If you ever visit Vietnam, you’ll be amazed by the countless tiny chairs along the streets. From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, these low stools are used in sidewalk cafes and street food stalls.
At first glance, Vietnam’s tiny plastic chairs might look funny or uncomfortable. For many tourists, especially from the West, these tiny chairs are unusual and often look like children’s furniture. But for locals, these small stools carry a big meaning.
Vietnamese people love these tiny chairs. They’re used for everything, from selling goods to eating meals. So, why do Vietnamese people love small chairs so much?
A Symbol of Connection in Vietnamese Street Life
In Vietnam, low stools and chairs are part of everyday life. They offer a simple, familiar, and practical way to sit, especially during meals and conversations.
This low-sitting habit reflects Vietnam’s social values of closeness and equality. Everyone sits at the same level, sharing food and stories face to face. Even in public spaces, a few small chairs can transform a quiet sidewalk into a lively cafe or street food stall where people laugh, eat, and connect.
Historically, street vendors used small wooden or bamboo stools to sit while preparing food and serving customers. They preferred them because they were light and easy to move. As plastic became more affordable and durable, these stools evolved into the colorful plastic chairs that now fill Vietnam’s streets.
For vendors, low chairs help maximize space and keep their stalls flexible. For customers, they’ve become a symbol of comfort and authenticity, a part of what makes Vietnam’s street food experience unique.
Over time, these tiny chairs have grown beyond their practical purpose. They’ve become a true icon of Vietnamese street culture, representing warmth, community, and the country’s ability to turn simplicity into something meaningful.
The Low-Sitting Culture in Asia
Across Asia, the habit of sitting close to the ground has existed for centuries. In Japan, Korea, and parts of Southeast Asia including Vietnam, people are accustomed to living, eating, and even sleeping on the floor.
Inside their homes, Asians often keep the floor spotless because it’s the main surface for daily activities. Mats made from natural fibers are commonly used as communal seating. Removing shoes before entering a home is also an essential custom, not only for cleanliness but also as a sign of respect.
Beyond practicality, sitting on the floor reflects values of humility, equality, and closeness among family members. In small traditional homes, chairs take up space, so sitting on the floor is a simple and cozy choice. Many Asians also feel more connected to nature by sitting on the ground.
Over time, as lifestyles changed and people spent more time outside their homes, sitting directly on the floor became less practical. Small stools and low chairs then became the modern version of this traditional low-sitting habit.
Tiny Chairs and the Space Problem
The rise of Vietnam’s tiny plastic chairs has become both a cultural icon and a modern urban challenge. These low stools, once symbols of community and street food culture, now fill the sidewalks of busy cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
However, their popularity comes with a dilemma. Urban planners and city officials often raise concerns that crowded street stalls block sidewalks, making it unsafe and inconvenient for pedestrians. Rows of stools and tables sometimes force people to walk on the road, creating tension between vibrant street life and public safety.
In response, local governments continue to seek solutions, from organizing sidewalk zones to regulating street vendors, while trying to preserve what makes Vietnam’s street culture so unique.
In the end, Vietnam’s tiny chairs represent more than a place to sit. They symbolize the balance between cultural warmth and the fast-changing rhythm of urban life. These little stools may take up space on the sidewalk, but they hold a big place in Vietnam’s identity.
References:
- https://vietnamnews.vn/life-style/1497956/small-stools-big-charm-balancing-ha-noi-s-iconic-appeal-with-pedestrian-safety
- https://vietnamdaily.ca/culture/tiny-chairs-and-tiny-tables-in-vietnam
