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From the day their country was lost on April 30, 1975, the Vietnamese exiles held on to their hatred of the Communist Government of the North. They took their belongings and left home. A lucky few left the country with the help of their allies, the United States. Many were not to lucky, and in the years after the fall of the South, took to the sea on floating vessels.

Upon arrival, most had next to nothing, but the clothes on their back and the bitter taste of loss. Many high ranking officials banded together to create anti-Communist groups with the goal to plant insurrections in Vietnam. The creation of such groups would later turn on the Vietnamese communities, as the turned into violent gangs.

While the violence due to this divide did go on for some time, not all Vietnamese were fixed on this divide. Some opened restaurants, eager to share and stimulate the economy with their traditional dishes. Some wished to practice their religion in a place of worship of their own people, and so made it happen. Others blended their own culture and that of their new homeland, making sure never to forget who they are and where they come from.

These efforts would open the door for other groups to pick up on the tradition, rich culture, and cuisines of Vietnam. These communities, while closed to law enforcement, were open to others.