A rising restaurant week is the delicious gateway to celebrating Denver’s Asian communities
By Rebecca Toy
The Asian food scene is one of the hottest in the Denver area. While the Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community represents less than 5 percent of Denver’s population, these restaurateurs are racking up national recognition.
For the third year, the Mile High Asian Food Week (April 27–May 5) kicks off May’s AANHPI heritage month with restaurants, food trucks and pop-up collaborations from pho to dumplings to boba tea. With this celebration of culture and cuisine, diners can explore diverse offerings with special menus, insider discounts and secret dishes.
The success of the first two years has been exponential, building partnerships and camaraderie beyond the one week. “Many of the chefs and restaurateurs feel less alone, catching and supporting each other during hard times. It’s really beautiful to see,” says Annie Guo VanDan, the event’s director of finance and Colorado Asian Culture and Education Network (CACEN) executive director.
This year is also the first that the Mile High Asian Food Week joins CACEN’s programming, allowing organizers to expand funding opportunities for participants. Part of the restaurant week vendors’ fees also go to CACEN’s youth and community programs. Organizers hope to host a market-style celebration on the final day in the agency’s new center.
“This is the direction we’re trying to go, making an impact for these businesses and helping the wider community try something new while learning more about Asian cuisine,” Guo Van Dan says.
Guo VanDan has a tip for those excited to dine: “Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Staff and restaurant owners are happy to introduce the food, share the cultural ways of eating the dishes and describe what motivated this menu from their culinary experiences.”
MHAFW offers something for everyone across Denver. These are a few of the most acclaimed.
MAKfam
39 W. 1st Ave. Denver
In this Baker neighborhood diner, touches of neon, Chinese motifs and a framed picture of the rapper Biggie Smalls evoke the buzzy vibe of Hong Kong noodle parlors and New York City’s Chinatown. It’s fitting for Doris Yuon and Kenneth Wan, whose shared culinary journey started in their parents’ restaurants and came together in Manhattan’s formidable food scene. Identifying as “ABC kids”—or American-born Chinese—their traditionally inspired Cantonese dishes are from family recipes with some modern twists.
The brick-and-mortar restaurant opened in November of 2023 with success. MAKfam is a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant, and Wan received his second James Beard nomination this year. Try the beef stir-fried noodles with a fried egg, the fancy wonton tong soup with a creamy chicken broth and those classic Chinatown dumplings.
Yuan Wonton
2878 Fairfax St. Denver
One of chef Penelope Wong’s aunts gets credit for the name of this popular restaurant; her accented call of “You want a wonton?” represents an endearing tradition of nurturing through food. When it comes to this hit food-truck-turned-bistro in the Park Hill area, the answer is yes—you do want a wonton.
Wong’s third James Beard nomination in as many years speaks to her team’s range as they conjure up childhood memories. The O.G. Chile Oil wontons are a savory treat, and the Sichuan eggplant dumplings perfectly balance the sweet and salty spice. You won’t regret it if you can get your hands on the gua bao birria with a slight fried crunch.
Hop Alley
3500 Larimer St. Denver
Chef Tommy Lee’s Hop Alley has been a hot reservation in the RiNo district for years. Once a soy sauce factory, the understated building serves family-style, modern-regional Chinese under red lampshades found in Hong Kong’s wet markets. The Beijing duck roll on a scallion pancake is delectable. The La Zi Ji chicken delivers the heat.
Hop Alley was a derogatory term for Denver’s destroyed Chinatown, and Lee sought to reclaim the name. With multiple nods as a Michelin Bib Gourmand and a second James Beard nomination this year (Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program), the Hop Alley team has succeeded.
Sap Sua
2550 E. Colfax Ave. Denver
Pops of pattern set off the pale hardwood in this non-traditional Vietnamese restaurant. Another young entry to Denver’s food scene, the team has already made its mark: In 2023, it was named one of the most anticipated openings by Bon Appetit and was in Esquire’s 50 Best New Restaurants in America. Last year, co-chefs Ni and Anna Nguyen received a James Beard nomination for Best Emerging Restaurant.
Innovation merges with elegance in both form and flavor. The hamachi crudo stands out with coconut and chile components, and the bấp cải luộc cabbage dish holds a unique, comfort-dish memory from chef Ni Nguyen’s childhood.
Mile High Asian Food Week
https://www.milehighafw.com/
Colorado Asian Culture and Education Network
https://www.cacendenver.org/
MAKfam
https://www.makfam.co/
Yuan Wonton
https://www.facebook.com/yuanwonton/
Hop Alley
https://hopalleydenver.com/
Sap Sua
https://www.sapsua.com/
