Discover GarViet: A Hidden Culinary Gem in the San Gabriel Valley
Los Angeles may lack an official Little Saigon, but the vibrant Vietnamese food scene along Garvey Avenue in the San Gabriel Valley is a treasure trove for food lovers. This bustling stretch, which we affectionately call “GarViet,” spans the cities of El Monte, South El Monte, and Rosemead. With no official highway exit or government signs, this cultural landscape is thriving on family-owned restaurants serving authentic regional dishes that you won’t easily find elsewhere.
Why GarViet is a Must-Visit
More than just a feast for your taste buds, the San Gabriel Valley is home to a rich tapestry of Vietnamese culture and community, cultivated partially due to more affordable rents than neighboring Alhambra and San Gabriel. Here, you can indulge in familiar favorites like phở and bánh mì alongside rarer dishes that pay homage to Central and Northern Vietnam’s culinary heritage.
As we approach the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War on April 30, we have a unique opportunity to celebrate the culinary contributions of the Vietnamese diaspora. Many Vietnamese families turned to restaurant ownership as a path to economic stability and a way to keep their heritage alive through food.
Whether you are a lifelong fan of Vietnamese cuisine or a curious newcomer, here are some standout spots in GarViet that you simply cannot miss!
Kim Hoa Hue: A Taste of Central Vietnam
Located in El Monte, Kim Hoa Hue has been serving up exquisite Central Vietnamese cuisine for nearly two decades. With a second outlet opening in Temple City in 2024, this eatery buzzes during lunch hours, packed with locals keen for a taste of home.
Unmissable Dish: The Hue Combo ($11.50) features a variety of delectable plates on one tray, including:
- Bánh bèo (steamed rice cakes topped with shrimp and cracklings)
- Bánh nậm (rice cakes with shrimp steamed in banana leaves)
- Bánh bột lọc (shrimp and pork tapioca dumplings)
- Chả (steamed pork forcemeat)
Pair these with a bowl of bún bò Huế ($13.25), a spicy beef noodle soup that punctuates your meal with depth and flavor.
Location: 9813 Garvey Ave., El Monte
Hours: Tuesday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Bánh Cuốn Hương Bắc: A Northern Vietnamese Delight
If you’re looking for a more focused menu, Bánh Cuốn Hương Bắc in South El Monte offers a Northern Vietnamese twist with a limited but glorious selection.
Their bánh cuốn ($12) is a star attraction, with varieties wrapped around flavorful fillings such as ground shrimp and pork. The dặc biệt platter, loaded with pork and wood ear mushrooms, along with a crispy sweet potato raft, is a must-try.
Location: 9442 Garvey Ave., South El Monte
Hours: Wednesday to Monday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Thien Tam Vegetarian Restaurant: Vegan Vietnamese Bliss
Thien Tam is a vegan haven hidden in plain sight. Since opening in 2009, this restaurant has won over many with its creative and satisfying vegetarian dishes.
Highlights:
- The spring rolls ($6.95) are a fresh explosion of herbs and fried tofu, dipped in a fish-free sauce that replicates the original incredibly well.
- The Hainan chicken rice ($13.95) made from soy protein is another highlight, complete with garden-fresh accompaniments.
Location: 10345 Garvey Ave., El Monte
Hours: Thursday through Monday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Hue Thai Bakery & Deli: The Sandwich Sanctuary
For those on the go, Hue Thai Bakery & Deli in Rosemead offers an array of mouth-watering Vietnamese sandwiches. Despite its unassuming exterior, this deli serves sandwiches that are uncompromising in flavor and quality.
Must-Try Item: The dặc biệt sandwich ($7) comes packed with head cheese and rich pâté, demonstrating the perfect ratio of everything you love about Vietnamese sandwiches.
Location: 8968 Garvey Ave., Rosemead
Hours: Open daily, 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Che Hien Khanh: Sweet Endings Await
Ending your culinary journey at GarViet is essential, and there’s no better place than Che Hien Khanh. Nestled in the food court of GW Supermarket, this dessert shop offers a delightful array of chè (Vietnamese puddings and desserts).
Sweet Highlights:
- Chè đậu trắng ($3.75) with glutinous rice and coconut cream
- Chè chuối ($3.75) with bananas and little pearls of tapioca
- Chè trôi nước ($3.75) consists of chewy tapioca balls soaked in ginger syrup and finished with coconut cream.
Location: 8150 Garvey Ave., Ste. 1171, Rosemead
Hours: Thursday through Tuesday, 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
With GarViet’s eclectic range of dining options, you’re bound to discover flavors that will ignite your culinary passions. Don’t miss out on this vibrant community where every bite tells a story. Experience the heartfelt dishes and the culinary traditions that embody the resilience and spirit of Vietnamese culture right in the heart of Southern California. Make a visit soon; your taste buds will thank you!
