The International Management District (IMD) proudly celebrated the grand opening of M. Saigon Street Food with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking the launch of a vibrant new business in the community. The event, held at the restaurant’s location, drew a gathering of district board members, community leaders, and local residents who came together to welcome and support this exciting new business.

The event began with a warm welcome from owner Kim Lee and her partner Van Nguyen. At the center of the dining area, a long banquet-style display featured popular Vietnamese sandwiches, spring rolls, and beverages such as Vietnamese coffee, strawberry smoothies, and freshly squeezed sugar cane juice. Guests mingled and networked, embracing the vibrant atmosphere. These delights were available for everyone to enjoy immediately following the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Fred Bhandara, Vice Chair of the International Management District, kicked off the ribbon cutting ceremony with celebratory remarks, expressing the district’s enthusiasm for M. Saigon Street Food’s contribution to the local community. He highlighted the district’s ongoing efforts to foster a thriving business environment, ensuring that new ventures like M. Saigon Street Food have the resources and support they need to succeed.

Following his remarks, Fred Bhandara introduced Victor Beserra, who spoke on the district’s public safety initiatives. Beserra highlighted the importance of maintaining a clean and safe environment in the district, mentioning the daily patrols of the commercial corridor by Seals Security and off-duty police officers. “The main thing we do is try to keep our area clean and safe. Without the board and their support, I cannot do my job. One of the biggest things we’ve done in the past two years is adding cameras throughout the area. These cameras are really helping law enforcement catch violent criminals,” Beserra shared, drawing applause from the crowd.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was a momentous occasion, symbolizing the district’s commitment to supporting small businesses as the backbone of the local economy. The International District Board of Directors, represented by Fred Bhandara and Owen Wang, presented an award to Kim Lee, recognizing the significance of M. Saigon Street Food’s opening. The award, which was warmly received, read: INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT – The International District Board of Directors proudly welcomes you to our community and extends a warm arm of kindness and support in your ventures to come.

In addition, a representative from the office of Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Leslie Briones presented a letter of recognition to M. Saigon Street Food. The letter underscored the importance of small businesses in the local economy and congratulated the business on its grand opening, wishing them continued success.

Following the ribbon-cutting event, a special tasting of M. Saigon’s signature dishes was presented for the notable guests, including district board members and community leaders. The menu featured Bo Ne DAC BIET (a beef steak, egg, and meatball dish), the tradiontional Moon Cake, and a selection of homemade gelato ice creams with traditional Vietnamese flavors like Longan, Black Seed, Pink Grapefruit, Durian, Pineapple Salted Apricot, and Taro.

The homemade gelato ice creams, in particular, sparked a wave of nostalgia among some of the district’s leaders. Wea Lee, Board Chair of the International Management District, shared his experience, saying, “The Durian flavor is very unique. It reminds me of my teenage years in Burma, where we ate it all the time.” Kenneth Li, Chair of the Southwest Management District, raved multiple times about the Durian ice cream to those at the table, reflecting on how it reminded him of his childhood.

Notable attendees at the event included Wea Lee, Board Chair of the International Management District (IMD) ; Fred Bhandara, Vice Chair of the IMD; Dr. Nancy Mai, IMD Board Member; Owen Wang, IMD Board Member; Kenneth Li, Board Chair of the Southwest Management District (SWMD); David Peters, SWMD Board Member; Dawn Lin, SWMD Board Member; Linda Young, Chairwoman of the Double 10 Celebration Committee; and Alan Steinberg, from the Alief Super Neighborhood Council. Each expressed their excitement for the new business and their hopes for its success in the community.

Wea Lee captured the spirit of the event, saying, “We are so glad that such a beautiful restaurant representing Vietnamese culture has opened in our district. That is what it’s all about; we are the best part, with all kinds of food in this district.” Alan Steinberg noted, “It was a great opportunity to try some food that is different. I live not too far from here, but I never had the chance to stop by before. This event gave me the opportunity, and I really enjoyed what I had. I look forward to coming back.

The event concluded with guests enjoying more of the restaurant’s offerings, with many expressing their intentions to return.

Saigon Street Food’s ribbon-cutting ceremony was not only a celebration of a new business but also a testament to the strong community ties within the International District, where small businesses are embraced and supported as vital contributors to the local economy. With daily patrols ensuring the safety of the commercial corridors, the district continues to uphold its commitment to fostering a secure and thriving environment for businesses to flourish.

Join us in supporting M. Saigon Street Food by stopping by and enjoying their authentic Vietnamese flavors. They’re open Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 9 PM, and on Saturdays and Sundays, they’re open until 11 PM. Visit them online at hotpoticecream.us.