Exploring the Asian District in Las Vegas

History

A bustling Chinatown was created in the mid 1990's in Las Vegas as ethnic Asian immigrants began overtaking the seedy strip clubs along Spring Mountain and erecting authentic Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean and Pilipino businesses, grocery stores and restaurants. In 1995 Chinatown Plaza opened and became the center of the growing area. Governor Kenny Guinn officially proclaimed the area Chinatown in October 1999, and it continues to expand as the Asian population in Las Vegas explodes. Today, Chinatown's popularity extends past the Asian population and is increasingly patronized by locals and tourists. Although the Spring Mountain area is referred to as "Chinatown", it has evolved into an exotic mix of Asian influences that make the term limiting and somewhat inaccurate. Many people have begun labeling the area as Asia Town or the Asian District to better reflect the diversity of Asian culture and commerce that it is today.

Attractions and Offerings

The Asian District has many offerings for locals and tourists in search of delicious cuisine, shopping, Asian produce and ingredients or night of singing karaoke with friends. Asian festivals and holidays are often celebrated in the heart of Asia Town and offer all an opportunity to participate in rich cultural traditions right here in our own city.

While in no way exhaustive of the varied offerings the Asian District provides, here is a helpful guide to Asia Town attractions:

Dim sum (Chinese):

Ping Pang Pong (very popular, but be warned they close daily from 3p-5p)

Orchids Garden (Dim sum all day! Great variety)

Pho (Vietnamese):

Pho Saigon 8 (great reviews by local TV and print media)

Pho Kim Long: (Open 24 hours and offers Vegan Pho)

Philipino:

Kapit Bahay (located in the Chinatown Plaza, great prices and big portions)

Phillipine Garden Restaurant & Karaoke (has late hours, Karaoke and a full bar)

Japanese:

Ichiza (There are more options than appear on the menu, look at the wall for additional items!)

Raku (Andrew Zimmern from Bizzare Foods recently filmed an episode here and locals love it)

Noodles:

Anime Ramen & Teriyaki (the waitresses dress up as anime characters!)

Thai Style Noodle House (for those who want a departure from the traditional Japanese style)

Noodle Village (very reasonably priced and located inside the Korean Greenland Shopping Market)

Korean:

Dae Jang Keum Korean BBQ & Tofu Restaurant (Open 24 hours, Great selection)

Sura BBQ Buffet (All you can eat BBQ that you cook yourself at your table in the authentic way)

Food Court at Greenland Markets (An amazing variety of Korean dishes available in a food court setting)

Karaoke Bars:

Zizzy (happy hour with Korean dishes half off, popular with locals)

Cafe Moda (has a full kitchen serving Pilipino cuisine)

Let us know what some of your favorites are on our TLP Social wall!