Every Tết, the anticipation of visiting Phước Lộc Thọ, the Asian Garden Mall fills me with excitement and nostalgia. This indoor mall is the heart of Little Saigon, Orange County, the oldest, largest, and most prominent Vietnamese enclave in the United States. Upon reaching Bolsa Ave, you are immediately overtaken by the large strip malls, crowded parking lots, and towering signs proudly listing the names of diverse Vietnamese businesses. The architectural landscape is a blend of American structures and Asian pagodas and temples.

As a child, I have fond memories of our visits to Phước Lộc Thọ. Our two-hour car rides were filled with my parents’ excitement and anticipation for the much-needed feeling of familiarity and belonging. As Vietnamese refugees in the U.S., my parents navigated daily struggles of discrimination and language barriers that added layers of stress and frustration to their lives. However, when we visited Phước Lộc Thọ, their demeanor transformed. Their grip on our hands loosened as they encouraged us to wander freely. Their smiles were broader, their voices more confident. They said yes to every food we wanted to try, and as I watched them eat, I could see them momentarily transported back to Vietnam. Here, they felt sanctuary and comfort. 

I am now the parent holding my kids' hands in Phước Lộc Thọ. As we navigate through the crowds, my kids are taking in the Vietnamese music and conversations, abundant jewelry store displays, bright colors and designs of áo dài while inhaling the delicious scents of phở, bánh mì, bánh rán, and bánh cam. As I sip cà phê sữa we move from store to store determined to purchase the perfect áo dài for each of us. I find myself overwhelmed with gratitude, so thankful for the richness of culture and heritage I have as a Vietnamese American. I look at my kids and imagine one day, when they are adults they will visit Phước Lộc Thọ and it will serve as a portal to the past. A place where memories and traditions converge. Where they will feel a sense of unity and belonging that binds the generations of their grandparents, parents, and themselves together as Vietnamese Americans. 

- Virginia Nguyen