The new Little Saigon

Kenny Tran, who spent years studying and perfecting his grilling techniques, has launched The Smoking Ribs, the first barbecue restaurant in Little Saigon.

Lizeth Arias of Riverside gives a facial deluxe to her sister Sarahit Morales at Advance Beauty College in Little Saigon. The school is drawing clients from the area, as well as women from India, Cambodia, Mexico and El Salvador.

A woman rides a bike wearing a “non la,” a traditional Vietnamese hat, at Banh Mi Che Cali Bakery in Little Saigon.

Part of the evolution of Little Saigon can be seen in storefront signs as cafes, restaurants and vendors create catchy names. One example is Baos Hog, a haven for pork buns and treats stuffed with all sorts of treats.

Sarah Chapman, a student from Brea, takes notes from an overhead image written in English and Vietnamese at Advance Beauty College in Little Saigon.

Kenny Tran says he launched The Smoking Ribs to show diners “the difference between good grilled meat and great grilled meat.”