The Dream Asia Food Fest made its inaugural appearance in North Carolina on May 17th–18th, 2025, transforming the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds into a vibrant hub of Asian cuisine, culture, and community celebration. Promoted as the largest Asian food festival in the country, the event featured over 70 food vendors and 30 merchandise stalls, offering attendees a diverse array of flavors and cultural experiences.
Attendees were treated to a broad selection of Asian street foods, with vendors representing many countries and culinary traditions.
Highlights included:
- Anora’s Thai/Lao Hut: This vendor serves dishes like papaya salad, Lao sausage, and fried chicken, and its goal is to showcase Laotian culture through its cuisine.
- Chan Bai Mei: A recurring presence across multiple sections, offering a variety of Asian delicacies.
- King Squid: Known for its jumbo fried squid, providing a unique seafood experience.
- Gong Cha: Offering a range of bubble tea options, catering to the growing popularity of this Taiwanese beverage.
The festival also featured popular NYC-based vendors, bringing iconic flavors to North Carolina for the first time.
Dream Asia Food Fest extended beyond gastronomy, offering a rich tapestry of cultural performances and workshops.
- Live Performances: Attendees enjoyed K-pop acts, traditional Lion Dances, and Japanese Taiko drumming, creating a dynamic and festive atmosphere.
- Workshops: Interactive sessions on Chinese calligraphy, lantern-making, and tea ceremonies provided hands-on cultural education for all ages.
- Cultural Bazaar: A marketplace featuring traditional crafts, modern goods, and unique souvenirs celebrates the diversity of Asian cultures.
The festival’s debut in Winston-Salem marked a significant cultural milestone, especially during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Organizer Ben Wang emphasized the festival’s mission to “tell a story through food,” highlighting the historical and cultural narratives embedded in each dish.
Local vendors and performers from North Carolina participated alongside national acts, fostering a sense of community and shared cultural appreciation. For many attendees, the festival provided the opportunity to experience the diversity of Asian cultures without having to leave their hometown or travel long hours..
Despite its successes, the festival faced criticism regarding organization and pricing:
- Overcrowding: Attendees reported long lines and congested areas, making navigation difficult.
- Pricing Concerns: Some visitors felt that food and beverage prices were higher than expected, with limited options under the advertised $6 price point.
- Vendor Repetition: Observations of repeated vendor stalls led to questions about the actual number of unique food offerings.
These issues sparked discussions on social media platforms, with some attendees expressing disappointment, while others acknowledged the festival’s ambitious scope and cultural significance.
The Dream Asia Food Fest’s first debut in North Carolina showcased the region’s appetite for diverse cultural experiences. While logistical improvements are necessary, the festival’s core mission of celebrating Asian culture through food and performance resonated with many. Future iterations can build upon this foundation, striving for enhanced organization while continuing to offer a rich, immersive cultural journey.
