the table for diners to choose their orders.
The restaurant is 120 square meters, with a train set on a table in the center. This table measures nearly one meter in height, 1.5 meters in width, and 15 meters in length. Theu decorated the model train tracks with European-style scenery such as a gas station, a cathedral, and villas. Guests are seated at dining tables near the model. The restaurant can accommodate up to 50 people.
Theu prepares the food in the kitchen area, which is separated by curtains, before loading it onto the models. She said that putting all of the model pieces together was quite easy, taking her only about a month.
"The most difficult part is writing software that allows the train to run at the correct speed and stop at the correct table," said Theu. "The programmer had to correct some errors several times before the train could run correctly."
There are currently five model train sets, but they are only all used when the restaurant is full. Typically, only half of the trains are used. The train is powered by electricity and can transport up to 4 kilograms of orders at a time. The train speed can be adjusted via an app, and they can only run in one direction.
The surrounding space around the trains is decorated with 45 models of European houses, castles, cathedrals, and stations.
All the house models are adorned with hand-written signs. The train tracks are also decorated with mini stones for a more realistic feel.
On average, each train will stop for 15 to 20 seconds at each table for guests to get their food. Thao Van (pictured) said that the model train is suitable for families with young children.
"The train will arrive at each table in turn," said Van, a 30-year-old customer. "As a result, guests are served on a regular basis, and the food is served efficiently. But the menu does not yet have many options."
The model trains also transport the dishes back to the kitchen after they have been used. There is one waiter who is primarily responsible for ordering food for customers. There are currently about 20 dishes on the menu, including hamburgers, spaghetti, and dim sum. Prices range between VND29,000 and VND69,000 ($1.22 and $2.91).
"Because the majority of the customers in this area are foreigners, I chose a dish from each country to include on the menu. There will be more dishes in the future," said the owner.
Many paintings of trains from around the world are hung on the walls. This restaurant is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day. The evenings and weekends are the busiest times. Parking is available in front of the restaurant. However, as there are no security guards at the moment, you must look after your own vehicle.
Check out the restaurant at 41 Hung Phuoc 1 Area, Tan Phong Ward, District 7.
A model train delivers foods to tables at The Train Restaurant in HCMC.
