The city of Westminster is known for its large Vietnamese community and plethora of shops and restaurants. Though it might not have as many tourist attractions as neighboring city Huntington Beach, it does have plenty of its own distinctive character. With many different Asian populations represented throughout the city’s neighborhoods, there are supermarkets, restaurants, and cultural centers from each of these communities that fill the city lines with much rich diversity and culture.
Little Saigon
This part of town is a hub for the Vietnamese population of Orange County, with many options for authentic Vietnamese cuisine and shopping. The neighborhood actually contains the largest concentration of Vietnamese shops and businesses outside of Vietnam, with over 2,000 to choose from within just three square miles. If you are a fan of Vietnamese food, you’ll find all of your favorites and then some, and if you are still new to it, visiting Little Saigon is a great way to jump right in and sample a wide range of authentic items. One hub of this neighborhood is through the Vietnamese Gate outside of T&K Food Market off Bolsa Ave, where you can see some classic architecture of Vietnam and stop for some tasty lunch or sweet treats. Several of the highlighted businesses below are within this neighborhood, only blocks apart. Address: 9000-10400 Bolsa Ave. Westminster, CA 92683
Asian Garden Mall
This two-story indoor mall is one of the go-to spots in Little Saigon and contains dozens of small businesses selling jewelry, art, food, clothing, cosmetics, accessories, baked goods, and more. Here you won’t find typical chain mall stores, but rather many independent businesses run by those in the local Vietnamese community. The center of the mall contains a large space for cultural events and holidays. Visit just after New Year’s for the annual Flower Festival where you can shop for a variety of flowers, plants, and traditional Tết (Lunar New Year) décor. Address: 9200 Bolsa Ave, Westminster, CA 92683
The Loop: Handcrafted Churros
SoCal foodies might recognize this dessert shop with its signature colorful churros that arrive in the shape of their loop logo. This location is easy to spot, right past the Vietnamese Gate in Little Saigon. Here you can get a regular churro, or spice it up with some fun toppings and even get it atop a cup of soft serve ice cream. The menu includes several options for their curated churro and ice cream combos, or you can make your own. And if churros aren’t your thing, they also carry a line of fruity lemonades and Thai tea. The Loop Handcrafted Churros is popular with kids, dessert aficionados, and Instagramers, and has a menu with plenty of sweet options to satisfy any cravings. Address: 9729 Bolsa Ave Westminster, CA 92683
Eiswelt Gelato
Just across the street from The Loop is another popular dessert spot, this one being another aesthetically pleasing, Instagrammable option. Eiswelt Gelato’s only US location is here in Little Saigon and has gained a following for their adorable animal character and flower-shaped gelato desserts. They carry over 20 flavors of gelato including some unique flavors such as Honey Dragonfruit, Jasmine Milk Tea, Ferraro Rocher, and Durian. Kids, and kids at heart, will love the cute character gelato and sorbetto cones, all affordably priced. Address: 9605 Bolsa Ave, Westminster, CA 92683
The Dim Sum Company
For a more savory meal, The Dim Sum Company has a wide assortment of traditional and unique dumplings, buns, noodle soups, and more. Chinese dim sum typically is served around brunch hours with tea, but in the US it has now become a popular anytime meal that is perfect for sharing with groups of friends and family. Some of their top items include the adorable Pokebuns, handmade rice noodle rolls, and wonton noodle soup. The location is inside My Thuan Market, so though seating may be limited, the large menu with something for everyone more than makes up for it. Address: 8900 Westminster Blvd., Westminster, CA 92683
Art Supply Warehouse
For both practiced artists and those doing casual crafts, Art Supply Warehouse is an Orange County staple of high quality art supplies. Here you can find a large selection of sketchbooks, paints, easels, canvases, spray paint, art books, and much, much more, all of a higher quality than anything at Michaels or Hobby Lobby. This is a great place to bring kids to spark creative spirit, or to stock up on materials for any artistic project. Keep an eye out for their block parties, which feature live art, food trucks, music, and interactive art stations, and are a great gathering point for the local arts community. Address: 6672 Westminster Blvd. Westminster, CA 92683
Westminster Mall
The Westminster Mall contains both chain stores you’d frequently see in most shopping malls in the area, but also some unique businesses that offer more experiences than items. The Donut Life Museum, described below in more detail, is one example of this. There is also a Sky Zone indoor trampoline park and Escape VR, which combines the fun challenge of escape rooms with the technology of VR. Inside the mall’s main walking areas you can find a carousel and a train for kids that takes them on a ride through the main floor of the mall. Shops include Book Off, DSW, Vans, Bath and Body Works, Macys, JcPenney, Target, Tokyo Japanese Lifestyle, and many more. Address: 1025 Westminster Mall, Westminster, Ca
Donut Life Museum
Immersive theme museums are all the rage these days because of their social media friendly aesthetics and quirky charm. While most are in Los Angeles, Westminster has one of its very own in the Westminster Mall called the Donut Life Museum. This immersive exhibit contains several donut-themed spaces to explore including a ball pit, infinity room, donut nursery, a hot air balloon, and much more. Once you’ve walked through all the spaces, there’s also a gift shop perfect for fans of these sweet treats. Tickets range from $17- $25 and are timed to allow each visitor a more private and unhurried experience. Address: 2036A Westminster Mall Westminster, CA 92683
Westminster Lanes
If you’re in the mood for bowling, Westminster Lanes is one popular Orange County local spot for it. Lanes can be reserved in advance online, making this an easy meetup location for family and friends or for birthday parties. On Friday and Saturday nights, visit for their cosmic bowling, when the black lights go on and the balls and pins glow in the dark. Their special deals include $2 games on weekend mornings until 11am, and unlimited bowling on Monday through Thursday nights after 9pm, only $25 per lane. Hourly rates range from $30-$45 per hour, with shoe rentals being $5 per person. Address: 6471 Westminster Blvd., Westminster, CA 92683
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Leilani Reyes is a freelance writer, artist, and all-around creative living in Long Beach, CA. After earning a bachelor’s degree from Loyola Marymount University, now she is in search of her next great life adventure.