Eden Center is the most exciting strip mall you’ll ever go to. The outside is underwhelming but take time to wander into the back halls of the mall, and you’ll be met with dozens of Vietnamese bakeries, delis, billiards clubs, and pho joints.
The cultural hub is the largest Vietnamese commercial center on the East Coast. In the ‘80s, Vietnamese merchants moved here after Metro construction displaced them from the "Little Saigon" area of Clarendon. It has since grown and become the go-to spot for Vietnamese food and groceries.
First, Boba:
With five tea shops within one block, there are no lack of options for a little caffeine boost (fellow cheese foam fans, anyone?). TeaDM Plus is a personal favorite both for the huge variety of add-ons and its wacky private jet-themed decor. One Tea House is also a stand-out, but mostly for its popcorn chicken side. If you must have coffee, dōppō in Pop-Up District has a wonderful espresso and a butterscotch latte.
Bún Thit Nuóng Nuc Lèo at Truong Tien Restaurant at Eden Center. (Kaela Cote-Stemmermann/City Cast DC)
Where To Eat:
Street-facing restaurants like Rice Paper and Huong Viet get a lot of the love from visitors, but don’t limit yourself to what’s visible from the street. The best spots are tucked away in random back halls of the mall. Troung Tien has unbelievable Bùn Bò Hué, a beef noodle soup, and vermicelli bowls. Bánh Cuốn Saigon specializes in silky steamed rice rolls that melt in your mouth. Try something new, you can’t go wrong!
What To Do:
If you’re a grocery nerd like me, take advantage of the Good Fortune Supermarket with aisle upon aisle of spices, curry pastes, and live fish. Skincare nerds can browse hard-to-find Korean beauty and skincare brands at Besfren Beauty. If you’re really feeling like a local, you can strike up a game of pool at the unnamed billiards club in the Saigon East Mall.
Sweets at Saigon Bakery & Deli. (Kaela Cote-Stemmermann/City Cast DC)
Something Sweet To Finish:
It’s unlikely that you're still hungry, but who says you can’t pick something up for later? Eden Center’s competing side-by-side bakeries whip out homemade candies, bao buns, Bánh Tét, and baked goods, as well as pickles and sauces. Phuoc Loc Bakery’s sesame balls and Banh Bao are a good place to start. Make sure to bring cash!
