Downtown Cincinnati is gearing up for a serious flavor overload as Asian Food Fest returns to Court Street Plaza this weekend, April 25-26, for its 15th year. The two-day party brings dozens of vendors, multiple stages and a slate of new programming, including an all-Asian drag show that will close out Saturday night. Between traditional plates, secret-menu surprises and wall-to-wall performances, organizers say the festival reflects a booming Asian culinary scene in the region, so expect long lines and a packed, hungry crowd.
What's new this year
Organizers say what started as a tiny gathering has turned into one of Cincinnati's biggest community events. JP Leong told Cincinnati CityBeat that “fifteen years ago we set up five tables and hoped people would show up.” Asianati founding member Lam Dang recalled to the outlet that early versions felt “more like a picnic” before the festival expanded into a full weekend celebration of food and culture.
Food to scout
The official vendor guide lists more than 50 restaurants and food trucks along with five “Secret Menu” options that together represent more than a dozen countries, according to Asian Food Fest. Newcomers this year include Duck Beijing House serving traditional Chinese duck dishes, Gimmebap with kimbap on the menu and Lotus Thai & Sushi. Returning favorites will cover the festival comfort hits like boba, takoyaki and saag paneer. There are playful local mash ups too, including Fusako's katsu curry coney that is pitched as an Asian twist on a Cincinnati classic.
Entertainment lineup
To fit in everyone on the bill, Asianati has added a third stage this year, and returning activations include the “Eastern Eats and Vocal Beats” karaoke competition, where singers can belt it out for prizes. The marquee new addition is an all-Asian drag show closing out Saturday night, led by Princess Shehzadi and featuring local queens Glitz and Bee Jade. Organizers say the set is designed to spotlight queer AAPI performers. “As a kid, I always felt that I had to choose between my cultural representation and my queer representation,” Shehzadi told Cincinnati CityBeat.
Plan your visit
The festival runs 11 a.m.-10 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. on Sunday. The event info page notes it draws nearly 125,000 attendees and warns that streets in the festival footprint will be closed from April 23 at 6 p.m. through April 27 at 7 a.m. Accessible restrooms and a Momentum Refresh Bus for guests with mobility needs will be available on site. With limited parking in the area, organizers suggest carpooling or using public transit. Check the festival site for the full schedule and an interactive map before you head downtown.
Why it matters
Beyond serving up a weekend of snacking, Asian Food Fest functions as a major stage for Asianati and local restaurateurs to reach new customers and spotlight cuisines that can be hard to find elsewhere in the city. Asianati runs a year-round calendar and restaurant guide that connects the festival to broader programming for Cincinnati's AAPI community, and local coverage has tracked the event's steady growth. For a look back at last year's scale and vendor lineup, check out this preview on over 60 vendors and cultural performances.
