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A Kazakh couple، Ainur and Arman Beybit، have successfully launched a restaurant serving traditional Kazakh cuisine in the Vietnamese city of Da Nang. The venture was born out of a desire to share the flavors of their homeland with others، particularly those experiencing homesickness.

Having previously worked as dentists، the couple embarked on a completely new career path in the restaurant business، encountering numerous obstacles along the way.

Starting a Business from Scratch

Ainur and Arman relocated to Vietnam in 2021 for a medical treatment. After recovering، they decided against returning to their dental practices، marking the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.

Despite having no prior experience in the restaurant industry، the couple was determined to open a Kazakh food establishment in Da Nang، a city they found appealing for its peaceful atmosphere and growth potential.

Challenges of Opening a Business in Vietnam

Establishing a business as a foreigner in Vietnam presents significant challenges. Ainur explained that navigating local laws، obtaining licenses، understanding tax regulations، and adapting to the local business culture required considerable effort.

A major hurdle was the high charter capital requirement for foreign investors، funds that must remain in a bank account until the business is operational. "The charter capital amount increases annually، and it has tripled since we opened. This is one of the most inconvenient aspects،" Ainur shared.

Taxation for foreigners is also substantial، with approximately 30 percent of profits being paid in taxes. However، the reporting system is reportedly simpler compared to that for local entrepreneurs.

Competition and Staffing Issues

The restaurant quickly gained popularity among Kazakh citizens and tourists after its opening. However، this success also attracted pressure from competitors. Some individuals reportedly spread negative reviews، discouraging tourists from visiting the establishment.

"They claimed our restaurant was bad and that people would get food poisoning،" Ainur recalled.

Finding and retaining staff proved to be another significant challenge. Local chefs often struggled with the fast-paced environment and frequently left their positions. Currently، Ainur and Arman are handling the cooking themselves and plan to assemble a new team for the upcoming season.

Memorable Incidents

The couple's experience running the restaurant has been filled with a mix of interesting، humorous، and even surprising events. One memorable incident involved a cook who set the baursaki (a traditional fried dough) on fire and subsequently quit. On another occasion، a physical altercation with batons broke out in the dining area، requiring police intervention.

A Taste of Home

Today، the restaurant serves as more than just a place to eat؛ it has become a gathering spot for people to connect and share memories. Approximately 70 percent of the patrons are Kazakh citizens، with the remaining 30 percent being foreigners with ties to Kazakhstan. For them، the restaurant offers a sensory connection to their homeland، evoking memories of youth and childhood.

This story was reported by Infohub.kz.