The Vietnamese in New Orleans

Jul 22

By Bear Gruzen

The Vietnamese community is one of the many parts that contributes to the multiculturalism of New Orleans. Although their presence in the Crescent City only began rather recently in the grand history of the city, they have had such a positive effect on the community. Similar to their German or Jewish counterparts in the 1800s–Vietnamese immigrants sought opportunity in a new world, however in the case of the Vietnamese, they were leaving behind a country torn apart by war. Following the end of the Vietnam War, tens of thousands of Vietnamese refugees fled their country to the United States. While Vietnamese refugees settled over many areas of the United States– such as New York or Los Angeles– a large portion settled right here in New Orleans. There were many factors for choosing the Big Easy: first, New Orleans was a predominantly Catholic city, like many Vietnamese immigrants at the time, second, the climate and environment is similar to that of Vietnam, and desirable to many who searched for work in the Louisiana fishing industry.

The Vietnamese brought with them a vibrant and beautiful culture that just further adds to the uniqueness of New Orleans. Today, the Vietnamese population in New Orleans is estimated at around 14,000. Many settled in New Orleans East, but some also settled in Avondale, Algiers, and other places in the West Bank. Much like many German and Irish immigrants in the 1800s, many Vietnamese immigrants took any job they could get upon arrival– such as factory or service industry work. As time went on, and the community became more established, more and more people began spreading their influence throughout the city– such as opening restaurants, general goods shops, grocery stores, and more. The Vietnamese community was particularly devastated by Hurricane Katrina– New Orleans East was decimated, particularly the Vietnamese neighborhood Versailles. It was hard to even fathom the idea of reconstruction. However, over time, the Vietnamese community has been able to rebuild what was once destroyed, and establish a vibrant and beautiful community.

If you look for it, you can easily see the way Vietnamese immigrants influenced New Orleans. Walking around the city, you can readily find great Vietnamese restaurants– one of the most notable being the James Beard award winning Dong Phuong Bakery in New Orleans East, which serves up classic Vietnamese baked goods, banh mi, and their world-famous King Cakes. New Orleans has always had a love for po boys, so it's to no one’s surprise that the Vietnamese Po Boy, commonly called a banh mi— which consists of traditionally slow roasted Vietnamese meats and various pickled vegetables on top of traditional Vietnamese banh mi bread— has gained popularity in recent years. What is so particularly great about the mixing of Vietnamese food and New Orleans cuisine, is the result of fusion food, and the banh mi has evolved with the advent of using classic New Orleans po boy toppings such as shrimp, fried oysters, roast beef, and various vegetables. Beyond the advent of food, Vietnamese culture is celebrated in many ways– one notable being the Tet Festival. Often hosted by the Queen Mary of Vietnam Church, (one of the most notable Vietnamese churches in New Orleans). The Tet Festival celebrates the New Year for Vietnam. The festivities include celebration, dances, music, food, family celebrations, and many other authentic Vietnamese traditions.

It is truly remarkable how many cultures have influenced New Orleans in their own way– the immigration of Vietnamese immigrants is relatively recent compared to that of Jewish, German, Haitian, or Irish counterparts– yet they have had such a substantial effect on New Orleans culture, music, community, and cuisine. It is one of many parts that makes New Orleans such a unique place.