Downtown Tucson Vietnamese restaurant Miss Saigon Downtown turned a new page with a fresh identity. The Ma family, who founded the original downtown location in 2012, has rebranded Miss Saigon Downtown as Saigon Blossoms, marking a new chapter that honors their family legacy and Tucson’s Vietnamese dining scene. The new name reflects a personal story of roots and renewal, carrying the Ma family’s heritage forward in a modern way.
Saigon Blossoms hosted the Tucson Foodie team to a tasting dinner to try a sampling of their drinks and dishes; photos taken that night are used to supplement this article.
The Ma family launched their first Miss Saigon near the University of Arizona in 2000 and expanded across town with multiple locations. In 2012, the Ma family opened Miss Saigon Downtown on Sixth Street. In 2024, they relocated the downtown restaurant to a larger space at 88 E. Broadway Blvd. to meet growing demand.
“It has taken a lot of blood, sweat, and tears over the years,” co-owner Bao Ma, the youngest of the Ma siblings, said in a 2024 interview. He runs the restaurant with his brothers Hien Ma, the CEO of Miss Saigon Restaurants, and Vinh Ma, director of construction and development.
Now, Bao Ma leads the family enterprise into its boldest chapter yet. The transformation into Saigon Blossoms carries meaning beyond a new name. According to Bao, the change represents the family’s evolution and honors their journey from Vietnam to Tucson.
“Saigon Blossoms is more than a restaurant; it’s living proof that legacy and innovation are not opposites but partners,” he said. “Blossoms is more than a name. It’s the foundation of a vision in bloom.”
With the rebrand, he aims to blend heritage with imagination of Tucson’s future.
Along with the new name comes an updated menu that celebrates both familiar favorites, regional specialties, and a few modern interpretations. The signature Pho Bo remains a centerpiece, slow-simmered for 18 hours using 1855 Black Angus beef cuts, including Pho Short Rib, Pho Tai, Pho Xe Lua Dac Biet, and Pho Chin.
Other highlights include:
Cocktails highlights include:
Guests can also explore curated sake pours, Japanese whiskies, and shochu highballs.
The Ma family views Saigon Blossoms as more than a restaurant. It represents their ongoing story of resilience, family, and innovation. The new design and late-night hours aim to attract a broader audience while keeping a welcoming, community-driven feel.
“Tucson has shaped our family’s journey,” Bao said. “Saigon Blossoms reflects who we’ve become and what we hope to share next.”
Saigon Blossoms is open at 88 E. Broadway Blvd. #120. Operating hours are noon-9 p.m. Sunday, 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Friday, and noon-11:30 p.m. Saturday. For more information, visit saigonblossoms.com.
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