How to enjoy great Asian and Pacific Islander food in San Antonio
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A spread of the Sari-Sari menu. Photo: Courtesy of Allysse Shank
A returning food event is spotlighting San Antonio's Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) restaurant scene through a citywide passport program.
The big picture: The growing event mirrors San Antonio's expanding AANHPI community. Since 2000, the city's Asian population has grown by about 203%, while the Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander population increased by about 167%.
Catch up quick: Camille de Los Reyes, co-owner of Sari-Sari Filipino Restaurant, Market and Bakery, started the AANHPI Heritage Month Restaurant Passport program in 2022.
How it works: Customers who visit any of the 26 participating restaurants can scan a QR code at the location, show the confirmation screen to staff and receive 10% off through the end of May for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
What they're saying: The program is about more than a discount, De Los Reyes tells Axios.
- "I encourage you to find that little hole in the wall, immerse yourself in the smells and find little treasures that make it a San Antonio staple," she says.
Zoom in: Participating restaurants include Ming's, Stuffed, Curry Boys BBQ, Jue Let and Best Quality Daughter.
🌍 Stuffed co-owner Chan Sany tells Axios the program "shows the city what immigrant grit really looks like."
- "Our cultures are different but our paths are the same — start with nothing, work like hell, and try to build something that outlives you," he says.
🤠 Ming's owner Ming Qian says customers can expect a "cross-culture" menu blending Asian flavors with Texas staples, including this month's special: a bao bun stuffed with carne con chili ($5).
🔦 Sean Wen of Curry Boys BBQ says the passport program has helped unite and amplify the local AANHPI restaurant community since its inception.
- "The AANHPI Restaurant Passport has always done a fantastic job uniting our community and amplifying our collective representation and visibility," Wen says.
🔎 Jennifer Hwa Dobbertin says joining the passport program was a natural fit for Jue Let, which is named after the Chinese cook who helped raise and inspire James Beard.
- "As an Asian American chef, that kind of hidden legacy resonates deeply with me," she says.
The bottom line: "This community is deserving of your support; our shared heritage is woven into the cultural fabric that makes up San Antonio," De Los Reyes says.