Mile High Asian Food Week Celebrates Colorado’s Growing AAPI Food Scene

February 22-26, 2023 | milehighasianfoodweek.com

For Asian American communities across the nation, the 2023 new year started with tragedies intertwined with celebrations. The Lunar New Year, which began on January 22, ushered in a wave of mourning after the mass shootings in California.

In Colorado, community leaders moved quickly to provide healing spaces and honor the lives of the victims. Through the pain and grief, the community remembers that there is still so much to celebrate, especially when it comes to sharing cultural foods, values, and traditions.

Growing up in Boston, Joanne Liu saw first hand how hard her parents worked at their family restaurant. The long hours and exhaustive list of responsibilities not only put a roof over their heads, the labor of love was a reflection of their Chinese heritage–one that they immensely enjoyed sharing with customers.

Now Liu, who is the co-founder and CEO of Asian Girls Ignite, along with other Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) food and community members, are launching Mile High Asian Food Week on February 22-26, 2023.

This multi-day celebration takes place at several participating locations across the Denver Metro Area.

“In many Asian cultures, food is our love language. It symbolizes family, and it is our way of expressing care and protection,” says Liu. “We have so many AAPI food and beverage chefs and business owners here in Colorado. Mile High Asian Food Week is our chance to recognize and celebrate this growing culture.”

During Mile High Asian Food Week, diners can experience different AAPI cuisines from participating businesses, receive insider perks such as special discounts and secret menu items, try specialty menus, and more.

Whether foodies want to learn about and try new cuisines, experience a new restaurant, or want to support their favorite local business, there is something for everyone during Mile High Asian Food Week.

“Colorado has a very vibrant and active AAPI community. Although we only make up around 5% of the state’s population, we do exist, and Mile High Asian Food Week is just one way to showcase who we are and what we contribute to this state,” says Liu.

The excitement is palpable; community members are already chewing over where they plan to eat! To see the full list of vendors and their Mile High AFW promotions and menus, register as a participating vendor, or learn more about Mile High Asian Food Week visit milehighafw.com.

About Mile High Asian Food Week

Presented by Asian Avenue Magazine and created by AAPI food and beverage industry and community members, Mile High Asian Food Week is a celebration of culture, community, and Colorado’s growing AAPI food scene. Asian Avenue Magazine, Asian Chamber of Commerce, and Colorado Asian Culture and Education Network Colorado had previously organized a Asian Restaurant Month in celebration of AAPI Heritage Month in 2009 and 2010.