Honor Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month in Seattle

SEATTLE – The month of May is Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AA&NH/PI)  Heritage Month and Seattle is joining the nation in honoring the rich history and culture of its AA&NH/PI community.

Throughout the month, Visit Seattle encourages Seattleites and travelers alike to revel in all that the community has to offer. Whether it’s enjoying authentic cuisine from award-winning chefs like Rachel Yang, learning the history of inspiring trailblazers like Wing Luke, supporting small businesses such as Constantino’s Produce, or joining in on cultural traditions like the BonsaiFEST! at the Pacific Bonsai Museum outside of Seattle in Federal Way, there are plenty of ways to learn about and get involved in Seattle’s deep and interesting AA&NH/PI history.

The AA&NH/PI community in Seattle is full of diverse cultural practices, backgrounds, and success stories. Below are just a couple of examples.

Trinh and Thai Nguyen from Ba Sa

Trinh and Thai Nguyen grew up cooking food alongside their parents. In 2018, they took over Pho T&N in Poulsbo to honor the legacy that their parents built after a complicated journey from Vietnam. Soon after, they opened Ba Sa, a restaurant on Bainbridge Island known for its welcoming hospitality and modern Vietnamese cuisine. Their latest venture, Ramie, is a new restaurant coming to Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood this spring.

“As someone who will soon become a part of Seattle’s vibrant AA&NH/PI community, I’m profoundly touched by the resilience that enriches our city’s diversity,” said Trinh Nguyen, Ba Sa co-owner. “The overwhelming support we receive from fellow Seattleites and restaurateurs underscores our shared commitment to inclusivity. I believe that Seattle is where diversity flourishes, and every voice, including mine, holds significance.”

Angela Shen from Savor the Wild Tours

Angela Shen, a forever food lover, turned her passion into her life’s work when she founded Savor the Wild Tours. After growing up working in family restaurants and with her father being a chef, she became a foodie who took a liking to experiencing Washington cuisine. Savor the Wild Tours, designed to showcase the best restaurants and artisans, provides locals and visitors a chance to experience the authentic food treasures that Seattle has to offer.

“Seattle’s AA&NH/PI community is a shining example of resilience, unity, and diversity,” said Angela Shen, Savor the Wild Tours Founder.  “I’m endlessly inspired by the strength and beauty of our collective heritage. Savor the Wild Tours is honored to be a part of such a rich tapestry, and we’re grateful for the unwavering support from the Seattle community. Together, let’s celebrate our heritage and continue to uplift and empower one another.”

Celebrate AA&NH/PI Month at Upcoming Seattle Events (May 1- 31)

2024 Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month Celebration

This celebration event, hosted by Seattle Center Festál, honors a wide range of diverse Asian cultures, and includes showcasing food, art, dance, music, culture, and more.

When: May 4, 2024, 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

Where: Seattle Center Armory Food & Event Hall (305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109)

Ragamala Indian Classical Music and Arts Celebration

Ragamala Seattle is coming to the Seattle Asian Art Museum for a day exploring Indian music and art. This free event spans decades of Indian culture and offers a hands-on experience.

When: May 5, 2024, 10:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Where: Seattle Asian Art Museum (1400 E Prospect St, Seattle, WA 98112)

Peony Festival

Visit the Seattle Chinese Garden to experience the annual Peony Festival. This family-friendly event will include a view of the beautiful peonies in bloom along with kids’ craft activities, performances, and demonstrations.

When: May 11-May 12, 2024, 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Where: Seattle Chinese Garden (6000 16th Ave SW, Seattle, WA, 98106)

BonsaiFEST!

Witness the beauty of the art of bonsai at the Pacific Bonsai Museum in Federal Way outside of Seattle. This family-friendly event features bonsai-making demonstrations, guided tours, food trucks, and more. Admission is free (donations encouraged).

When: May 11-12, 2024, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Where: Pacific Bonsai Museum (2515 South 336th St, Federal Way, WA 98003)

A Glimpse of China – Seattle Chinese Culture & Arts Festival

Join in on the festival and explore contemporary and traditional influences of China. Guests can experience history, dance, artwork, and more.

When: May 18, 2024, 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Where: Seattle Center Armory Food & Event Hall (305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109)

Spring Market

Visit the 2024 Spring Market at Wing Luke Museum to support local small businesses including Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander vendors, artists, and organizations.

When: May 25, 2024, 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Where: Wing Luke Museum (719 S King St, Seattle, WA 98104)

Support AA&NH/PI-Owned Businesses

Seattle’s AA&NH/PI community owns and operates a wide range of businesses and restaurants. Places to support this May and beyond include:

Shops

• Alice’s Floral Designs – Upscale floral arrangements in Seattle’s Chinatown-International District
• Constantino’s Produce – One of the oldest produce vendors in Pike Place Market
• Fou Lee – Beacon Hill’s diverse Asian Market selling groceries and pre-made meals
• Mam’s Bookstore – Seattle’s first Asian American-owned bookstore
• Outsider Comics – LGBTQIA+ and Asian-owned comic bookstore in Fremont
• Sairen – Gift shop in Japantown filled with Japanese-, Hawaiian-, and Seattle-made products
• Uwajimaya – Asian market with specialty goods and groceries

Experiences

• ArtXchange – Influential art gallery exploring art and global culture in the Chinatown-International district
• Muaythai Iyarin – All-level martial arts training and classes in Fremont
• Panama Hotel and Japanese American Museum of Seattle – Historic hotel with tea and coffee offerings
• Rangeela Dance Company – Capitol Hill’s Bollywood Fusion dance company offering traditional dance workshops for all ages
• Wing Luke Museum Food Tours – A tour through the Chinatown-International District to sample delicious diverse dishes

Places to Eat and Drink

• A+ Hong Kong Kitchen – Cantonese restaurant
• Asia Ginger Teriyaki – Casual Japanese fare
• Ba Bar – Cozy Vietnamese restaurant with multiple locations around Seattle
• Belltown Pizza – Pizza and late-night bites
• Biang Biang – Chinese hand-pulled noodles
• Buddha Bruddah – Asian/Hawaiian
• Fuji Bakery – Handcrafted Japanese bakery in Seattle’s Chinatown-International District
• Hello Em Viet Coffee & Roastery – Vietnamese coffee shop
• Hood Famous – Filipino baked goods and cafe
• Indigo Cow – Delicious soft serve in Wallingford honoring the tradition of Hokkaido Dairy
• Kauai Family Restaurant – Traditional island style meals
• Kona Kitchen – Hawaiian restaurant
• Ladd & Lass Brewing – Brewery in Seattle serving up a diverse list of pours and unique food trucks
• Made in House – Korean-leaning restaurant
• Meesha – Contemporary Indian cuisine
• Musang – Filipino restaurant in a converted Beacon Hill house
• Nue – Asian street food
• Oliver’s Twist – Asian-inspired cocktail bar in Phinney Ridge
• Oriental Mart – Filipino-style cafe and cooking in Pike Place Market
• Phnom Penh Noodle House – Cambodian fare
• Revel – Korean-fusion restaurant
• Saigon Drip Cafe – Authentic Vietnamese specializing in Banh Mi
• Shiki Japanese Restaurant – Japanese restaurant serving udon noodles, sushi, and more
• Silver Tray Thai – Intimate Thai restaurant
• Spice Waala – Indian street food
• Szechuan Noodle Bowl – Szechuan specialty restaurant
• Tai Tung Restaurant – Cross-regional Chinese fare
• Taste of India – Classic Indian cuisine
• Thai Thani Kitchen – Thai restaurant
• Zaika – Indian fusion restaurant

To view a comprehensive list of Seattle-area businesses to support during AA&NH/PI Heritage Month, visit The Intentionalist, an online guide to intentional spending founded by Seattle local Laura Clise.

You can find additional resources on how you can support AA&NH/PI communities in Seattle from Visit Seattle here. Or you can get a glimpse into the lives of some incredible Asian American Seattleites on VISITSEATTLE.tv as they share their stories, passions, and culture.

Check out the links below:

• Check out the story of Chong the Nomad as she takes you along to experience her passion – making music that brings people to their feet. As a queer, Asian American DJ, she brings a new face to the industry in Seattle.
• Kristina Glinoga is a sustainable butcher of whole animals in Seattle making strides in the industry as a woman of color who supports a local and ethical food economy. Get a sneak peek into her career on VISITSEATTLE.tv’s “Uncharted.”
• After realizing that Seattle lacked restaurants serving soba noodles, a family staple for Mutsuko Soma, she decided to take matters into her own hands with her restaurant Kamonegi. Find out more about her homemade fish soba and the journey it took her to get there on VISITSEATTLE.tv’s “Family Style.”
• To keep the connection to their strong Filipino heritage, Chera and Geo took a chance on their homemade ube cheesecakes, and a leap of faith with their storefront bakery Hood Famous. Check out tv’s “Family Style” to see how they combined their love for baking and Filipino flavors to inspire and satisfy Seattle!

Visit Seattle welcomes additional ideas for consideration. Please send submissions to [email protected].

About Visit Seattle:
Visit Seattle has served as the official destination marketing organization (DMO) for Seattle and King County for more than 50 years. A 501(c)(6) organization, Visit Seattle enhances the economic prosperity of the region through global destination branding along with competitive programs and campaigns in leisure travel marketing, convention sales and overseas tourism development. Visit visitseattle.org.