Vietnam Insider

Fast-food giant KFC Australia has stirred up debate after launching a new menu item inspired by Vietnam’s beloved street food — Banh Mi.

The limited-edition Zinger Banh Mi, rolled out nationwide on November 4, combines KFC’s signature spicy Zinger fillet with local Vietnamese flavors. The chain notably kept the Vietnamese name “Banh Mi” unchanged on its menu.

According to Daily Mail Australia, the sandwich features crispy chicken fillet, spicy “Supercharged” sauce, a new Banh Mi-style mayonnaise, fresh chili, and crunchy coleslaw — replacing traditional fillings such as pâté, pickled vegetables, and cold cuts.

Priced from AUD 9.95 (approx. VND 170,000), the item will be available across Australia until December 1.

“At KFC, we love adding our own twist to modern dishes — and the Zinger Banh Mi is our playful take on a much-loved classic,” said Sally Spriggs, KFC Australia’s Chief Marketing Officer.

The move follows months of speculation after diners spotted a secret “Banh Mi” trial at select stores in New South Wales earlier this year.

While many praised the fusion, calling it “a tasty change from the usual burger” and “soft yet crispy perfection,” others — particularly some Vietnamese-Australian food lovers — were less impressed.

“If there’s no pâté, it’s not real Banh Mi,” one user commented. Another joked: “Calling this Banh Mi is a crime — but okay, I’ll still try it.”

Despite the controversy, the Zinger Banh Mi has become a viral hit online, reigniting global interest in Vietnam’s most famous street food.

An ostrich that had been captured after running loose through an industrial park in Ho Chi Minh City has died from exhaustion, local authorities confirmed on Saturday.

According to officials from Ben Cat Ward, the bird was caught on November 7 after it was seen sprinting at high speed through the My Phuoc 3 Industrial Zone. The ostrich reportedly collapsed and died shortly afterward, likely from fatigue and lack of food or water while roaming outdoors.

The carcass was later disposed of under veterinary supervision, following standard animal control and bio-safety regulations. It was transported to a local waste treatment facility for destruction.

Authorities said the animal was first spotted by workers who reported it to the local People’s Committee after it caused traffic hazards in the area. Police and forest rangers were deployed to capture the bird safely while searching for its owner.

The incident quickly spread across social media, with videos showing the ostrich sprinting between vehicles on industrial roads, drawing both concern and amusement from online viewers.

While the origins of the ostrich remain unclear, local officials emphasized that any large or exotic animal found wandering in public spaces poses potential safety risks and must be handled by professional wildlife or veterinary units.

As central Vietnam endured one of its most severe floods in recent history, Aeon Mall Hue stood out as a striking anomaly: lights on, floors dry, and operations ongoing while surrounding streets transformed into rivers. The mall’s resilience has sparked widespread interest online, with many asking—how did this building survive when so much of the city was underwater?

70 Years of Flood Data, 1.15 Meters Higher

According to Imai Takeshi, General Manager of Aeon Mall Hue, the secret lies in meticulous planning and historical data. Before construction, Aeon Mall Vietnam analyzed 70 years of local flood records to determine safe building heights. The mall’s ground floor is elevated 1.15 meters above street level, complemented by advanced flood-prevention systems in the basement and throughout the building.

“Our design transforms Hue’s unique flood challenges into an architectural advantage,” Imai explained.

This foresight reflects the precision and long-term thinking typical of Japanese construction projects, turning what could have been a vulnerability into a defining feature of safety and reliability.

A Community Safe Haven Amid the Flood

Beyond structural resilience, Aeon Mall Hue acted as a critical support hub for the community. During the floods:

• Free flood parking was provided for around 300 cars and 600 motorbikes daily.

• The mall remained open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., supplying essential food, water, and household items when local markets were submerged.

• Charging stations and resting areas were available for residents navigating the crisis.

“The mall became more than a shopping center; it served as a lifeline during extreme conditions,” said local authorities.

Lessons for Urban Planning in Flood-Prone Cities

The success of Aeon Mall raises questions about applying similar flood-resilient designs citywide. Deputy Mayor Hoang Hai Minh stressed that elevating building foundations across Hue must be carefully adapted to preserve drainage systems and protect heritage areas. Unchecked elevation could inadvertently create low-lying zones elsewhere, exacerbating flood risks.

Still, Aeon Mall Hue offers a model of integrating engineering foresight with community support, showing how urban development can be both resilient and socially responsible. As climate change intensifies flooding risks across Southeast Asia, such strategies may inspire future infrastructure projects.

Vietnam is taking bold steps to tackle urban air pollution by tightening emissions standards for motorcycles and mopeds, with Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi set to lead the initiative beginning July 1, 2027.

Speaking at the “Green Energy – Clean Cities” forum, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Lê Công Thành emphasized the urgent need to address climate change, environmental degradation, and resource depletion. He said Vietnam’s transition to clean energy and sustainable urban development is both a global responsibility and a national priority.

Motorcycles remain a major source of air pollution in Vietnamese cities. The Ministry is drafting a nationwide roadmap for emissions standards based on vehicle age, aiming to gradually reduce carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbon (HC) outputs.

“The timeline ensures environmental protection while giving citizens and local authorities time to adapt,” a ministry spokesperson explained.

Under the proposed plan:

• Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City will implement stricter rules starting July 1, 2027.

• Other major cities, including Da Nang, Hai Phong, Can Tho, and Hue, will follow July 1, 2028.

• The remaining provinces will adopt regulations by July 1, 2030.

Vehicles will be classified into four levels depending on year of manufacture. For example:

• Motorcycles built before 2008 and mopeds before 2016 must meet Level 1 standards.

• Newer vehicles will be required to meet progressively stricter levels, with Level 4 for the newest models.

• In Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, all motorcycles and mopeds must meet at least Level 2 standards by January 1, 2032.

The move is part of Vietnam’s broader green energy and climate strategy, which includes commitments under the 2020 Environmental Protection Law, national climate plans, and the goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

“Developing green energy not only reduces greenhouse gases and ensures energy security but also supports sustainable growth for major economic and cultural hubs,” Deputy Minister Lê said.

With motorcycles accounting for a significant portion of urban air pollution, these measures mark a major step toward cleaner, healthier cities in Vietnam’s most densely populated areas.

The U.S. government has issued new guidance potentially affecting foreign nationals with certain health conditions, including obesity and diabetes, when applying for visas.

On November 7, the U.S. Department of State instructed embassies and consulates worldwide to consider denying visas to applicants who might become a “public charge” due to age or health-related factors, according to ABC News. The guidelines focus on medical conditions that could require extensive or costly medical care, which the U.S. government may need to provide.

“Medical conditions such as heart disease, respiratory illness, cancer, diabetes, metabolic disorders, neurological conditions, and mental health issues may trigger additional scrutiny,” the State Department cable stated.

Consular officers are encouraged to assess whether applicants have sufficient access to private medical care without relying on U.S. public benefits. Obesity, in particular, may be flagged due to associated risks like sleep apnea, asthma, and hypertension, which could require prolonged treatment. Family members, including children or elderly dependents, may also be considered when evaluating potential public health or financial burdens.

Applicants must undergo a medical examination by a physician approved by the U.S. embassy, report any past illnesses, substance use, or behavioral issues, and provide proof of required vaccinations such as measles, polio, and hepatitis B.

Legal experts note that while the guidance broadly applies to all visa applicants, it is primarily relevant for those seeking permanent residency. The State Department has not publicly commented on the new policy.

Authorities in Ho Chi Minh City have confirmed that more than 80 people were hospitalized after eating banh mi, with initial investigations pointing to Salmonella bacteria as the cause.

Between November 5–8, four hospitals reported cases of suspected food poisoning:

• Military Hospital 175: 47 patients

• Tam Anh General Hospital: 16 patients

• Nhan Dan Gia Dinh Hospital: 19 patients

• Binh Dan Hospital: 1 patient

Of the 83 patients affected, 47 have already been discharged, while the remainder continue to receive treatment.

One patient admitted to Nhan Dan Gia Dinh on November 5 experienced severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea, with blood cultures testing positive for Salmonella. Health authorities noted that clinical and laboratory findings from most patients correspond with gastrointestinal bacterial infection, most likely caused by Salmonella.

“The primary treatment focuses on hydration, electrolyte balance, and monitoring organ function, with antibiotics administered only when necessary and guided by bacterial testing,” a spokesperson from Ho Chi Minh City’s Department of Health said.

The city’s Food Safety Department has temporarily closed the affected banh mi outlet, collected food and environmental samples, and is conducting further investigations to trace the source of contamination.

Salmonella is a common foodborne pathogen, typically transmitted via contaminated meat, eggs, or other foods. Infections can lead to typhoid fever or non-typhoid gastroenteritis, depending on the bacterial strain, and are a frequent cause of foodborne illness worldwide.

Authorities continue to monitor and coordinate hospital responses to ensure all patients receive appropriate care and to prevent further outbreaks.

Traditional multi-tiered cakes, towering champagne towers, and ornate ceremonial trays are gradually giving way to innovative, personalized wedding rituals in Vietnam — a trend embraced by the younger generation seeking to make their big day truly memorable.

Recently, the wedding of Trương Trần Như Ý and Minh Mẫn turned heads with a unique vow ceremony. Guests watched as the couple washed each other’s feet and watered a plant together, gestures symbolizing mutual support, care, and a shared journey of growth. Như Ý explained that the foot-washing represents helping each other overcome life’s challenges, while the plant-watering embodies nurturing their relationship so it flourishes over time.

“Even a priest requested photos of the ritual to show to young couples in marriage classes,” Như Ý said, highlighting the emotional impact of their personalized ceremony.

Another couple, Nguyễn Cao Kỳ Duyên and Minh Hiếu, made headlines for a quirky twist on classic traditions: replacing alcohol with coconut water and matcha tea and swapping the ceremonial cake-cutting for sprinkling cocoa powder on a tiramisu cake. They also introduced unusual gift trays, including bubble tea and decorative eggs, reflecting personal tastes while honoring cultural symbolism.

“Some people commented on our matcha ritual instead of pouring wine, but as long as our families and friends appreciated it, that was enough to make us happy,” Kỳ Duyên said.

A Broader Trend: Personalized Yet Respectful Ceremonies

Wedding planner Nguyễn Hoàng Chí Quang, with five years of experience in Ho Chi Minh City, notes that Gen Z couples increasingly embrace personalization, prioritizing meaningful, emotionally resonant rituals over grandeur. Modern Vietnamese weddings often incorporate eco-friendly, intimate, or interactive elements: planting trees, contributing ingredients to communal meals, or opting for high-quality minimalist cakes instead of multi-tiered spectacles.

Quang emphasizes that innovation need not compromise tradition: careful planning and family consultation allow couples to balance personal expression with cultural respect, creating ceremonies that are both heartfelt and memorable.

“We guide couples to apply highly personalized ideas mainly during private parts of the celebration to preserve the overall cultural integrity of the wedding,” he explained.

With these evolving practices, weddings in Vietnam are no longer just about the feast — they are immersive, experiential celebrations of love, thoughtfully crafted to leave a lasting impression on every guest.

Authorities in Ho Chi Minh City have captured a runaway ostrich that caused chaos after sprinting through a busy industrial park, startling motorists and disrupting traffic.

On November 7, officials in Ben Cat Ward confirmed they had temporarily detained a two-meter-tall ostrich found running at high speed along NA3 Street in the My Phuoc 2 Industrial Zone. The incident quickly went viral after passersby recorded videos of the massive bird sprinting down the road among cars and motorbikes.

“It was running incredibly fast — people were shocked to see an ostrich in the middle of traffic,” one witness said.

Local authorities quickly launched a coordinated effort to corner and safely capture the bird, which is now being held while officials search for its owner.

Initial speculation linked the ostrich to the nearby Dai Nam Tourism Park, which houses several exotic animals. However, a park representative told Thanh Nien that all of their ostriches had been accounted for.

“We checked immediately — none of our animals are missing,” the representative confirmed.

A Surprising Sight in Saigon

The ostrich — scientifically known as Struthio camelus — is native to Africa and can reach speeds of up to 65 km/h. In Vietnam, ostriches are typically raised on farms for meat and eggs, or kept in tourist areas where visitors can ride or feed them within enclosed spaces.

The sight of a full-grown ostrich dashing through an industrial district in Ho Chi Minh City drew thousands of views online and sparked amused reactions across Vietnamese social media.

Officials say the animal is safe and in good condition while they work to identify where it came from.