Bao Cap (1975-1986)

Once Upon A Time, Amazing Hanoi (Part 1)

"Bao Cap, a period that Hanoi experienced State subsidies between 1975 and 1986. At those days, everything, I mean EVERYTHING, was distributed to people based on their ranks in the society. Every family had a food registration book and coupons used to buy subsided goods.

My family of 6 members got enough coupons to buy 60kg of rice, 3kg of pork, 1kg of fish, liquefied fat (used as cooking oil,) fish sauce... a month. Other commodities such as toothpaste, soap, handkerchiefs, fabric, singlet, bicycle spare parts… were couponed annually. Food, always needed but it was not always we could have enough time and patience to queue for those. Everything was always in short."

Once Upon A Time, Amazing Hanoi (Part 2)

"During Bao Cap, having Tem Phieu (food coupon) means you have food to eat (don't say enough and full.) But loosing them means you starve.

We improved our protein nutrition with eggs from home raised chickens. A meal with a boiled egg was a real fancy one.

MSG (Monosodium Glutamate) was a precious and rare additive to dull tasted dish."