Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is an important opportunity for visitors to get to know Austin's diverse community. Learn more about locally-owned businesses, cultural organizations and events, then celebrate Austin's AANHPI communities with us this May!
Credit Nick Simonite.
Cultural Organizations
The three pan-Asian organizations, Network of Asian American Organizations (NAAO), Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce (GAACC), and the Asian American Resource Center Nonprofit (AARCNP) along with the Asian American Quality of Life Commission are tasked with educating and advocating for the less privileged in the community. Check their websites for activities and events throughout the year that celebrate Asian culture and history in Austin.
Kemuri Tatsu-ya. Credit Kirsten Kaiser.
Asian-Owned Restaurants in Austin
Austin's culinary scene is top notch—from luxury and award winning dining to family-operated mom and pop eateries, there's no shortage of yummy food to help discover new cultures and traditions while you're in town.
Fill up on meat at Kemuri Tatsuya, a restaurant that blends Japanese izakaya with Texas barbecue. Slurp homemade noodles and rich broths at Julie's Noodles, located in North Austin. Try authentic Northeastern Thai street food at Dee Dee Thai, including their famous mango sticky rice. OMG Squee serves up the cutest sweet treats like mochi donuts, small-batch taiyaki and bubble tea. Lee's Kitchen + Cocktails serves delicious Vietnamese dishes always with the freshest ingredients alongside unique Asian-inspired specialty drinks.
That's just a small sample of your options in town. For more Asian cuisine, check out our guide to Asian-owned restaurants in Austin.
Taniguchi Japanese Garden. Courtesy of Zillker Botanical Garden Conservancy.
Asian Arts & Attractions
Home to world-class museums and galleries, Austin’s burgeoning creative scene is home to visual artists, performers, filmmakers and writers such as Jieun Beth, PJ Raval, Vy Ngo and many others. Check out Asian American and Pacific Islander artists, performing arts organizations and galleries while you're in town.
Catch a performance from Y'all We Asian, Austin's only all-Asian improv comedy troupe, performing regularly at Fallout Theater. Take in natural beauty at the Isamu Taniguchi Japanese Garden in Zilker Botanical Garden with ponds containing koi fish, lotus and water lilies. Francisca Tung opened Lotus Gallery in 2001 with a focus on Asian art and antiquities. Visit to view a curated selection of art and sculptures, jewelry, furniture and more.
Visit our guide to Austin's Asian arts & culture for more.
