A fusion of cultures and cuisines, a meeting of tradition and adaptivity, the story of South Florida’s Salon Canton resembles that of many other Chinese immigrants that took detours to countries all over the world before settling in the US. Closely tied to the immigration patterns of the Chinese people over the centuries, the evolution of Chinese food is as diverse as its people.
Just as the Chinese migrated over the years, driven by economic opportunities, political turmoil, and strong determination, Bobby Acon, owner of Salon Canton, brought unique versions of his homeland’s flavorful cuisine with him when opening his Doral restaurant.
Canton to Caracas
As war and communism began to impact the Chinese economy and way of life, many families, including the parents of Bobby Acon, migrated to Latin America. First settling in Costa Rica in the ’50s, the Acon family moved to Caracas, Venezuela in the 1970s, which saw an influx of Chinese migrants. To cater to a population that was hungry for comfort food from their homeland, the Acon family opened five successful Venezuelan-Cantonese restaurants.
After attending college in the US, Bobby Acon returned to Venezuela in 2008 to help his brothers run and learn about the family businesses.
As political upset and decline of the Venezuelan economy worsened in his adopted home, Acon, like many Venezuelans of Chinese descent emigrated once again, this time to Doral, seeking a better life, and bringing the Salon Canton brand to the Miami metropolitan area, in 2015.
Caracas to the Florida Coast
Known for its relatively affordable housing and its thriving Latin American business community, Doral is one of Miami’s most notable Venezuelan-Chinese areas, reflected in the city's diverse cultural and culinary landscape. As the Venezuelan Chinese population in Miami continues to grow, the hunger for home cooking continues to expand as well, with many of Salon Canton’s customers being homesick Venezuelans and curious Americans.
“Venezuelan Chinese food is not as mainstream as more common types of Cantonese cuisine in the US,” offered Acon,” so our menu offers a taste of home in the heart of Miami.”
Many of the Venezuelan-Chinese families in Doral are bilingual in Spanish and Mandarin or Cantonese, preserving elements of both cultures.
This includes celebrating Chinese holidays like Chinese New Year alongside Venezuelan holidays, and maintaining both culinary traditions, with some families running Chinese restaurants that cater to a wide array of tastes.
Read More: Lunar New Year 2025 Restaurant Guide: Ssssensational Ways to Celebrate the Year of the Snake
Many Venezuelan-Chinese immigrants like Bobby Acon have established strong business ties in the area, with a focus on food, retail, and service industries. Chinese restaurants in Doral not only serve as a place to enjoy food but also as community centers where people come together to share their experiences and culture.
For many Venezuelan-Chinese families, Miami is a logical choice due to its proximity to Latin America, making it easier for them to connect with family members and businesses back in Venezuela. The well-established Chinese community in Miami also provides a support network, making it easier for newcomers to integrate and find their footing in the U.S.
Szechuan Spicy Sauce with Shrimp
While the Venezuelan-Chinese community is particularly noticeable in Doral, it’s part of a broader phenomenon of ethnic enclaves in South Florida, where immigrants from different countries build tight-knit communities, sharing language, food, and culture.
To this day, Doral serves as a major hub for Venezuelan exiles, with Chinese-Venezuelan restaurants like Salon Canton serving up a unique fusion of both culinary traditions. Offering a combination of Chinese cooking techniques with South American ingredients, Salon Canton caters to both the large Venezuelan population as well as curious Floridians and tourists.
As fellow transplants quickly began to enjoy their favorite Venezuelan-Chinese comfort food, Salon Canton’s Doral location experienced great success, inspiring Acon to open a second location in North Miami Beach a few years later.
A small, no-frills eatery with red- and white-patterned wall panels and a communal roundtable, Acon is known for coming out of the kitchen and greeting his guests with his welcoming smile.
Salon Canton Favorites
Shrimp In Special Sweet White Sauce: Shrimp in White Sauce
Singapore Rice Noodle With Shrimp: Singapore Style Rice Noodles with Shrimp and Pork in Curry Sauce
Chop Suey: Special Chop Suey with Chicken, Pork, Beef or Shrimp
Barbecue Pork Spare Ribs: Four Pieces of Grilled Ribs
Yeung Chow Fried Rice With Shrimp, Pork & Peas: Kowloon Style Fried Rice with Shrimp, Pork and Peas Grilled Ribs (4 pieces)
Cantonese Rice Noodle Shrimp And Pork In Soy Sauce: Cantonese Style Rice Noodles in Soy Sauce
Traditional Fried Rice: Special Fried Rice, Chicken, Pork or Shrimp
Buddha Vegetables Delight: Mixed vegetables with your favorite protein, or tofu!
Celebrating the Year of the Snake, Bobby Acon and the staff at Salon Canton in Doral, Florida wish their customers a healthy, lucky, and delicious new year!
2 Locations
9668 NW 25th St. Doral, FL, (305) 640-0666
916 71st St, Miami Beach, FL, (786) 717-7077
By Eileen Strauss
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