Two “zero-yuan noodle restaurants” in Nanjing provide free meals regardless of status, and there are long queues every day

There are two “zero-yuan noodle restaurants” in Nanjing that serve plain noodles for free regardless of status or financial status, attracting people queuing. Every day at noon, a long line forms in front of the Yinxiang store in Jiangning District. Some residents have visited five or six times, and there are also job seekers who have no fixed place to live and rely on a bowl of noodles for food. The support for free meals has also sparked discussion over the sustainability of operations and impact on businesses.

Yangtze Evening News reported that two zero-yuan noodle restaurants in Nanjing are located in Yinxiang, Jiangning District and Daishan, Yuhuatai District. The Yinxiang store opened in October, serving hundreds of vegetarian noodles for every meal. Those eating food include the elderly, cleaning workers etc.delivery boy God. The store does not impose age or financial restrictions, but only requires people to queue, pay attention to hygiene, and avoid waste. Ms. Li, who lives alone, has come to eat five or six times. She thinks this will relieve her from the trouble of cooking and plans to join the volunteer food ranks.

Mr Pan, who is looking for a job, has no fixed place to live. He heard about the free food the day before and waited in line for more than ten minutes to get the food. He came back the next day and thanked the boss through journalists whom he had not yet met. The store uses batches to release food, and although the queue is long, there is still order.

The operator, Mr. Zhang, said that he opened the store because he wanted to do more good and feed more people, and he would not refuse them because of whether they had money or not. The Daishan store has been open for about seven or eight days, and more than 1,000 people are eating there every day. Mr. Zhang ran the buffet. Since there were so many dishes and food was easily leftover, they began using plain noodles in hopes of reducing wastage and controlling costs.

As to whether charges should be filed in the future, he clarified: “It is impossible to charge.” It has no profit model and is closed every Tuesday. The expense is not small considering it provides food for approximately 26 days per month. The original plan was to expand to 10 stores and supply 5,000 bowls per day. At this stage, the idea is to first add a store and then make arrangements.

Free noodles shop brings mixed feelings to nearby businesses. Mr. Yang, who has been selling low-priced fried noodles for nearly 15 years, said he earns just over 1 yuan per meal after deducting costs, and has to rely on sales to survive. He believes that business has been affected since the opening of the noodles shop. Even at lunch time there are no customers in the shop and the number of employees has also been reduced from several people to just myself. He is considering not renewing the lease after it expires. Another employee at a fried noodle shop said they have not felt any significant effects yet and believe customers will choose based on taste and timing.

Netizens have polarized opinions. Some believe that not performing identity checks may protect vulnerable people from embarrassment caused by the difficulties in proving themselves. Others advocate that public welfare resources should be given priority to those in genuine need, and also question whether the food supply can last long.

The Jiangning District Market Supervision and Administration Bureau said that relevant departments have taken the lead in coordinating the situation. Moling Street explained that it has dispatched personnel to remind of food safety matters and help maintain order in the queues, and will also pay attention to the safety of the elderly during waiting.