Reason #6 to Visit Orlando

Little Vietnam!

According to Wikipedia: "A thriving Vietnamese quarter called 'Little Vietnam' exists in the Colonialtown district of Orlando, Florida. The neighborhood has become a landmark in the city of Orlando and consist of a countless, and always growing, number of restaurants, groceries, and Vietnamese professional offices. Stores supply Asian pop-culture to the community in the form of karaoke bars, Boba tea shops, Vietnamese video and music shops, and stores featuring candies and collectibles from across Asia."

J and I fancy ourselves adventurous eaters, and finding new favorite mom and pop restaurants ranks pretty high on our list of favorite things to do in life. Thus, while there are certainly countless fun stores to peruse and markets to plunder, we shall be sticking to a mainly gastronomical tour of Little Vietnam today.


I have yet to check out Pho 88, although (and I'm really really sorry if this sounds racist but I don't mean it that way at all), I can't wait to try it because it's always packed with Vietnamese people. That's got to be a good sign right?! Have you ever had authentic, delicious, on the reals Pho? It is heaven. Have you ever had not so great fakey Pho? It ain't heaven...

Also on our list to try is Loving Hut, which is all vegan all the time. As a non-dairy-eater, this excites me greatly. This one is actually a chain so if any of yall have tried it out, let me know what you think. Reading through their menu online is seriously making my stomach growl. Grrar.


Ba Le Bakery has some DARN good (and darn cheap, I'm talking $3 each) banh mi, which is Vietnamese for freaking tasty meat and veg sandwich on fresh baked bread. J tried the pulled pork and I stuck with chicken and we were both beyond thrilled with our selections. We also shared a coconut milk tapioca for $1.25 more... Seriously, don't mind if I do.

I would also recommend trying out Lac Viet Bistro if you are at all interested in mouth-explosion flavor heaven. LOVED the spicy coconut soup. If you are ever sick with a head-cold and find yourself in Central Florida... I am betting this soup would clear you right up. It was creamy and delicious with a hint of mint and lime and a whole lot of heat. Yum to the num.

Did I make you hungry?!