This fall, culinary enthusiasts in Silicon Valley will be treated to something extraordinary. Asia Live, the ambitious new concept from the team behind San Francisco’s renowned China Live, is set to debut at Westfield Valley Fair in Santa Clara—a sprawling, multi-story culinary and cultural complex that promises a fresh take on Asian dining and entertainment. Asialive
Spanning 12,000 square feet, Asia Live will transform the former iChina space into a dynamic lifestyle hub featuring a restaurant, café, bar, lounge, retail section, and even a rooftop lounge. It’s an evolution of the China Live ethos—building on its open-kitchen theater and vibrant street-food energy—but on a far grander scale.
A Feast for the Senses
Asia Live will offer much more than just Chinese cuisine. Its culinary canvas extends across Greater China, Southeast Asia, India, Korea, and Japan. The menu will flourish with new stations: tandoori ovens, an Indonesian rice table, sushi, robata, and more—besides beloved China Live staples like sheng jian bao (pan-fried pork buns) and signature Peking duck pockets.
Café, Retail & Cocktails: A Seamless Flow
On the ground floor, visitors can explore a retail marketplace stocked with Asian groceries and specialty items—mirroring the retail vision of China Live. Adjacent, a café will serve grab-and-go delights, from duck pockets to innovative treats like Taiwanese mango shave ice and black sesame soft-serve.
Rising above, the second floor is designated for a full-service restaurant and lively bar. Chef George Chen envisions a cocktail program "meant to rival [China Live’s] Cold Drinks Bar" that he claims will be a “mind blower.” Bartenders will likely compete in creativity, drawing inspiration from flavors across Asia.
Connecting the levels are sweeping staircases, guiding guests from retail and café to the main dining and bar areas. But the pièce de résistance? A rooftop lounge—a feature Chef Chen had hoped to implement at the original location, but couldn’t due to legal constraints—will offer scenic views over Santana Row and an elevated social space perfect for sunset drinks.
A Thoughtful Expansion Strategy
Eight years after launching China Live in Chinatown, Chef George Chen and partner Cindy Wong-Chen are ready to expand—but wisely. Asia Live is their first major expansion, with careful attention to scale and quality. Future locations are already being considered—including New York City and even Paris (specifically, the Carrousel du Louvre).
Chen emphasizes patience over haste: “I’ve seen too many people expand too quickly, and that’s why we waited so long to do it.” Being nearby in the Bay Area, he says, allows tight operational oversight and swift refinement—ensuring consistency and excitement.
Community & Cultural Impact
Asia Live is more than just dining—it’s a cultural crossroads. It blends retail, food, drink, and ambiance across distinct Asian traditions. The open-kitchen design retains a theatrical flair, making meals both casual and immersive. It’s poised to become a social hub: for families grabbing coffee and groceries; for friends enjoying cocktails; for food lovers exploring new flavors; and for anyone seeking a vibrant atmosphere.
In a region known for its diverse tastes and global outlook, Asia Live aims to be the go-to destination that brings the richness of several Asian food cultures under one roof.
Looking Ahead
Scheduled to open in fall 2025, Asia Live promises to be one of the most innovative and expansive food-centric projects in the Bay Area in recent years. Whether you’re eager for an artfully crafted cocktail, an adventurous lunch, or a rooftop view paired with sushi and tandoori delights—this new concept from the China Live creators is worth watching.