SAN FRANCISCO, CA – May 14, 2024 – Get ready to embark on a flavorful journey through the Excelsior and OMI neighborhoods as CHOW FUN 2024, presented by the Filipino American Arts Exposition, returns to celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. This year marks the second annual CHOW FUN event, and from Saturday, May 25 to Saturday, June 1, locals and visitors alike are invited to immerse themselves in the vibrant culinary scene of San Francisco’s diverse communities.
CHOW FUN 2024 is more than just a food festival; it’s an opportunity to support local businesses and savor the rich cultural tapestry of the AANHPI community. With over 40 participating restaurants, bakeries, cafes, and bars along the Mission St, Ocean Ave, and Geneva Ave corridors, attendees can explore diverse flavors from Hawaii, China, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam.
The CHOW FUN Passport is your ticket to culinary adventure. Diners who purchase at participating merchants will receive a stamp on their passport. Collect five (5) or more stamps, and you’ll be eligible to enter the lucky draw for fabulous prizes. The CHOW FUN Passport program encourages exploration of the vibrant culinary scene and fosters a sense of community engagement and support for local businesses.
To kick off the festivities, the Opening Community Kickoff will take place on Saturday, May 25, at 11 a.m., hosted by the Excelsior Branch Library, located at 4400 Mission Street. This family-friendly event will feature cultural performances, welcoming remarks by community leaders, family-friendly activities, and the distribution of CHOW FUN Passports.
As the week unfolds, attendees can look forward to many culinary delights, including special menus, tastings, and exclusive offers from participating merchants. Whether you’re craving traditional Filipino delicacies, Japanese sushi, Korean BBQ, or Thai curries, CHOW FUN 2024 has something for every palate.
As the week come to an ends, make sure to attend the Closing Culinary Event on Saturday, June 1, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., hosted by Mission Housing at the Kapuso at the Upper Yard, located at 2430 San Jose Ave. This culminating celebration will feature cultural performances, cooking demonstrations, Taste of Asia food sampling, outreach tables by partners and sponsors, DJs, a photo booth, and community networking opportunities. Attendees can also participate in the CHOW FUN Passport raffle drawing to win fabulous prizes.
“Chow Fun truly captures the vibrant heart of our diverse neighborhoods here in San Francisco,” said Supervisor Ahsha Safaí. “This festival is a fantastic showcase of the amazing culinary talents from our Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. It’s more than a celebration of diverse foods; it’s about supporting our local entrepreneurs and strengthening our economy. I invite everyone to join us, taste the incredible flavors that will be offered, and connect more deeply with the rich cultural fabric of our city.
“The annual celebration of AAPI Heritage Month is about connecting, uplifting and giving voice to diverse communities, shared Claudine Cheng, President of the APA Heritage Foundation. The concept of CHOW FUN is uniquely crafted to activate and showcase diverse AAPI communities and businesses. We encourage everyone to check it out and experience what the Excelsior and OMI neighborhoods have to offer.”
“The best way to people’s heart is through their stomachs. With so much division today, food is a wonderful way to bring people together and to remind us of our shared humanity,” said City Librarian Michael Lambert. “That’s what San Francisco Public Library is all about. We’re thrilled to partner with Filipino American Arts Exposition to host the kickoff for Chow Fun 2024, and we hope people come from far and wide to experience the rich and delicious Excelsior District.”
“District 11 is home to the most diverse and largest Asian Pacific Islander community in San Francisco, over 50% of all business owners in Excelsior/Outer Mission identify as part of the API community,” said EAG Board Chair Cathy Mulkey-Meyer. “Excelsior Action Group Community Benefit District welcomes San Francisco and Daly City residents to visit our vibrant Mission Street corridor and “Chow” on Vietnamese, Thai, Filipino, Hawaiian, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese cuisine, while having “Fun” enjoying cultural activities celebrating the rich tradition of our D11 API community.”
“CHOW FUN is more than just a food festival; it’s a celebration of community, culture, and cuisine,” remarked Al Perez, President of the Filipino American Arts Exposition. “It’s a gathering that transcends mere culinary enjoyment; it’s about coming together as a community to honor our heritage, share our stories, and celebrate the diverse flavors that unite us. We are grateful for the strong support of our sponsors, including the SF Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD), Excelsior Action Group (EAG), Cormorant Energy Storage, APA Heritage Foundation, BART, and NBC Bay Area. We invite everyone to join us in supporting local businesses, celebrating diversity, and experiencing the flavors of the Pacific Rim. Together, let’s create lasting memories and foster a sense of belonging in our vibrant city.”
To view the participating merchants and for more information, visit chowfunsf.com.
About the Filipino American Arts Exposition (FAAE):
The Filipino American Arts Exposition (FAAE) is an integral part of the vibrant cultural landscape of the San Francisco Bay Area, championing Filipino American art, music, film, and dance. By celebrating both ancestral heritage and modern traditions, FAAE enhances awareness and fosters a deeper appreciation of Filipino history, accomplishments, and culture. Established in 1994, FAAE is a grassroots nonprofit organization dedicated to nurturing artistic and cultural pride within the Filipino American community. It endeavors to establish itself as a cherished community tradition alongside the esteemed ethnic institutions of San Francisco. Connect with FAAE on www.pistahan.net, as well as on Facebook and Instagram.
