Northern Virginia is home to several vibrant Asian American communities, which are vital to the area’s economic growth through a variety of small and medium businesses.
A great opportunity to mix business and cultures came this week in the form of the Taste of Asia event, hosted by the Asian American Chamber of Commerce, which has a growing number of members from Asian origin communities including Chinese, Korean, Indian, Pakistani, Vietnamese, and many others living in the Washington metro area.
The event showcased some of the popular and new Asian-origin eateries, cuisines, and chefs who have been behind their success in the area.
“We are proud to present the best and the most promising Asian cuisine, and the presence of entrepreneurs, diplomats, and local politicians is a great occasion for bringing together everyone with the business community,” Cindy Shao, the chamber’s founder, said.
Several restaurants set up their stalls that the visitors found irresistible with cuisines cooked in traditional spices, meat and vegetarian dishes, beverages, especially tea of different brands and flavors, and tastefully presented desserts.
“You will not find such dessert anywhere else,” said a proud vendor of her unique recipe.
The gathering had the opportunity to listen to the tales of success as owners and chefs shared how they started off, and what made their business take off and ultimately gain success in the area.
The AACC also gave the platform to fashion designers to exhibit their summer clothes with a bevy of models showing off the latest designs with several catwalks on the stage.
The head of the restaurant association thanked the attendees and the organizers as the industry seeks to re-establish itself after the pandemic stalemate which forced temporary closures across the region.
“We, at the AACC, are so happy that we were able to introduce businesses to create an opportunity to enjoy the meal, network, and share their latest products and stories,” Dr. Cindy Shao said at the event, where technology, media, and entertainment companies also highlighted their entrepreneurship.
