Colorado’s food scene is a glorious hodgepodge of flavors, cuisines and cultures. That’s due, in large part, to the many Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander-owned eateries that are serving up delicious fare around the state, particularly on the Front Range.
You can help celebrate Colorado’s culinary and cultural cornucopia during Mile High Asian Food Week, which is back for its third year April 27-May 3. The week-long event, which kicks off AANHPI Heritage Month in May, shines the spotlight on Colorado’s creative, hard-working AANHPI-owned businesses that help make this state so special.
More than 80 vendors are showcasing their delicious creations this year, from Colorado Springs to the south and Loveland and Boulder to the north. They’re offering up a variety of insider promotions, including special discounts, secret menu items and specialty menus.
At least 20 of this year’s participants are brand new to the event. The line-up also features several 2025 James Beard Foundation Award semifinalists, including Hop Alley (outstanding wine and other beverages program), MAKfam (best chef in the mountain region for Kenneth Wan), sắp sửa (emerging chef for Anna and Ni Nguyen) and Yuan Wonton (best chef in the mountain region for Penelope Wong).
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You’ll find all of the Mile High Asian Food Week offerings and promotions on the event’s website. Filter by dietary restriction and location, then map out your plan for Mile High Asian Food Week. It’s a good idea to make reservations early for any restaurants or events that require them, as they have a tendency to book up fast.
This year, participating chefs and owners can showcase any cuisine of their choosing.
And Mile High Asian Food Week is not just for dinner. You’ll find options for every meal of the day, plus snacks and treats. Craving a refreshing pint of craft beer? Head to Comrade Brewing Co. Need to refresh your pantry stash of tea? Visit Hearth and Seoul Herbal Shop. Want a quick bite? Follow Isan Thai Food Truck to various breweries around town. How about a sweet pick-me-up? Stop by Kuluka Boba + Sweets.
“Mile High Asian Food Week is a special week where chefs can showcase specialty dishes that they’ve always wanted to try, collaborate with other businesses and restaurants or add a fun twist to their standard fare,” says Joanne Liu, the event’s founder.
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Founded in February 2023, Mile High Asian Food Week is the brainchild of a group of local foodies and restaurateurs who joined together to highlight the state’s AANHPI cuisine amid ongoing violence and discrimination against these communities.
“Mile High Asian Food Week is a homegrown effort that started from a desire to create something special for our AANHPI culinary community,” says Liu.
To this day, it’s run by an all-volunteer group of AANHPI women who dedicate their time and energy to showcasing Colorado’s incredible and diverse food scene. It’s now under the umbrella of the nonprofit Colorado Asian Culture & Education Network, which seeks to elevate Colorado’s AANHPI communities and address inequities through cultural exchange and education.
“Mile High Asian Food Week is such a special week that is not only celebrated by diners but also among the AANHPI culinary community,” says Liu. “This is our version of a spirit week and we’re so excited to show everyone what we’ve been working on.”
