Located close to the Anaheim Resort District and tucked between the cities of Westminster and Garden Grove, California, is a place with a rich Vietnamese history that serves as a cultural hub for amazing and authentic Vietnamese cuisine. This magical place is called Little Saigon, and if you haven’t been, you need to take a visit.
Tag along with our friend Bang-Ko, a.k.a. Connie from @occomestibles as she takes us on a flavorful journey through Little Saigon.
From lobster hot pot that’s cooked tableside, to a massive seven course beef feast, there are an unbelievable amount of hidden culinary gems any hungry foodie would love to sink their teeth into.
First stop is Garlic and Chives by Kristin, known for their traditional yet trendy atmosphere. Take it from Connie and order their House Special Lobster, served with garlic noodles, peppers and traditional spices.
Being a native to Vietnam, Connie knows exactly what she’s talking about when it comes to delicious Vietnamese food, and it’s safe to say her 72K Instagram followers would agree.
So when she says we need to check out Hai Noi Corner for their wonderfully crispy Sizzling Turmeric & Dill Fish, we drop what we’re doing and go immediately.
It’s not everyday you can find the opportunity to feast on gigantic sea snails. Well, that was before Connie brought us to Oc and Lau for some Escargot and Lobster Hot Pot. Oc and Lau literally translates to “Sea Snail and Hotpot,” so if you need some exotic fare in your life, this is truly a diamond in the rough.
If you’re looking to feed a group of hungry foodies, seven courses of beef should be the perfect formula. At Hong An, a huge dining hall greets guests as they are seated with their own tabletop grill. Connie recommends the Bo Bay Mon, which translates to Beef Seven — also known as seven courses of beef.
Hong An is a meat lovers paradise where you’ll be served everything from lemongrass beef to juicy Vietnamese meatballs.
Last on the list but certainly not least is Pho45 with their beef pho. This rendition is packed with tripe, tendon, brisket, flank, and rare beef. Pho45’s recipe is a family secret so they kept their recipe on lockdown, but what we do know is they are very generous with their meat portions and that their pho might be the best we’ve ever had.
Next time you have a day off or are visiting the area, spend it on a deliciously authentic culinary journey through one of Orange County's most historic neighborhoods. You’ll love losing yourself in the culture, food and the experience of Little Saigon.
Created in partnership with Visit Anaheim
