California is a great melting pot state. Lots of cultures are present and established in the state with their own community, allowing you to visit and learn about it. During your visit of Orange County you should consider stopping in Westminster and visit Little Saigon, the oldest Vietnamese American community in Orange County.
Little Saigon in Orange County: a bit of history
After the fall of Saigon in 1975, an large wave of refugees from Vietnam arrived in Orange County. With help from local churches they were able to establish themselves and numerous Vietnamese businesses started to appear. With such an increase of the Vietnamese population in Westminster, by 1978 the Nguoi Viet Daily News started being published. Over the years more and more Vietnamese businesses took over Westminster, creating the largest Vietnamese Community in the world. In 1988, Governor G Deukmejian finally officially named it Little Saigon.
Little Saigon in Orange County: discover flavorful dishes
Little Saigon is a quite large community, and you will quickly realize it when you get there! Which means that you will have quite a large choice of restaurants. One of the important facts to know when you get there is that most restaurants have been family owned for decades, passing recipes from generations to generations and trying to keep it as authentic as possible. So be prepared to teach your pallet new flavors!
If you know a little about Vietnamese food you have heard about Pho. It is a delicious Vietnamese soup. The best place in Little Saigon, Orange County for this is Cúa Vào. You will be amazed by the flavors! Of course you have to try the roasted duck in one of the many Vietamese restaurants. As mentioned earlier, as long as you pick one of the typical family owned Vietamese Restaurant, the food they serve is authentic and delicious. So come and try something different!
If you have a sweet tooth and you like coconut, you know that Vietnamese pastries are one treat you can’t pass on! So stop at My- Hiêp Bakery.
Little Saigon in Orange County: What to do in Little Saigon?
Little Saigon has become a very popular tourist weekend destination. There are a few strip malls offering great shopping opportunities with an Asian flavor to them. But if you are more interested in the authentic Little Saigon, you ought to go to Bolsa Avenue. This is where you will find all the authentic Vietnamese restaurants and shops.
One great events to attend, if you are in the area at the time, is the celebration of the Vietnamese Lunar New Year. It is a very colorful celebration with music and a parade with lots of colors! It usually takes place between the end of January and beginning February.
There are many various points of interests, which can teach you a lot about the Vietnamese culture. Don’t hesitate asking for help and suggestion, everyone there will be happy to assist you and direct you to what you are looking for.
Now that you know a bit more about Little Saigon in Orange County, make sure to visit the area and discover this interesting culture!
