Mama Hieu’s: The Vietnamese Fried Chicken Spot Winning Hearts in Little Saigon
Discover the story behind Mama Hieu’s, Little Saigon’s go-to spot for Vietnamese garlic butter fried chicken. Learn how a family recipe turned into a culinary sensation with lines out the door, features in top publications, and plans for expansion.
If you’ve ever wandered into Little Saigon on a weekend, chances are you’ve seen the line outside Mama Hieu’s. And trust us—it’s worth the wait. Known for their insanely good garlic butter fried chicken, this family-run spot has become a local favorite. But behind the crispy, golden wings is a story about resilience, family, and following a dream.
The story of Mama Hieu’s begins with a cherished family recipe. “My mom’s garlic butter fried chicken was the dish everyone asked for at family parties,” the owner shared. “She’d always wanted to open a restaurant, but the timing or tools weren’t ever right. When the opportunity came to share her recipe with the world, we didn’t hesitate.”
From Backyard Beginnings to Packed Crowds
They started small, selling chicken out of their backyard. Word spread fast, and soon enough, the lines began to form. Their signature dish, crispy fried chicken tossed in rich garlic butter, quickly became a hit. “That’s the dish that made us who we are today,” he said.
What makes their fried chicken stand out? It’s all about tradition. The recipe, known in Vietnam as gà chiên bơ tỏi, is a classic dish that isn’t commonly found in the U.S. “It’s not a fusion—we didn’t create this dish,” he explained. “It’s something my mom grew up with and passed down to me.”
While the garlic butter wings remain their top seller, the family has introduced new flavors like spicy garlic butter and fish glaze. “We all work together to create these,” he said. “My brother came up with the fish glaze, and I put my own spin on the spicy version of my mom’s original recipe. It’s a team effort.”
A Family-Driven Mission
For this family, Mama Hieu’s is more than a restaurant. It’s about breaking barriers and building a legacy. “I feel like I’ve broken a cycle,” the owner shared. “But I couldn’t have done it without my mom.”
The bond between mother and son is at the heart of the restaurant’s success. “She’s been a head chef for almost 40 years,” he said proudly. “Now, we’re partners. Seeing how proud she is of what we’ve built together—it’s unreal.”
What’s Next for Mama Hieu’s
The popularity of Mama Hieu’s hasn’t gone unnoticed. With features in Eater and the LA Times, they’ve seen a surge of new customers. “It’s helped us a lot,” he said. “Our restaurant is small, so on weekends, there’s always a line out the door.”
Now, they’re planning to expand. “We’re opening a second location this year,” he shared. While details are still in the works, they hope to offer a larger space with more seating and a bigger kitchen to keep up with demand.
As they look to the future, the family remains focused on staying true to their roots. “Our mission is to share Vietnamese flavors with as many people as possible,” he said. “That’s what this is all about.”