Vietnam’s Beef Bae Meets the Police: A Slice of Public Scrutiny
Diagonally over from the London steak‑shack escapade that stole headlines, a local noodle shop owner from Danang found himself on the police docket—thanks to a dish‑delicious prank.
Meet Bui Tuan Lam, the “Green Onion Bae”
38‑year‑old Bui Tuan Lam ran a quick video where he mimicked Turkey’s famous foodie, Salt Bae, by whisking boiled beef and sprinkling green onions into a bowl of steaming noodles. “It was for fun and to boost my shop’s ad—customers have been flocking in since,” Lam told an interview on Twitter. He didn’t clarify whether his police summons stemmed from the video or something else.
The President’s Gold‑Plated Snack
Just a week earlier, Minister of Public Security To Lam was caught flashing a gold‑leaf‑coated steak at a Salt Bae pop‑up in London—a dish that can run up to 1,450 pounds (about $1,960). The footage sparked a massive stir, even causing Facebook to temporarily block the “#saltbae” hashtag worldwide. That block has now been lifted.
Police Summoning Culture in Vietnam
Vietnamese law enforcement often summons citizens who publicly criticize the Communist Party. Danang police have failed to respond to our request for comment on Lam’s summons. The local shopkeeper—who has previously aired his grievances on Facebook—claims he “raised his voice for a better society.” In April, he was summoned again, with no reasons revealed.
- Lam’s video: quirky, comedic, and oddly viral.
- To Lam’s dinner: a golden display of luxury amid a crackdown on corruption.
- Government response: a silence that many feel as loud as a muted bass drum.
While Lam claims his noodles aren’t about mocking anyone, the timing of his summons has everyone wondering if the authorities are trying to keep a lid on a certain “yellow‑knife” humor. Until the police make a formal statement, the mystery remains as savory as a bowl of broth.
