The Asian American Resource Center (AARC) is proud to present its second annual food festival in honor of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in May with “CelebrASIA Austin: An Asian Pacific American Food and Heritage Festival” on Saturday, May 2, 2015 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public.
A highlight of the event will be the Battle of the Asian Food Trucks featuring the theme ingredient: coconut. 2014 Judge’s Pick and Crowd Favorite winner Chaat Shop will be back to defend their title, competing against Oyama, Thai 2U, and Kung Fu Kitchen. Attendees will vote on their favorites and a 2015 winner will be crowned at the festival. Tasting tickets will be sold ($20) for food voting ballots and other items the day of the festival.
All attendees may also purchase food from the regular menu of competing food trucks. In addition, SATAY Restaurant will also be on site selling specially-made Thai coconut ice cream desserts, Curry in a Hurry will sell coconut water and Frozen Rickshaw will be selling frozen mochi and other desserts.
Armando Reed from Taiwan TLC’s “Fun Taiwan” and “Armando’s Asian Twist” headlines our judges panel, which also includes MM Pack of the Austin Chronicle, Dr. Foo Swasdee of SATAY Restaurant, Jae Kim of Chi’Lantro, Rob Balon of Dining Out with Rob Balon and Birjis Rashed of Hot Sweet Spice Recipes.
Throughout the day, attendees are invited to participate with indoor interactive heritage showcases presented by the Network of Asian American Organizations, featuring cultural activities from regions of Asia, plus Hawaiian dance, ukulele choir and other cultural performances on an outdoor stage. Educational food booths will inspire fresh ideas for coconut. Families and children will enjoy the various crafts, games, moon bounce, balloons and more.
Additionally, a community outreach fair and artisan marketplace will be open for visitors to learn more about various Asian and Asian American organizations in Austin as well as City of Austin services and also find unique goods for purchase.
CelebrASIA Austin Schedule:
- 11 a.m. Event and Asian Food Truck Battle opens
- 11 to 11:30 a.m. Kona Isle Ukulele Choir
- 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Food demonstration: How-to’s of Coconut
- 12 to 12:30 p.m. Tropical Productions Interactive Hula and Drumming
- 12:30 to 1 p.m. Judges’ Coconut Recipes + Meet and Greet
- 1 to 2:45 p.m. Cultural Performances, presented by the Network of Asian American Organizations
- 2:45 p.m. Food Truck Battle Winners announced
- 3 p.m. Event closes
For more information, visit the City of Austin website.
Asian American Resource Center
8401 Cameron Road
Austin, Texas 78754
Phone: 512.974.1700
