A History About Asian Garden

The Heart of Little Saigon

Welcome to Asian Garden – a vibrant, cultural landmark nestled in the heart of Little Saigon in Westminster, California.

Our Early Roots: Phước Lộc Thọ

In the 1970s and 1980s, large numbers of Vietnamese refugees began settling in the Westminster and Garden Grove area (now known as Little Saigon); and development along the Bolsa corridor began. As Vietnamese Americans began rebuilding their lives and community in Southern California, shopping centers along Bolsa Avenue became their retail haven for goods, services, and social activities.

Frank Jao, one of the first developers of Little Saigon, built several shopping centers along Bolsa Avenue. In 1987, he built the first Vietnamese American shopping mall in the community. He named it Asian Garden, but it is also affectionately known as "Phước Lộc Thọ" in Vietnamese because of the iconic statues of the three deities located at the front of the mall. The three deities represent fortune (phước), prosperity (lộc), and longevity (thọ) and epitomize the strength and culture of the Vietnamese American community.

A Cultural Hub: Celebrations & Events

In its early days, Asian Garden and Little Saigon were the primary sources for Vietnamese specialty foods and goods. Over time, Asian Garden evolved into more than just a shopping destination. It became a cultural hub. For many years, Asian Garden has been a place of camaraderie for immigrants. Now, the mall is a place where multiple generations can come together to celebrate, connect, embrace, and preserve our traditions.

Throughout the year, Asian Garden comes alive with a myriad of cultural events and celebrations. From Tet / Lunar New Year to Mid-Autumn / Moon Festival, the mall serves as a hub for showcasing the richness of Vietnamese American traditions. Many families, locally as well as across the country, come to Asian Garden as part of their celebrations each year. The Flower Festival, the Firecracker & Lion Dance Show, and many more events not only entertain but also foster a sense of community pride and unity.

Shopping Local Businesses: Largest Jewelry Center, Unique Stores & Culinary Delights

Boasting over 200 stores run by local, minority-owned businesses, Asian Garden is a shopper's paradise. Visitors can explore a wide range of stores offering everything from traditional clothing (áo dài) and decor to high-end jewelry and specialty beauty products. The mall serves as a nexus where commerce and culture intersect, providing a unique and specialized shopping experience.

While shopping, visitors take advantage of authentic Vietnamese cuisine (sit-down or on-the-go), trendy drinks popular throughout Asia and quick pastries and snacks. No summer is complete without a visit to Asian Garden's Annual Night Market for a sampling of some of the best Vietnamese street food outside of Vietnam.

A Legacy of the Community

Asian Garden was built by a fellow Vietnamese immigrant to support the Vietnamese American community in Southern California. It has provided space for countless Vietnamese American small businesses to grow and thrive. It embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship, cultural preservation, and the enduring bonds that tie us together. Today, the mall continues to be a vital part of the ever-growing tapestry of cultural diversity that defines Westminster and the surrounding areas.

Visit Us

We welcome you to experience Asian Garden and be a part of our community in Little Saigon. Whether you are looking for the perfect gift or simply want to enjoy our vibrant, cultural events, come visit us.