Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month is a celebration of Asians and Pacific Islanders in the United States. The term AAPI includes people with origins from dozens of countries from the continent of Asia and the Pacific Islands of Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia. Learn more at www.asianpacificheritage.gov.
There are many ways to honor, learn about and dive into AAPI culture; admittedly, most of these ideas have to do with food. But hey, food is a fun (and often adventurous) way to explore other cultures, and Asian food is some of the best on the planet in my opinion. So, there’s that! Here are fun ways to celebrate AAPI Heritage Month.
SAN DIEGO AAPI EVENTS 2025
Celebrate AAPI: Korean Pungmul Performance. Celebrate the unique culture and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders by watching a fun, high-energy performance by the San Diego Korean Pungmul Institute. Enjoy traditional Korean drumming, dancing and singing. Saturday, May 10, 11:30 am–12:30 pm. Carmel Valley Library, 3919 Townsgate Dr. San Diego. https://sandiego.librarymarket.com/events
All Ages Craft: AAPI Month Lucky Cat Keychains. Local studio ToshWerks facilitates the creation of maneki-neko (“beckoning cat” that brings good luck) keychains. Registration required as space is limited. Monday, May 12, 6–7 pm. Carmel Mountain Ranch Library, 12095 World Trade Dr., San Diego. https://sandiego.librarymarket.com
AAPI Heritage Month: Bilingual Tagalog Toddler Storytime. Join in as we read, sing, dance and play at Toddler Storytime. Build early literacy skills and foster a love of reading. Designed for ages 1–3. Wednesday, May 14, 10–11:15 am. North University Community Library, 8820 Judicial Dr., San Diego. https://sandiego.librarymarket.com
AAPI Heritage Month: Bilingual Hindi Toddler Storytime. Build essential early literacy skills and foster a love of reading. Designed for ages 1–3. Wednesday, May 21, 10–11:15 am. North University Community Library, 8820 Judicial Dr., San Diego. https://sandiego.librarymarket.com
The 12th Annual Asian Pacific Cultural Festival. This family-friendly, free event features cultural, traditional and contemporary performances from Japan, China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Korea, Myanmar, Indonesia, Hawaii, Cambodia, Thailand, Taiwan and Polynesia. Enjoy entertainment such as Japanese Taiko drums, Lion dancers, Pacific Islander dances and more. Saturday, May 24, 11 am–7 pm. International Cottages at Balboa Park, 2191 Pan American W Rd., San Diego. www.asianculturalfestivalsd.com
VISIT
If you’ve never visited an Asian grocery store, you’re really missing out on an educational and fascinating food adventure. Many also have bakeries and eateries inside where you can grab a quick (and delicious) bite. We recommend:
- H Mart, Mira Mesa
- Zion Market, Clairemont
- 99 Ranch Market, Clairemont
- Lucky Seafood, Mira Mesa
- Mitsuwa Marketplace, Kearny Mesa
MAKE
Tapa cloth, typically made from mulberry or fig tree bark, can be found throughout the Pacific Islands from Hawaii to Fiji to Papua New Guinea. While “tapa” is the universally known term, it has different names on different islands: in Samoa, it is called siapo; in Hawaii, kapa; and in Fiji, masi. Our “Art with Alyssa” contributor provides instructions for this art project, inspired by traditional tapa cloths, at www.sandiegofamily.com/for-the-kids/crafts-for-kids/tapa-cloth-art-project.
Make your own Shichimi Togarashi (Japanese spice blend) which is used to flavor udon noodles, rice dishes, soups, grilled meats, vegetables and more. In a food processor, pulse half a sheet of nori (dried seaweed) into fine flakes; combine with 1 tablespoon each granulated orange peel and ground black pepper, 2 teaspoons each dried minced garlic, sesame seeds, poppy seeds and flaky salt, and 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper. For a quick taste, try sprinkling some on a bagel and cream cheese. This recipe provided by The Recipe-A-Day Kids Cookbook by Maile Carpenter and the editors at Food Network Magazine.
READ
As you know, consistent exposure to children’s books that feature characters of various ethnicities helps develop acceptance and understanding of other cultures. As you continue to diversify your family’s bookshelves, be sure to include books with Asian characters. Find our whole list of wonderful picture books to honor AAPI Heritage Month HERE.
Asian Adventures A–Z by Yobe Qiu is a fun and educational way to practice the alphabet while learning about various foods, traditions and cultures of Asian countries highlighted on each colorful page.
EXPLORE
- Learn about Chinese history and culture at the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum downtown. www.sdchm.org
- Get a taste of Japanese culture at Balboa Park’s Japanese Friendship Garden. Walk through the peaceful trail and gardens, observe koi, learn origami, browse through bonsai and more. www.niwa.org
- Explore online exhibitions at the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art: www.asia.si.edu/exhibition-status/online.
EAT
San Diego is no stranger to Asian cuisine. Sure, you can visit the Convoy District for dozens of great Asian restaurants, but a quick search on Eater San Diego or Yelp will reveal that there are many hot spots throughout the county. Here is just a sampling of traditional foods you may want to try for AAPI Heritage month (or any regular weekday!):
- Japan — yakitori or udon
- Vietnam — pho or báhn mì
- China — dumplings, bao buns, kung pao chicken or moon cake
- Samoa — coconut rolls (pani popo), Samoan chicken and coconut rice
- Fiji — curried chicken or boiled fish
- Thailand — massaman curry, pad thai or pad see ew
- Korea — bibimbap, bulgogi or Korean fried chicken
- Hawaiian Islands — poke, kalua pork or huli huli chicken
- Guam — shrimp patties or coconut candy. Get more ideas from Annie’s Chamorro Kitchen: www.annieschamorrokitchen.com
INDULGE
Finish your AAPI celebration with a sweet treat from one of these popular dessert shops:
- SomiSomi, Mira Mesa, Kearny Mesa and UTC. Try the ah-boong, fish-shaped Korean “cone” filled with soft serve.
- Iceskimo, Chula Vista, Kearny Mesa, Del Mar. Known for Taiwanese shaved snow.
- Bing Haus, Kearny Mesa. Try the Thai-style rolled ice cream or mochi donuts.
- MNGO Café, Kearny Mesa. Known for Japanese snow ice and mango deliciousness.
- Snoice, Spring Valley. Try the shaved snow or Filipino halo halo.
- Boba Bar and Desserts, Kearny Mesa and National City – Try the puffles (puffy waffles) filled with frozen custard and toppings.
- 85°C Bakery, four SD County locations. Taiwanese breads and sweet treats such as berrytale, milk pudding, matcha choco bun and much more.
Learn all about dim sum in our article "Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month with Dim Sum" HERE.
Lisa Gipson, managing editor at San Diego Family, can often be found eating at Kiin Extraordinary Thai at Del Mar’s Sky Deck or at Shank & Bône in North Park.
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