At noon, the restaurant Nuoc Noi Quan (Floating Water) at 3 Le Thi Rieng Street, District 12, bustles with customers. The eatery opened in early April with a special floor design sealed to hold water. The feature allows customers to immerse themselves in water while they dine and drink.
Restaurant owner Le Hoang Khiem said the idea for the dining experience stemmed from his childhood experiences with the annual floods of the Mekong Delta region.
"I wanted to bring the charm of the Mekong Delta area to the city by simulating flood conditions, offering customers a unique dining experience," said the 35-year-old.
Khiem designed the dining area as a water tank, approximately 25 centimeters deep and nearly 300 meters square. Each day at 10 a.m., water is pumped from a well for one hour, then filled and discharged by 4 p.m.
The eatery only offers the floating water experience until the afternoon to prevent customers from catching cold and to deter flies, mosquitoes and other insects.
"We change the water daily and clean the dining area thoroughly to ensure hygiene," Khiem said.
Adjacent to the restaurant is a lake, originally a lotus pond that underwent renovation to create a more expansive and aesthetically pleasing landscape. The total investment to build out and open the establishment amounted to approximately VND500 million ($15,780).
In the afternoons, the water from the dining area is discharged into the lake and eventually drained through the common sewer line of the residential area. Guests can also enjoy complimentary boat rides on the lake.
The dining area accommodates around 15 tables, surrounded by greenery. Upon entering the eatery, customers are asked to leave their shoes on shelves provided.
Pham Dinh Quy and his family live nearby and frequently visit the restaurant on weekends. "The sensation of being submerged in water is truly intriguing. It's refreshing to have lunch here, especially on hot days," Quy said.
Nguyen Thi Lieu, a District 12 resident, visited the restaurant for the first time after seeing clips on social media. "Knowing that I would be wading in water, I opted for slippers for convenience. The water was surprisingly clean, although I was a bit concerned about potential skin issues if I stayed immersed for too long," the 37-year-old woman said.
Nguyen Thi Bich Lien (L), aged 47, said she intended to return to the restaurant because of its diverse menu and reasonable prices. "My only worry is that I might accidentally drop my phone, belongings, or food into the water," Lien said as she snapped photos.
The restaurant, equipped with 10 staff members, ensures prompt service, with food prepared in a kitchen separate from the flooded area.
Customers have the option to dine in the shore area or the flooded space. Operating from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Nuoc Noi Quan welcomes approximately 200 customers daily, with peak hours being at lunch and dinner time.
Spanning nearly 3,000 meters square, the entire property can accommodate a maximum of 350 people. The restaurant offers plenty of parking and ensures guest belongings are safe with security. Khiem is willing to expand the flooded dining area if more customers show interest.
