I was born and raised in the San Gabriel Valley (SGV). For those of you who don’t know, the SGV is east of Los Angeles. According to Wikipedia, “…the area is in general one of the most ethnically diverse regions in the country.” But I like it because it is full of other API folks. APIs made up more than 60% of my high school. But driving through San Marino, Alhambra, San Gabriel, and other nearby cities it can sometimes feel as though you’re driving through Asia. And I like that. I like the feeling of being with other people that are of my race. The only problem of course is when I venture outside of my small enclave and realize I’m a minority everywhere else.
One of the best things about living in the San Gabriel Valley is the good — read, authentic — food. I have three favorite restaurants that everyone who is in the Southern California area should try at least once. They are, in no particular order:
- Newport Tan Cang Seafood Restaurant – features Chinese/Vietnamese food. It has the best seafood in the valley. If you go there, you have to try the lobster.
- Happy Family Restaurant – features vegan Chinese food. Granted, this doesn’t sound good to a meat eater, but trust me, you can hardly tell the difference. Try the fried vegan chicken!
- Vietnam House – features Vietnamese food. This place is cheap and good. Just the way I like it. I especially love the egg rolls!
SGVers, what are your favorite places to eat in San Gabriel Valley?
(Flickr photo credit: Payton Chung)
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