Mekong Plaza: Mesa’s Vibrant Hub for Asian Cuisine, Culture, and Community

In the heart of Mesa, Arizona, Mekong Plaza stands as a thriving center of Asian culture, cuisine, and commerce. More than just a shopping center, it is a symbol of community and cultural pride, offering visitors a unique experience that blends authentic flavors, diverse shopping options, and a deep sense of connection. Since its establishment, Mekong Plaza has become a landmark destination, drawing visitors from across Arizona and beyond. Let’s take an in-depth look at what makes Mekong Plaza such a standout destination.

A Brief History of Mekong Plaza

Mekong Plaza opened its doors in 2008, the brainchild of developers Peter Quach and Jimmy Lai. Recognizing the need for a dedicated space that would serve the growing Asian-American population in Mesa and the greater Phoenix area, they transformed a former Target store into a vibrant plaza celebrating the rich diversity of Asian cultures. Over the years, it has evolved into a lively center where both the Asian community and the wider public can come together to share in authentic culinary and shopping experiences.

The name “Mekong” was chosen as a nod to the Mekong River, which flows through several Southeast Asian countries, symbolizing the cultural and historical connections among the diverse Asian communities the plaza represents.

A Culinary Paradise

One of the biggest draws of Mekong Plaza is its incredible array of dining options. Whether you’re craving Chinese dim sum, Vietnamese pho, Korean BBQ, or Taiwanese hot pot, you’ll find it here. Here are just a few highlights:

Mekong Palace

Mekong Palace is the crown jewel of the plaza’s dining scene, offering traditional Cantonese cuisine with a specialization in dim sum. During weekends, it’s not uncommon to see families gathering here for the classic dim sum experience, with carts weaving between tables, carrying steamer baskets filled with dumplings, buns, and other delicacies.

Happy Bao’s

If you’re a fan of dumplings, Happy Bao’s is a must-visit. This cozy spot specializes in xiao long bao (soup dumplings), hand-pulled noodles, and a variety of savory street foods. Their focus on fresh ingredients and traditional preparation methods makes every dish a delight.

Com Tam Thuan Kieu

For authentic Vietnamese broken rice dishes, Com Tam Thuan Kieu delivers in spades. With dishes like grilled pork chops, shredded pork skin, and egg cakes served over fragrant rice, it’s a true taste of Vietnam in the Arizona desert.

Hue Gourmet

Bringing the distinctive flavors of Central Vietnam to Mesa, Hue Gourmet offers specialties like bun bo Hue (spicy beef noodle soup) and banh beo (steamed rice cakes). The flavors are bold and comforting, a testament to the culinary richness of Vietnam’s Hue region.

Tasty Pot

Craving something customizable and comforting? Tasty Pot serves Taiwanese-style hot pot, where diners choose their broth and ingredients for a personalized and hearty meal.

Tea Snow

No trip to Mekong Plaza would be complete without a sweet treat from Tea Snow. Their menu includes boba milk teas, fruit teas, and shaved snow desserts, making it a perfect stop after a hearty meal.

A Dynamic Food Court

Beyond individual restaurants, Mekong Plaza’s food court features smaller eateries offering a mix of Korean, Japanese, Filipino, and other Southeast Asian cuisines. Visitors can sample different foods, from crispy Korean fried chicken to flavorful Japanese curry, all in one place.

Shopping at Mekong Plaza

Mekong Plaza isn’t just about food. It’s also a shopping haven, offering a wide range of Asian products that are often difficult to find elsewhere in Arizona.

Mekong Supermarket

The anchor of the plaza, Mekong Supermarket is a massive grocery store specializing in Asian ingredients. From fresh produce like lemongrass and Thai basil to seafood tanks filled with live crabs and lobsters, the market caters to serious home cooks and adventurous foodies alike. Aisles are stocked with sauces, noodles, snacks, and sweets from countries like China, Vietnam, Japan, Korea, and the Philippines.

Specialty Shops

Beyond groceries, Mekong Plaza features a variety of specialty shops:

• Fashion and Jewelry: Traditional clothing, modern Asian fashion trends, and accessories are available.

• Gifts and Home Décor: Shops selling tea sets, calligraphy art, porcelain dishes, and other culturally significant items.

• Beauty and Personal Care: Salons and skincare boutiques offer services and products rooted in Asian beauty traditions.

Health and Wellness

A few shops focus on traditional health and wellness products, offering herbal remedies, teas, and acupuncture services, blending Eastern and Western approaches to well-being.

Community and Cultural Impact

Mekong Plaza serves as more than just a place to eat and shop; it’s a community hub. It frequently hosts cultural events, festivals, and celebrations that showcase the richness of Asian traditions.

During Lunar New Year, for example, the plaza comes alive with lion dances, music performances, martial arts demonstrations, and family-friendly activities. Events like Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations and cultural showcases bring visitors closer to Asian heritage and provide a vibrant space for education and entertainment.

Mekong Plaza’s presence has also played a role in the broader revitalization of Mesa’s Asian District, helping to attract more businesses and cultural institutions to the area, further strengthening its status as a cultural destination.

Expansion and Future Growth

As the demand for Asian goods and experiences continues to grow, Mekong Plaza has plans for further expansion. New tenants and services are regularly being added to meet the needs of the community. Plans include more diverse dining options, additional retail stores, and enhanced community spaces to better serve visitors.

The success of Mekong Plaza has set a benchmark for similar developments, showing how thoughtful planning, cultural celebration, and community engagement can create a thriving business and cultural hub.

Visiting Mekong Plaza

Mekong Plaza is conveniently located at 66 S Dobson Road, just south of Main Street in Mesa. It offers ample parking and is easily accessible by major freeways. Most stores and restaurants are open daily, though hours may vary by business.

Whether you’re in search of authentic Asian cuisine, looking for specialty groceries, exploring cultural gifts, or simply seeking a lively atmosphere to explore, Mekong Plaza offers an unforgettable experience.

In Conclusion

Mekong Plaza is not just a shopping center — it’s a celebration of culture, community, and cuisine. It bridges the gap between tradition and modern living, offering an authentic slice of Asia in the heart of Arizona. For residents and tourists alike, it’s a must-visit destination that promises discovery, deliciousness, and a deeper appreciation for the rich cultural diversity that makes Mesa such a dynamic city.

FAQs on Mekong Plaza: Mesa’s Vibrant Hub for Asian Cuisine, Culture, and Community

Q1: Where is Mekong Plaza located?
A: Mekong Plaza is located at 66 S Dobson Road, Mesa, Arizona, in the heart of the city’s Asian District.

Q2: What types of restaurants can I find at Mekong Plaza?
A: Mekong Plaza offers a variety of Asian cuisines, including Chinese dim sum, Vietnamese dishes, Taiwanese hot pot, Korean street food, and popular boba tea spots.

Q3: Is there a supermarket at Mekong Plaza?
A: Yes, Mekong Supermarket is a large Asian grocery store within the plaza, featuring fresh produce, seafood, meats, and specialty products from across Asia.

Q4: Does Mekong Plaza host cultural events?
A: Yes, Mekong Plaza often hosts events like Lunar New Year celebrations, Mid-Autumn Festival activities, and other cultural showcases throughout the year.

Q5: What other services are available at Mekong Plaza?
A: Besides dining and shopping, visitors can find beauty salons, specialty retail stores, and wellness services rooted in Asian traditions.

Q6: What are the operating hours of Mekong Plaza?
A: Mekong Plaza typically operates daily from around 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, but individual store hours may vary.

Q7: Is there parking available at Mekong Plaza?
A: Yes, there is ample free parking available for visitors.