Communist KFC...

The ongoing fierce and brutal boxing match of communism vs. Market economy has traveled from South Vietnam to the north where Hanoi opens its first foreign franchise restaurant. A historic day in the capital where Ho Chi Minh continues to provide the reality of communism and the collectively of Vietnamese people must change it'’s attitude and learn to co-exist with economic influence of non-Vietnamese companies. We are all seeing that Vietnam'’s young population is a large potential market share for social and economical image of American / North American vibrant lifestyle.

KFC open their first restaurant today about two blocks from my apartment building attracting the attention of thousands who lined up outside to get a taste of the deep friend chicken and French fries. Motorbike parking attendants were busy throughout looking after the hundreds of motorbikes of people who been inching their way in to even get a view of Colonel Sanders himself. Watching the foundation pop being pouring into large plastic containers, French fries in the deep fryer and chicken sandwiches being wrapped up in the waxy paper which has been powering the fast food business for many years all over the world.

Despite the dynamic changes that continue to occur in north Vietnam and the corruption that continues to show in various areas, KFC is making a headway in bring the image and the reality of what “western” culture is about. Young people who are used to eating rice and veggies now have change their diet including the bread, mayo, and deep fried chicken are leaving the corner side house style businesses searching for other places to generate their income.

It has been indeed a historical day and I am lucky to be part of this by ordering a medium coke with little ice, French fries and chicken popcorn. Mc-Dicks, may you soon enter the growing market economy in a socialist Vietnam.