Viet Nguyen's Guide to Vietnamese Cuisine in OC's Little Saigon
Curated by Viet Nguyen
Viet Nguyen has been creating some of the buzziest, most trending restaurants in Orange County. His inaugural casual SUP Noodle Bar set the bar exceptionally high for its high quality pho and fan-favorite lomo saltado (Peruvian stir fried beef), while classier joints like INI Ristorante (Japanese Italian) and NEP Café (modern Vietnamese) gave a new standard for special occasion diners. Recently Viet and his team opened Westminster's most hyped coffee shop – Kei Coffee House – late 2024 to wild success, and Kei Concepts is gearing up for the second location of the Pan-Asian fusion hit The VOX Kitchen & Bar at South Coast Plaza, opening April 7. Check out the trailblazer's Little Saigon recommendations.
1.
Brodard
"Brodard has been a cornerstone of Little Saigon for decades–their nem nướng spring rolls are iconic. This is the spot for anyone who wants to experience what makes Little Saigon special."
2.
Quán Hỷ
"Quán Hỷ serves central Vietnamese dishes with unapologetic authenticity. This no-frills spot has earned respect for its consistency and staying true to tradition."
3.
Phở 79
"Phở 79 is the kind of phở worth waiting in line for. Their oxtail phở is a standout, and the James Beard Award only adds to the local love they’ve earned."
"Mỹ Vị Mì Gia actually focuses on Cantonese-style wonton noodle soup — a great option when you’re looking for something a little less phở-centric in Little Saigon."
5.
Ốc & Lẩu
"Ốc & Lẩu is loud, messy, and fun. The snails (yes, snails), seafood, and hot pots steal the show, and the energy feels more like a family dinner party than a restaurant."
"Their crispy pork bánh mì is the move: crackly bread, fatty pork, and a sharp hit of pickled veggies. But what really sets it apart is that ultra-crispy fried pork skin — it adds the perfect crunch to every bite."
"Mai Phụng is a hidden gems known for its coastal Vietnamese dishes. It’s small, unassuming, and a quiet reminder of why simple, well-made food will always win."
"Bake & Chè bridges generations with traditional desserts. Their fresh, modern branding has brought Vietnamese sweets into the mainstream."
"The VOX Kitchen helped kickstart a new era for Little Saigon. They popularized Asian fusion and inspired countless restaurants to follow their lead."
10.
Au Lac
"Au Lac was shaking up Vietnamese cuisine with bold, plant-based flavors way before vegan food was cool. Founder Mai Nguyen, driven by a life-changing health scare, turned her personal healing journey into a restaurant that proves plant-based eating can be both crave-worthy and transformative."