Celebrating AANHPI Roots at Mile High Asian Food Week in Denver
At Asian Girls Ignite (AGI), one thing is always guaranteed: there will be food. Every time we gather—whether it’s for an event, workshop, or a celebration—You could say that sharing delicious meals is kinda our love language. 🥰
To say the least, food has always been at the heart of our events. 🍽️ Since 2020, we’ve been lucky to be fueled by a rich community of AANHPI-owned (Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander) culinary gems in the surrounding Denver area who’ve kept us full, joyful, and connected.
Fun fact: our amazing co-founder, Joanne Liu, has been cooking up more than just magic at AGI.
Since 2023, she’s been part of a passionate team of AANHPI women (all volunteering their time!) who started Mile High Asian Food Week (MHAFW)—a week-long celebration of AANHPI food and drink here in Colorado leading up to AANHPI Heritage Month!
It’s all about uplifting AANHPI-owned food businesses, spotlighting the rich diversity within our cultures, and encouraging chefs and makers to share their identities and stories through the meals they create. Plus- by attending MHAFW, you get insider perks such as special discounts, secret menu items, and specialty menus!
“My parents used to own a small Chinese take out (pictured here) in Boston where I worked every weekend when I was in middle and high school. The restaurant business was their way to survive as immigrants in this country raising 4 children. It wasn't until college when I reflected on my Chinese restaurant kid experience did I realize what I learned from those years of working there. ”
“My parents worked such long hours, and I remember my mother telling me, "We work this hard so that some day you don't have to." Not only is Chinese food an important part of my culture, but I also connect it with perseverance, hard work, and sacrifice.
This food week has had more of an impact than I could ever imagine. Past participating vendors reported one of their most busiest services ever. They met customers who arrived at their locations already wanting to love their food. Most importantly, this food week was a start to developing spaces of belonging and support amongst the AANHPI food and beverage industry members. This food week was definitely a way for me to honor my parents.
The food and beverage industry can be such a highly competitive space, but it’s been so great to see vendors collaborating on their own to elevate each other.
I may have been the one to initiate the idea, but this is a 100% AANHPI community/volunteer-led initiative. As a former restaurant kid, I see my parents in all of these chefs/owners and can't wait for them to receive all the love during the week!”
— Joanne Liu
As we celebrate this year’s Mile High Asian Food Week, we’re filled with gratitude for the incredible vendors who have nourished our spirits (and our bellies!) over the years. Food has always been a core part of who we are at AGI. It nourishes our spirits, connects us to our roots, and brings us closer together. It’s how we show care. It’s how we celebrate. It’s how we build the kind of spaces where everyone feels seen and valued.
So, to gear up for Mile High Asian Food Week, happening April 27 to May 3, we’re taking a moment to share our deep gratitude for the incredible local vendors who’ve nourished and supported our youth, community, and staff over the years. Many of this year’s featured vendors have been part of our journey—offering delicious meals, sweet treats, and comforting sips that made every gathering feel even more like home. 💜
And maybe you’ll find your next favorite spot!
colorado’s AANHPI-Owned Culinary Gems Who’ve Nourished Us
Bold brews with Filipino soul. From iced lattes to sweet treats, every sip brings a taste of home and a lot of heart.
Handcrafted chocolates that are almost too beautiful to eat.
Locally brewed, award-winning beer that brings crisp, bold flavor to every pour. Cheers to community!
Bold, Singaporean drink flavors that’ll have you coming back for more (seriously, it’s in the name).
They’ve made regular cameos at AGI events, and we’re forever obsessed.
Plant-based comfort food rooted in Filipino flavors and love!
I mean look at the crispy lumpia from our RepresentAsian Summer Program lunch!
A go-to spot for comforting Japanese classics made fast and fresh.
Serving up Cantonese tradition with a fresh twist, MAKFam brings heritage to the table with every flavorful bite!
A regular spot for the AGI team 😉
Korean fusion done so right—playful, creative, and seriously crave-worthy.
They’ve shown up to fuel us time and time again!
A go-to for fresh, delicious bites that balance cozy and elevated, created by Chef Mary Nguyen!
Our students got to learn how to make their own sushi with Chef Mary at our “Women Who Roll” event!
A fierce, non-traditional restaurant dishing out Vietnamese flavors rooted in heritage.
In February 2024, Sap Sua partnered with AGI, hosting a 4-course dinner to celebrate Lunar New Year, raising $4,788 for student programming!
Sandwiches, bowls, and flavors that celebrate Vietnamese ingredients in the yummiest ways.
Chef Elisa Hindes serving up Filipino eats and treats at festivals, events, or your next gathering!
Delicious mochi magic and dreamy desserts!
Their stunning sweets have graced so many of our tables—truly edible art we’ll never get over!
Traditional Japanese comfort food made by owner Maddie Dunhoff inspired by her grandma— vegan, gluten-free, and full of love in every bite.
Blending tradition with modern flavors since 2018, this boba spot serves up quality sips with heart and style!
Serving up bold Vietnamese drinks with fun twists on the classics, plus themed sips that keep things fresh and exciting. Come for the coffee, stay for the vibes!
A refreshing twist on traditional drinks, Yomie’s blends creamy yogurt with chewy purple rice for the ultimate sip-and-snack combo. Unique, tasty, and totally crave-worthy!
Chef Penelope Wong brings heritage and artistry to every hand-folded dumpling and noodle dish. An ode to tradition—with a whole lot of flavor.
These businesses do more than cook—they tell stories, honor heritage, and create shared memories, one bite at a time. We’re so excited to see them featured in this year’s Mile High Asian Food Week, and we hope you’ll go out, support them, savor their flavors, and experience the same magic we’ve been lucky to enjoy at AGI.
And the best part? These are just 18 out of 80+ amazing vendors lined up for this year’s celebration! If you’re on the hunt for something delicious in Colorado, be sure to check out the full vendor list on Mile High Asian Food Week’s site or map out your route. Trust us—your taste buds will thank you. 😄
To every chef, maker, and food artist who’s nourished us—thank you for being part of our story!
