ORLANDO, Fla. – This month, National Geographic released a report on what might be the most interesting neighborhood in the Sunshine State.
To be exact, it’s the neighborhood of Mills 50 by downtown Orlando.
Recommended Videos
Taking its name from the nearby Mills Avenue and State Road 50, this neighborhood was built by Vietnamese immigrants in the 1970s after the end of the Vietnam War, which has helped to flavor much of the area’s modern aesthetic.
“As Vietnamese immigrants built a community in Orlando, they also began opening grocery stores like Tien Hung Market (now Mills Market), which also houses Tien Hung Jewelry Store,” the report reads. “And while the market is now a food hall, the jewelry store still stands in its original spot, owned by Cecilia Nguyen, a former Miss Vietnam Florida pageant winner.”
Of course, the area has grown from its purely Vietnamese roots since its inception. Nowadays, the area has become well known as a culinary hub, featuring cuisines from a wide array of Asian cultures.
The neighborhood offers a selection of different eateries that have received Michelin nods, such as Kaya, a Filipino restaurant in the neighborhood that earned the first green star in Orlando.
Some of the Mills 50 eateries and activities featured in National Geographic’s latest article include the following:
Mills Market — 1110 E. Colonial Drive
“Formerly Tien Hung Market, the now bustling Mills Market food hall currently houses five Asian pop-up restaurants, including the Michelin Bib Gourmands UniGirl, Bánh Mì Boy, and Zaru.
You can’t go wrong with anything here, but UniGirl’s crispy fried chicken thigh onigiri is a comfort meal wrapped in nori.”
Megan duBois, “This might be the most interesting neighborhood in Florida”
Pigzza — 1050 N. Mills Ave.
“Sourdough pizzas and fresh pasta grace the menu at this Mills 50 hot spot. The spicy sausage rigatoni features house-made spicy Italian sausage with a savory vodka sauce that will keep you diving in for more.
And when it comes to pizza, the classic pepperoni is a must-get, featuring cupped pepperoni that blankets the entire top of the pie, plus smoked mozzarella for more flavor.”
Megan duBois, “This might be the most interesting neighborhood in Florida”
TORI TORI — 720 N. Mills Ave.
“Tori Tori is the place to see and be seen in Mills 50. The cocktail bar and Japanese pub serves up classic highball cocktails, including a refreshing citrus highball with Suntory Toki Japanese whisky, ginger, lemon, and Fever Tree ginger beer.
All of the food is shareable small plates, with delightful options like chicken oyster yakitori, shoyu marinated quail eggs, and blue crab and corn croquettes.”
Megan duBois, “This might be the most interesting neighborhood in Florida”
Sampaguita — 1233 E. Colonial Drive
“This Filipino-American-owned spot dishes out creative flavors like pineapple cake, jackfruit-chili nut, and ube latte.”
Megan duBois, “This might be the most interesting neighborhood in Florida”
Haan Coffee — 1235 E. Colonial Drive
“Next door to Sampaguita is Haan Coffee, a Korean coffee shop where seasonal offerings and menu staples bring in droves of people from around the city. One of the most popular options is the SJ Iced Latte, which isn’t overly sweet with warm cinnamon notes.”
Megan duBois, “This might be the most interesting neighborhood in Florida”
Zymarium Meadery — 1121 N. Mills Ave.
“Mead is an often misunderstood drink, but Zymarium Meadery is making the honey-based beverage approachable and fun. The bar features black leather seats and gold accents that resemble honeycomb.
No matter when you visit Zymaraium, you’ll have the chance to try rotating flavors and fan-favorites since there are always 20 or more on tap.”
Megan duBois, “This might be the most interesting neighborhood in Florida”
Latte Art Class at Qreate Coffee — 1212 Woodward Street
“If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to make gourmet coffee drinks at home, then Qreate Coffee is the spot to learn. Throughout the year, the coffee shop hosts Latte Art Workshops. During the two-hour class, you’ll learn how to steam milk and pour it into drinkable pieces of art from a Specialty Coffee Association barista.”
Megan duBois, “This might be the most interesting neighborhood in Florida”
Art Classes at The House on Lang — 1308 Lang Ave.
“Every month, The House on Lang hosts a variety of art classes, from happy hour record painting and make your own pottery to shirt embroidery and calligraphy. The monthly calendar of events is always posted on the shop’s website. Each class has a different cost, but all supplies are included.”
Megan duBois, “This might be the most interesting neighborhood in Florida”
