Wok This Way
Saturday, April 26, 11 a.m.–10 p.m.
Sunday, April 27, 11 a.m.–8 p.m.
Court Street Plaza, between Elm and Main streets
From bubble tea to yakitori, you can enjoy the best Asian food in the region during Asian Food Fest this weekend.
A record 65 restaurants and food trucks are participating in the festival, now in its 14th year. Be on the lookout for “Secret Menu” items at nine places, the most ever a AFF. The fan-favorite Secret Menu features home cooks from local Asian organizations and newer kitchen start-ups. The idea behind the secret menu comes from a common practice of a “hidden” menu at Asian restaurants that contains more authentic, home cooked dishes.
The festival, sponsored by the Cincinnati Regional Chamber, in partnership with Asianati, features cuisines from 18 Asian countries, representing Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, Filipino, Malaysian and Indian culinary traditions. Returning favorites include Boba Cha, Bridges Nepali Cuisine and Pho Lang Thang, with exciting newcomers such as Fusako (by Dine-In Hawaiian), Nittha Siam Kitchen, Tous les Jours Café and Taste of Manhattan.
Along with amazing dishes, AFF also has interactive cultural activities, performances, and demonstrations designed for attendees of all ages. Take a break from sampling and enjoy balintawak (Filipino stick fighting), meditate with some tai chi, or listen to thunderous taiko drums. Families will also be able to enjoy numerous traditional games, including mahjong, and bid on raffles.
Community groups like FCC’s Street Team, Queen City Riichi and Cincinnati Cancer Advisors will be on hand to give back and groups including K Pop dance group Aces of Spades will teach attendees some of their moves. A new “AFF After Dark” will feature games, lively interactions and opportunities to connect and meet new people.