Cincinnati’s Asian Cuisine Week is back for its sixth year, bringing even more restaurants and, hopefully, more diners. Running from Monday, March 3 to Sunday, March 9, this event showcases the rich flavors from 13 different countries, allowing participants to explore a wide variety of Asian cuisines.
With over 47 Asian restaurants from both Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati taking part, the week-long celebration promises a diverse culinary experience.
A Boost for Small Businesses
Koji Sado, an Asianati Board Member, explains that Asian Cuisine Week is not just about food, but also about connecting communities and supporting small businesses.
“Asian Cuisine Week is more than just a food event; it’s a celebration of Cincinnati’s diverse Asian community and the food that connects our cultures,” Sado said in a press release. “We’re inviting everyone to embark on a culinary journey while supporting our local Asian-owned businesses.”
Economic Impact for Local Restaurants
According to Lam Dang, a spokesperson for Asianati, the event has shown significant benefits for local businesses. The week has been reported to increase sales by 10-15% compared to other weeks.
“This increase is especially crucial during winter, a challenging season when restaurants often see lower foot traffic due to colder weather and fewer people dining out,” Dang shared with FOX19 NOW. “By drawing attention to Asian-owned businesses and offering exclusive, limited-time dishes, Asian Cuisine Week helps sustain and even grow their customer base during a traditionally slow period. Beyond the immediate financial impact, it also creates long-term visibility, introducing new customers who return well after the event ends.”
Origin and Growth of Asian Cuisine Week
Asian Cuisine Week was first launched in 2020 as a response to the struggles faced by local Asian businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dang explained that the initiative aimed to uplift AAPI-owned restaurants, offering them a platform to showcase their diverse flavors.
“We knew we had to take action to support and uplift Cincinnati’s incredible AAPI-owned restaurants, showcasing their diverse flavors and bringing more visibility to their businesses,” Dang explained. “Today, Asian Cuisine Week continues to grow, providing a platform that not only boosts local businesses but also strengthens community connections across our city.”
Tips for First-Time Participants
For those new to the event, Lam Dang offers some helpful tips to make the most of the week.
1. Try Multiple Restaurants
“During Asian Cuisine Week, some restaurants are serving food that is generally not on their menu, so it’s the only time you can try these specials,” Dang advised. “I love it because some of the Vietnamese restaurants, like Pho Lang Thang and Quan Hapa, offer home-cooked dishes that remind me of my childhood. I use it as a week to check out these dishes.”
2. Get Adventurous
“Visit one of your go-to favorites, but also step outside your comfort zone and try a restaurant you’ve never been to before. You might just discover a new favorite and experience the incredible diversity of Asian cuisine right here in Cincinnati!”
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