Little Saigon - Eden Center
Cross under the Lion Arch and listen for the Vietnamese pop music coming out of the shops, as you enter what’s called by many locals, “the heart and soul of DC’s Vietnamese-American community”.
The Eden Center is DC’s Vietnamese-centric shopping mall and community gathering place. Located in suburban Falls Church, Virginia, about 20 minutes from downtown Washington, DC, it seems to caters almost exclusively to the Vietnamese community.
Close to 30 Vietnamese restaurants and phở soup shops, along with another 17 bakeries, delis and cafes, with not a Burger Kings or Subway in site, draw many people to come Eden Center for authentic Vietnamese food. I like the bánh mì sandwiches at Song Que. But don’t be afraid if all of the menu boards are in Vietnamese; most servers will be more than happy to help you find what you want.
Another 90 shops draw heavy crowds 7 days-a-week. The 20+ jewelry stores are the main draw for shoppers, especially for gold and jade items. Other speciality stores include Vietnam music and video stores, a couple food markets, a few clothing stores and more.
I also found an interesting herb shop, where I couldn’t identify a single item in any of the large glass jars.
At one restaurant, there was a whole roasted lamb in hanging in the window.
Some of the “lounges” seemed to be the exclusive haven of exclusive men and over loud Vietnamese music.
The mall’s clock tower is a replica of a famous French-era Binh Tay market in downtown Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City).
The Eden Center makes for a great cultural tour and the perfect place to discover a new place to enjoy the fabulous fusion cuisine of Vietnam.
If you visit New Your City and are looking for a great bánh mì sandwich check out Heather’s recommendation at The New York City Traveler.
Eden Center
7663 Wilson Blvd. just off Seven Corners
Falls Church, VA 22044 (map it)
Hours - Stores hours vary, but most open by 11:00 a.m. and close no earlier than 7:00 p.m.
Nearest Metro Subway Station - West Falls Church - Orange line, then a 1 mile walk.
Parking - Free parking is available.
Images - from personal collection © 2008 - Jon Rochetti
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