Vietnam Restaurant Chinatown

The Lai family came to this country with little more than the clothes on their backs. But with talent, vision, and plenty of hard work, they raised their children and made a success of their businesses. Yes, the Lai family has truly lived the American dream. But the reality wasn't always so bright. Husband and wife Nhu Lai and Thuyen Luu, together with their eight kids, fled Vietnam in 1978 by boat to Malaysia. They spent nine months in a Malaysian refugee camp and then boarded a plane from Malaysia to Philadelphia. By 1982, they had saved enough money to start a grocery store in West Philadelphia. In 1984 they saw a new opportunity and started a tiny restaurant called Vietnam on the edge of the city's vibrant Chinatown. Despite its diminutive size and simple decor, the restaurant soon earned a reputation for its outstanding food. In fact, it could barely contain all the people who wanted a taste of this exciting cuisine! The couple worked seven days a week to build their two businesses. In 1989 Nhu Lai and Thuyen Luu turned Vietnam over to their son Benny, who has lifted the family's dream to a whole different level. The beloved "hole in the wall" has evolved into a handsome space that includes the upstairs lounge, Bar Saigon.