On July 10, 2026, authorities from the Nha Trang Ward People’s Committee confirmed to Tuoi Tre Online that administrative penalties have been officially issued against Mr. N.T.T., the owner of Ngoc Tam Restaurant. The fines stem from a series of regulatory violations spanning business registration, food safety, and price management.
A receipt provided by the customer highlights the alleged 2.9 million Dong per kilogram charge for the boxfish. — Source: Tuoi Tre Newspaper
The incident has triggered wider scrutiny across the coastal city. In a related development, the Khanh Hoa Provincial Chairman has ordered a strict investigation into a separate floating seafood restaurant that reportedly charged an astronomical 3.5 million Dong per kilogram for boxfish. Authorities later discovered that this particular floating business in Nha Trang had been operating completely in the shadows without any legal permit.
Local officials cited three specific infractions committed by Ngoc Tam Restaurant. First, the establishment altered its core business activities without notifying the proper registration authorities. Second, it was operating without a valid food safety compliance certificate. Finally, the restaurant failed to display its prices publicly in accordance with the law. Together, these violations resulted in a total fine of 20.75 million Dong.
The boxfish is a distinctive species native to the coastal waters of Central Vietnam. — Source: Tuoi Tre Newspaper
Despite the initial uproar over the alleged overcharging, ward leaders revealed a surprising conclusion to the investigation. After thoroughly reviewing the case and interviewing all parties involved, authorities officially determined that no actual price-gouging had taken place.
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