Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
May is Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month. From special events, delicious food spots, museum exhibits and more, Minneapolis has many different ways to celebrate and learn about Asian culture all month long.
Places to Visit
Minneapolis Institute of Art
Mia's diverse collection displays plenty of art created by the AAPI community as well as Asian artists from around the world. Their curators work hard to find works that are reflective of all communities. Check out their Collection of Asian Art, which include works from China, South and Southeast Asia, Japan and Korean. They currently have a few exhibits exploring Asian culture including:
- Eternal Offerings: Chinese Ritual Bronzes
Exhibit lasts until May 21, 2023
- Fukuda Kodōjin: Japan’s Great Poet and Landscape Artist
April 22 through July 23, 2023
- The Art of Literacy in Early Modern Japan
Exhibit lasts until August 6, 202
Midtown Global Market
As a hub for showcasing food and shopping from Minneapolis' diverse communities, Midtown Global Market not only offers a wide variety of Asian cuisine including, Intown Sushi, Pham’s Rice Bowl, and Sabbai Cuisine, but it also is home to a unique Tibetan shop, Tibet Arts & Gifts, filled with rare clothing, accessories and home decor from the Himalayas.
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
At Como Park Zoo & Conservatory's Ordway Gardens you will find Minnesota's only top-curated Japanese plant collection. Within the garden is a Bonsai tree collection that honors Japanese art. The Charlotte Partridge Ordway Japanese Garden was created by renowned landscape designer, Masami Matsuda from Nagasaki. His creation serves to honor Japanese design principals using Minnesota plants and trees.
Weisman Art Museum
A permanent collection at the Weisman, Traditional Korean Furniture, includes about 200 examples of Choson dynasty furniture, 80 Silla dynasty stoneware pieces, close to 150 folk paintings and wooden bowls and utensils, in addition to other folk arts and crafts. The collection represents many types of wood, decorative material, and joinery techniques.
Hmongtown Marketplace
An indoor and outdoor marketplace with over 125 stalls and shops, including 11 restaurants. Here you can browse all types of products from food and fresh produce, to clothing, home items, and accessories. The marketplace has grown to become a commonplace for Hmong Americans and given them a familiar sense of home with the community.
Walker Art Center
The Walker Art Center is one of the most visited modern and contemporary art museums in the country. Its exhibits bring together collections of art from communities and creators across the globe. Currently, it is showcasing the works of Pacita Abad.
Born in the Philippines, Pactia Abad studied painting at the Corcoran School of Art in Washington DC and the Arts Student League in New York. The exhibition includes more than 100 works—most of which have never been on public view in the United States—showcasing her experiments in different mediums, including textiles, works on paper, costumes, and ceramics. On view April 15 - September 3, 2023.
United Noodles
United Noodles is a pan-Asian grocery store located in the Seward neighborhood of Minneapolis. Here you can pick up and discover new ingredients and products from China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, India, Sri Lanka, Hawaii and more. If you get thirsty during your visit, check out Machi Machi a boba tea shop open within the market. Try one of their many mixed drinks with their signature cream cheese foam.
University of Minnesota Campus: Dinkytown, Stadium Village, and West Bank
The University of Minnesota campus is surrounded by pockets of Asian culture powered by food, the people who prepare it, and those who enjoy it. Within walking distance from campus, you’ll find restaurants, food halls, boba shops, bakeries, and cafés representing Korean, Vietnamese, Chinese, Indian, Hmong, Thai, Japanese, and Polynesian cuisines. These places represent a piece of home for the more than 4,000 Asian students, many of which are international. The array of authentic flavors offers the opportunity to learn more about generations and traditions of the AAPI community in Minneapolis.
Events
May 7, 2023
3 - 4pm
Lakewood Cemetery
The Music in the Chapel series showcases an eclectic range of performers and local musicians for musical performances that showcase the acoustical charms of this historic and unique architectural landmark, right in the heart of the city. Lakewood is honored to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month by welcome Thi Vu of Vietnamese Traditional Music of Minnesota.
May 9, 2023
5:30 - 7pm
Eastside Food Co-op
Okinawa is a collection of islands located in southern Japan. Join Kimiko Molasky as she demonstrates how to cook a typical Okinawan chicken soup with daikon radish, kobu seaweed, and bonito fish broth. This combination of ingredients is characteristic of the region and is very comforting with its perfect balance of nutrition and umami.
May 14, 2023
7pm
Dakota
Acclaimed pianist, composer and humanitarian Keiko Matsui’s transcendent and haunting melodies have long sought to build bridges. Her sonic cultural exchange has reached the hearts and minds of fans throughout the world and has allowed the pianist to work alongside icons Miles Davis, Stevie Wonder, Hugh Masekela and Bob James.
May 16, 2023
5:30 pm
Vinai + Hilltribe
Learn the flavors and techniques used in Hmong Cooking directly from Chef Yia Vang! Join our small group cooking class to learn to cook a traditional Hmong meal and enjoy it after class. The evening's menu includes: Sweet and Sour Tamarind Grilled Chicken, Cucumber Salad, Hmong Mustard Greens, Purple Sticky Rice, and Kua Txob (our hot pepper sauce, a part of many meals!) Tickets are limited.
Now through May 21, 2023
Minneapolis Institute of Art
Set in 19th-century China, two master warriors (Chow Yun Fat and Michelle Yeoh) are faced with their greatest challenge when the treasured Green Destiny sword is stolen. A young aristocrat (Zhang Ziyi) prepares for an arranged marriage, but soon reveals her superior fighting talents and her deeply romantic past. As each warrior battles for justice, they come face to face with their worst enemy—and the inescapable, enduring power of love.
May 22, 2023
6:30pm
Vinai + Hilltribe
Gathering together for a shared meal plays a central role in Hmong culture. Share the table with us at Hilltribe for a special feast style meal prepared by Chef Yia Vang and his parents, Nhia and Pang. Let us share some of our traditions that have been passed down through generations and experiences.
May 23, 2023
6:30pm
Vinai + Hilltribe
Join us for the Hmonglish Podcast Live Show! This month, we're collaborating with the Hmonglish podcast to open a dialogue with the community as Chef Yia Vang records an episode of the podcast with special guest, Ming-Jinn Tong.
Food & Drink
Mee-Ka
Chef Yia Vang's new pop-up concept, Mee-Ka (meaning "American" in most Hmong homes) serves Hmong comfort food influenced by American flavors. You'll find dishes like ramen and Hmong sausage (a stand-in for spaghetti and meatballs), a Mee-Ka burger spiced with hot pepper ranch sauce, meat loaf with Hmong ingredients, and more.
Khâluna
Khâluna transports visitors across the ocean with its colorful array of food and dreamy interior. The soft and beachy atmosphere and Lao dishes for which Khâluna is known provides a vacation right in South Minneapolis.
Hai Hai
Popular Northeast restaurant Hai Hai, serves Vietnamese street food. Inspired by dishes that Chef Christina Nguyen grew up eating at home, at family celebrations, and during several trips to Southeast Asia, you can expect to find more than just the standards like pho and pad thai.
