While this year’s super popular Asian Food Fest was moved from its traditional May date to August, and then canceled until 2021, fans will have a similar-yet-novel dining experience to look forward to this November.
The Asian American Cultural Association of Cincinnati — the group that produces both the Asian Food Fest and Lunar New Year party — are hosting the inaugural Asian Food Week from Nov. 2-8.
“After Asian Food Fest was cancelled due to COVID-19, the nonprofit quickly adapted to find a different way to celebrate Greater Cincinnati’s robust and growing Asian food culture,” reads a release from the Asian American Cultural Association of Cincinnati. “Asian-owned restaurants have been especially impacted by misinformation related to COVID-19, which increased the nonprofit’s urgency to create a campaign to support Asian restaurants.”
More than 20 eateries from across Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky are participating and offering either a special $20 prix fixe, three-course meal or a secret menu item. “The secret menu special is a nod to the unlisted menu often found at many Asian restaurants in America that include traditional dishes that may not conform to mainstream American tastes,” says the release.
[See all the secret dishes and three-course meals you can try here.]
As Asia encompasses an extensive collection of cuisines, so too will Asian Food Week with offerings from Vietnamese, Hawaiian, Indian, Chinese restaurants and more.
For example, Hi-Mark in the East End is offering a Bo Kho chili mac as their “secret” menu item, while Kiki College Hill is making Yurinchi chicken for theirs. Thai Express in Clifton is offering a three-course option for $20 with vegetable gyoza, lemongrass stir fry (your choice of protein) and Thai custard.
Participating eateries include:
- Baba India Restaurant
- Banana Leaf Modern Thai
- Boba Cha
- China Gourmet
- Crzy Monk
- Dope! Asian Street Fare
- Grand Oriental
- Hi-Mark
- Hop Ping Hog
- Hunan Bistro
- Kiki College Hill
- Kung Fu Tea Kenwood
- Kung Fu Tea Mason
- Lalo Chino Latino
- Maki Express Ramen House
- Pho Lang Thang
- Pin Toh Asian
- Poke Hut
- Quan Hapa
- Queen’s Bakery
- Sago Eurasian Cuisine and Rotisserie
- Saigon Noodle Bar
- Tea n Bowl Asian Fare and Bubble Tea
- Thai Express
- Yat Ka Mein Noodle House
For more information and to view the menus available at each restaurant, visit asianati.com/articles/afw.
Related Stories
Asian Food Week Returns to Cincinnati
This article appears in The Fall Guide.