??? The mushrooming of impressive new Asian malls and supermarkets across North America has become a sociological phenomenon that is attracting notice of the mainstream media. The Super H in Northern Virginia is so big, upscale and well-stocked that its clientele is a cross-section of the local populace. Houston's Hong Kong City Mall is architecturally distinctive enough to have become a cultural destination, like the Kintetsu/Miyako Mall in San Francisco's Japantown or Uwajimaya Village in Seattle's International Quarter.



???? America's truly great Asian malls and supermarkets have gone beyond mere places to buy Asian wares. They add color, excitement and cultural vibrance to their communities. They embody the special energy found wherever Asian Americans gather. Food is the ostensible attraction but the real draw is the chance to renew one's identity by casually rubbing elbows with other Asians. Another reason I love big exciting Asian malls: they're a way to show our kids and their non-Asian pals that Asian culture offers shiny modern attractions as well as old dusty ones.

What's your favorite Asian mall or supermarket? What makes it so special?

Not far from the Super H is the much larger Eden Center in Falls Church Virginia. Eden Center is the largest Asian mall in the east. It has received many awards. Many of its restaurants have been favorably reviewed by the Washington Post and the Washingtonian Magazine. There are over 100 Asian American owned shops - all in one shopping center. It is the Asian American meeting place for the mid-Atlantic states. Eden Center should be added to the list.

Better yet, where's a good dim sum place in those malls?