Ho Chi Minh - Food Shop

Generate income so that the people of Ho Chi Minh can continue to be provided with hygienic, healthy food at a low cost
Give you practical experience in the kitchen and an insight into food preparation
Assist the local staff with extra hands at the food shop

Since the Food Shop is self-funded, the aim is to generate income so that the poor people of Ho Chi Minh can continue to be provided with more hygienic, healthier food for a very low cost.

Introduction Day
Your project starts with an introduction day on the first Monday including a tour of the area surrounding the accommodation, available facilities, cultural "do's and don'ts", safety concerns as well as some basic local language lessons.

Monday to Friday
Breakfast
Depart for the Food Shop, arrive around 08:30 *
Clean the cards, clean the bowls, arrange the cutlery, clean up the tables, organize the chairs, sometimes, there are some tasks are still available such as peel the eggs, or cutting vegetables
Prepare the food tray from 09:00-09:45
Serve the food from 10:00 until 12:00 or longer, then clean up
Lunch at the Food Shop
Head back to the accommodation
Free time during the afternoon
Dinner

* It takes between 35-45 minutes to travel to the Food Shop each way and the bus ticket costs around 1 EUR/day.

Please note that the volunteer activities and schedule can change at any time based on the needs of the project, local conditions, the weather and unforeseen circumstances.

Evenings & Weekends
During the evenings the volunteers are generally free, but on Wednesday afternoons you can join the other volunteers and local coordinators for a game of football. Weekends are free.

This action packed week combines Vietnamese culture, both contemporary and historic, through visits to historic monuments, workshops, temples and more!

The Culture Week will give you an understanding of both the past and present of the fascinating city of Ho Chi Minh. During this week, you will get an insight about the customs and culture of Vietnam and get the chance to bond with other participants along the way! Make your travel completely worthwhile with these action pack culture week and explore Vietnam at its finest.

The project is either closed or has alternative activities on public holidays.

2026
01-02 January
02-28 February*
27 & 30 April
01 May
02 September

Week of 02 February 2026: working on MON-FRI.

Week of 09 February 2026: working on MON-FRI.

Week of 16 February 2026: * Lunar New Year. Monday-Wednesday, no work. Thursday and Friday is the Special Program (see below).
During the Lunar New Year (Tet), volunteers will prepare food (lunch) for the at-risk community (mostly the young children). We also arrange some activities with the children (singing, dancing, playing, etc…) and teach them English. The local team will purchase all the necessary food, ingredients, and materials for volunteers to assist in food preparation, cooking, and serving for the elderly and others. The center is about a 15-minute walk from our accommodation and a 5-minute taxi ride. Volunteers can expect to contribute from 08:00 to 12:30. Alternatively, volunteers may use this time for travel and participation in local festivities.

Week of 23 February 2026: working on MON-FRI.

Minimum age of 18
Basic level of competency in English
Police Clearance Certificate on sign-up
Passport copy required on arrival

Volunteers need to be flexible and keep an open mind concerning their placements as situations can arise beyond our control which could require you to be placed at a different project than the one you have initially chosen. We will of course always do our utmost to fulfill your initial wishes but do remember that where you are going is quite different from where you are coming and as such one should be prepared for things not always going according to plan.

Volunteering work and intercultural travel share a common trait: the more you put into it, the more you get out of it. This program is designed for proactive individuals and groups that are prepared to adapt to the local environment and its current needs. Naturally, the scheduling and activities of our program are subject to change. At times, alterations in activities are due to changes in local conditions. This can be part of what makes overseas programs the interesting adventure and incredible learning experience that it is.

Our projects range from 1 week up to approx. 30 weeks. Projects have a specified minimum stay, then it’s up to you how long you can commit. In our experience the longer you stay the more you will gain, as your understanding of the project broadens and you take on more responsibilities. Every volunteer will be given a certificate of appreciation at the end of their stay as a symbol of volunteering stay.