A Perfect Day in Mesa's Asian District: Your Complete Itinerary

Mesa's Asian District packs an incredible amount of culture, food, and unique experiences into a surprisingly walkable area. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a regular looking to make the most of your day, this itinerary will guide you through the district's highlights from morning to night. Come hungry, bring your camera and prepare for a day that feels like a mini cultural tour without leaving Arizona.

Morning

H-Mart Exploration

Begin your adventure at H-Mart, the district's anchor grocery store. This isn't your typical supermarket run—take time to wander the produce section and discover fruits you might not recognize. Dragon fruit, Korean pears and unusual root vegetables are just the beginning. The snack aisles are equally fascinating, filled with Korean chips, candy and drinks that range from familiar to wonderfully strange.

Stock up on a few Korean snacks and drinks to try throughout the day. The staff is generally helpful if you have questions about unfamiliar products, and it's a great way to start understanding the diversity of Asian cuisines represented in the district.

Mural Hunt

The Asian District features fifteen different murals scattered throughout the area, each celebrating different aspects of Asian culture and community. These aren't just pretty backgrounds—they tell stories about the immigrant experience, cultural traditions, and the district's evolution. Grab your phone and make it a game to find them all. The murals range from large, obvious pieces to smaller, more subtle artwork tucked between businesses.

This walking tour also helps you get oriented with the district's layout and discover shops you might want to return to later.

afternoon

Lunch at Happy Bao's

Make your way to Mekong Plaza for lunch at Happy Baos. Their veggie fried rice hits that perfect balance of flavors and textures, while the xiao long bao (soup dumplings) are the kind of dish that makes you understand why people get excited about good dim sum. Take your time with the soup dumplings—they're best enjoyed carefully to avoid burning your tongue on the hot broth inside.

Shopping Time

After lunch, explore Hong Kong Gifts inside Mekong Plaza. This shop offers everything from practical items to quirky gifts, and it's a great place to find souvenirs that actually represent the local Asian community rather than generic tourist merchandise.

Claw Machine Competition

Now comes the fun part: testing your skills at the numerous claw machines scattered throughout the plaza. These machines are well-maintained and stocked with prizes that range from cute plushies to anime collectibles. Whether you're naturally good at these games or terrible at them, it's oddly addictive entertainment.

Sweet Treat Tour

Time to satisfy your sweet tooth with the district's most Instagram-worthy treats. Start with the famous Cotton Candy Vending Machine—watching it spin colorful sugar into perfect clouds is almost as enjoyable as eating the result.

Then head to Tea Snow for brown sugar boba tea. Their drinks are beautifully layered and offer the perfect combination of sweet, creamy, and chewy textures that make good boba so satisfying.

Evening

Tea Exploration

Meet Fanny, the knowledgeable herbalist at Tan Hua, for an introduction to traditional Chinese medicine and specialty teas. This isn't just shopping—it's an educational experience. Fanny can recommend teas and herbal preparations based on your specific needs, whether you're looking for better sleep, stress relief, or just curious about traditional remedies.

Unique Shopping

Cross over to the shops near H-Mart for some distinctive retail therapy. Daiso, the Japanese dollar store, offers an incredible selection of well-designed, affordable items that you didn't know you needed. BookOff is a collector's paradise, specializing in used books, manga and media that's often hard to find elsewhere in Arizona.

Award-Winning Dinner

Head up the road to Mensho for what might be the best ramen dinner in the Valley. This Michelin-rated restaurant takes ramen seriously, with broths that have been simmered for hours and noodles made fresh daily. The attention to detail shows in every bowl, and it's the kind of meal that makes you understand why people travel for good ramen.

K-Pop Nightcap

End your perfect day at Tipsy Chicken, the district's K-pop bar. The atmosphere transforms as the evening progresses, with Korean music, soju cocktails and a crowd that knows how to have fun. Try their signature soju drinks for an authentic nightcap that pairs perfectly with the Korean fried chicken.