Asia Village, a new Asian mall, has opened in Blaine’s Northtown Mall, offering a variety of food, culture, and entertainment options. The mall features a mix of national and local businesses, including restaurants, retailers, and entertainment venues.

Grand Opening

The grand opening of Asia Village drew a large crowd, with over 100 people waiting in line outside the mall. The event was attended by local officials, including Blaine Mayor Tim Sanders, who cut the ribbon to officially inaugurate the space.

Owner Michael Bui greeted visitors outside the mall, describing it as a place to celebrate Asian culture. Bui, who was once embarrassed to be Asian, has learned to embrace his heritage and is now proud to share it with the community.

Food and Culture

Asia Village boasts a diverse range of cuisine, representing more than five countries. The mall features a food court, as well as several restaurants, including Sot House, Oday Creamery, and Mochi Dough. Visitors can also enjoy traditional Hawaiian fare at Poke Bowl or sizzling Korean street food at Sidewalk Steakhouse.

In addition to food, Asia Village offers a variety of cultural activities, including a 11,000-square-foot indoor playground and a Korean beauty store. The mall also features a full-service restaurant with hotpot served by robots.

According to Tina Zhao, one of the general managers at 85℃ Bakery Cafe, the mall has already attracted a large following, with many customers traveling from across the state to experience the unique offerings. “I think it gives the North Metro something familiar, but closer to home,” Zhao said.

Edwin Guzmni, who was helping his wife and store manager Lin Li serve customers at Hokkaido Ramen, echoed the sentiment. “We all came with the same idea — to make food with products as close as we could to home,” he said.

Future Plans

Asia Village is still expanding, with approximately 80% of the stores in the complex currently in operation. An ice cream shop with Asian-inspired flavors and an arcade on the second floor are expected to open within the next few months.

The excitement over Asia Village’s opening was anticipated by Bui and other owners, who decided to have the space inaugurated in a special way. Following the ribbon cutting, a troupe of young lion dancers performed in the parking lot, leading customers into the mall.

Original reporting: Sahan Journal — read the source article.