Thai hawker offers heartbroken regular a free meal


For Thais, food is a haven away from worldly troubles. But for one man, one of his favourite stops became a reminder of bad memories when he got his heart broken. Fortunately, the generous Thai hawker saw his tearful message and offered him free noodles if he returns with a new lover.

We outline how this poor regular’s story of heartbreak unfolded, and the stories that Thai netizens shared in response.

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Ruining his favourite noodle place with heartbreak


Many of us have a favourite food spot that we have fond memories of. We’d usually go there whenever we’re feeling like we need a quick pick-me-up. However, that changed for one man when he had his heart broken. 

Image credit: @chanita9901

In a TikTok video clip, he shared this order for a bowl of tom yum noodles, writing a tearful message that explained he was “here alone today”. He also said that the previous time he was here, he was with his then-girlfriend and that it was the last time they’d be here together. 

Image credit: @chanita9901

While many of us usually binge on ice cream or chocolate, this man turned to spicy noodles instead – granted he did make a note to ask for the spiciness to be milder. Of course, we’d be horrified if his girlfriend had broken up with him, just because he couldn’t handle the spiciness – but we digress. 

Image credit: @chanita9901

When the hawker saw his message, she reached out to him on TikTok, sharing her reply. The generous lady promised that the next time he showed up with a new lover, she’ll give him a free set of tom yum noodles “on the house” to encourage him.


Netizens share their own experiences


The heartbroken man wasn’t alone in his pain. Many Thai netizens came out of the woodwork to share their love stories that had gone awry, or ruined otherwise spotless memories of their favourite eateries. 

Screenshot: @chanita9901

Translation: This is the reason I don’t go to some places anymore. Because once upon a time, I had great memories with someone I want to forget there.

Others saw it as an opportunity for new love – and a free meal.

Screenshot: @chanita9901

Translation: If anyone finds the man in question, please tell him I’m available. I’d love to eat some of that shrimp. 

But at least our man still returned to the shop for more of that deliciousness, in spite of the ordeal he’d gone through.


Embrace fond memories and be open for new ones


While many netizens shared their own stories of avoiding places with fond memories due to heartbreak, our noodle shop regular still comes to eat at the hawker in spite of the memory. Just because a place brings some pain, doesn’t mean you should permanently let that memory rob you of the chance to make new ones.

Be like our currently heartbroken regular who powered through, so he could continue to eat at one of his favorite eateries. In time, we hope that they only pain he’ll feel will be from any residual spiciness when he eats them, and perhaps when it leaves him in the toilet.


Cover images adapted from (Clockwise from Top Left): @chanita9901, @chanita9901, @chanita9901

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