New Orleans became home to a large Vietnamese community after the fall of Saigon in 1975. Finding a coastal climate similar to that found in Vietnam, and aided by the local Catholic diocese the "boat people" and other imigrants from Vietnam flocked to south Louisiana. Several large enclaves can be found across New Orleans.

The largest in Village de L'Est was quick to rebuild after Katrina. Others in Marerro and Algiers are flourishing. An estimated 14,000 Vietnamese call New Orleans home with 14,000 more scattered across Louisiana. A couple thousand Cambodians can also be found in the area

The Vietnamese exhibit typical Asian drive and independence and have become business owners and entrepreneurs across the city. This seems typical of the description of ALL the immigrants who have come to New Orleans. The first generation or two are dynamos then things settle down into a new equilibrium.

Some of the finest new restaurants in town are Vietnamese. Lemon Grass was the first white table cloth Asian restaurant in town. Others like Kim Son have developed a loyal customer base. Nine Roses offers family style meals featuring traditional Hot Pots.