Top Dining, Shopping, and Entertainment Spots in Orange County’s Little Saigon

Nestled between Huntington Beach and Irvine, Little Saigon is home to the largest Vietnamese American community outside Vietnam, with over 200,000 residents. This vibrant community began to flourish after the Fall of Saigon and the conclusion of the Vietnam War in 1975. Attracted by the mild Southern California climate and affordable housing, many refugees from the former Republic of Vietnam settled in Westminster, establishing businesses and eateries along Bolsa Avenue and Brookhurst Street. In 1988, local officials and then-California governor George Deukmejian officially recognized the area as the Little Saigon Tourist Commercial District.

More than thirty years later, Little Saigon has expanded into adjacent cities like Garden Grove, Fountain Valley, and Santa Ana, and features thousands of bustling establishments offering a variety of delicious dining and shopping experiences. This guide to Little Saigon provides insights on where to explore, what to enjoy, and, most importantly, the best places to eat in this captivating Vietnamese American enclave of Orange County.

Must-Try Dishes

Phở 79

A visit to Little Saigon isn't complete without indulging in a warm bowl of phở. This humble local gem gained fame after winning a prestigious James Beard Award in 2019, but Phở 79 has been delighting diners with its aromatic noodle soup since it opened in 1982 in Garden Grove, just east of Westminster. Be prepared for a short wait to savor the beef broth, infused with delightful, complex flavors—don't forget to garnish your bowl with plenty of bean sprouts, basil, and culantro. Pair it with a robust cup of cà phê sữa đá, or Vietnamese iced coffee.

Van’s Bakery

Once you've enjoyed your phở, stroll across the street for a sweet treat. Van’s Bakery is brimming with a variety of desserts, from traditional Vietnamese bánh da lợn (steamed layer cakes with pandan) to crispy golden bánh cam (sesame balls), along with European-style pastries and cakes that will satisfy any dessert lover. Arrive early, as many of the most popular items tend to sell out by afternoon.

Tân Hoàng Hương

Tân Hoàng Hương Sandwiches offers a wide range of Vietnamese dishes from various locations across Orange County, but the bánh mì is the star attraction. Head to the original spot in Fountain Valley on Euclid Street to savor their barbecue pork and pâté bánh mì, generously topped with pickled vegetables and fresh cucumbers, all nestled in soft, fluffy baguettes. Pair it with a strong iced coffee for an energy boost to fend off any impending carb fatigue.

Brodard Restaurant

The long lines spilling out the door are a clear sign of the quality at Brodard. Their menu features Vietnamese dishes from across the nation, including bún bò huế (a spicy beef soup from central Vietnam) and bò kho (a beef stew influenced by Chinese cuisine), along with creative options like seared ahi tuna rolls and lemon pepper chicken. Don’t miss trying their famous fresh spring rolls, the restaurant's top-selling dish.

Nếp Cafe

Nếp Cafe, a beloved brunch destination, is renowned for its cà phê trứng, or egg coffee, a delightful concoction of robusta coffee crowned with a luscious layer of whipped egg yolks and sweetened condensed milk—it's rich, sweet, and utterly indulgent. The food menu is equally enticing, featuring dishes like bánh mì chảo (a filet mignon platter) that can be adorned with a savory piece of bone marrow, or uni toast, showcasing fresh sea urchin roe from Santa Barbara.

What to do

Celebrate Tết

Happy New Year! Tết Nguyên Đán (Vietnamese New Year) is the most significant holiday in the Vietnamese calendar, with festivities kicking off in late January or early February, depending on the lunar calendar. In the weeks leading up to this celebration, the Phước Lộc Thọ shopping center hosts an open-air flower market, reminiscent of annual markets in Vietnam, to welcome the new year. The community celebrates with a parade on Bolsa Avenue featuring lion dances, floats, and marching bands. Additionally, the Union of Vietnamese Students Association organizes an annual Tết Festival in nearby Costa Mesa, highlighting Vietnamese culture and cuisine during an action-packed weekend.

Museum of the Republic of Vietnam

Operating from Thursday to Sunday at the intersection of Brookhurst and Bolsa, the Museum of the Republic of Vietnam is recognized as the first and only institution worldwide dedicated to the Republic of Vietnam. Also known as South Vietnam, this U.S.-backed nation was established alongside the communist Democratic Republic of Vietnam (North Vietnam) following the 1954 Geneva Accord, which aimed to temporarily divide the country at the 17th parallel. However, North and South Vietnam remained divided through a decade of brutal conflict until a 1975 offensive concluded the Vietnam War and established the current regime. Most residents of Little Saigon come from what was once South Vietnam.

Visit the museum to explore the rotating exhibits or attend a lecture on the Vietnam War and the events that led to the migration of hundreds of thousands of Vietnamese to Orange County. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.

Vietnam War Memorial

Head to Sid Goldstein Freedom Park to visit the local Vietnam War Memorial. This monument features statues of a South Vietnamese soldier alongside an American soldier, with the distinctive striped flag of South Vietnam and the U.S. flag flying overhead. It includes an eternal flame to honor those lost in the conflict, making it an ideal place for reflection on the intertwined histories of South Vietnam and the United States. There’s also a playground nearby to entertain younger visitors.

Phước Lộc Thọ

Established by prominent developer Frank Jao in 1987, Phước Lộc Thọ, or the Asian Garden Mall, stands as one of Little Saigon’s oldest and most prosperous enterprises. With over 200 shops beneath its iconic green roof, visitors can find traditional medicines, custom áo dài clothing, and much more. During summer weekends, a lively night market draws crowds with street food like barbecue pork skewers and whole dried squid, accompanied by vibrant song and dance performances.

Chùa Điều Ngự Buddhist Temple

While the initial waves of Vietnamese refugees primarily practiced Catholicism—reflecting the religious influence of French colonialism—many Buddhists have since immigrated to the U.S. and established their presence in Little Saigon. Recently renovated with pagodas, a traditional temple structure, and a nine-foot-tall Buddha statue, Chùa Điều Ngự Buddhist Temple welcomes both practicing Buddhists and those curious to learn about the faith. Join the crowds during Lunar New Year to witness special ceremonies and sample food from local vendors.

Where to stay

Ayres Hotel

Recognized as one of the top hotels in the Little Saigon area, Ayres Hotel offers clean and cozy rooms with a boutique touch. Enjoy a refreshing dip in the pool, or start your day with a complimentary breakfast buffet to energize your adventures ahead.

Great Wolf Lodge

Just two miles from Disneyland in Garden Grove, Great Wolf Lodge is the ideal retreat for families with young children who may prefer to skip the museums and shopping. Guests can relax in the 14-slide indoor water park, enjoy one of four pools, or join in various kid-friendly activities like dance parties and arts and crafts.

How to get there

As with much of Orange County, the best way to reach and explore Little Saigon is by car, which is about a 45-minute drive from LAX (depending on traffic). You'll find plenty of free parking at most locations, though street parking is also available on busier days.

For those preferring public transport, hop on one of the Orange County Transit Authority bus routes. If you're coming from outside the county, Amtrak and Metrolink trains stop in nearby cities like Santa Ana, Anaheim, and Orange.