After more than three decades of operation, Mi La Cay is bidding farewell to Seattle’s Little Saigon neighborhood. The iconic Chinese-Vietnamese noodle restaurant, well-known for its original and authentic flavors, will close next week.
Mi La Cay Set to Close Next Week
Mi La Cay is located at 212 12th Ave. S. in Seattle’s Little Saigon neighborhood and is known for its noodle soups.
In a Facebook post, the brother-sister owner duo, Ha Ong and Trinh Ong, shared the closure decision. The owners said in the post that the restaurant would close after 34 years in business. The restaurant will serve its last customers on October 29.
The restaurant owners thanked the community for their continued support over the years. They especially added a note of appreciation for Seattle Chinatown International District (SCID), Friends of Little Saigon, and Laura Clise of Intentionalist and their kindness during the COVID times.
The owners wrote: “The community came together to help us during the struggles of COVID, and we are so grateful for all your support.”
“And to all the organizations who were reaching out and helping us through awarding grants to get us through the most difficult of times — thank you,” continued the statement.
Mi La Cay’s History in Seattle
The sibling-run noodle restaurant was founded in 1993 on Rainier and Dearborn. It gained popularity with its noodle soup bowl and appeared on the front page of the Seattle Times newspaper in 1993 “for the best noodle soup in town”.
Reflecting on its journey in the neighborhood, the owners mentioned that since its opening, it has been a favorite spot for the Asian community.
“Throughout all these years, we have been able to know & become friends with our customers & learn so many of your stories,” stated the owners.
The closure announcement of the restaurant drew lots of attention on social media. Several longtime customers expressed their disappointment. One of the customers wrote, “This place holds so many precious memories for me and my family. It’s more than just a restaurant — it’s a part of our family’s story.”
