First-ever Asian Street Food Festival brings ‘authentic’ street flavors to Richmond

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Foodies in the Richmond gathered outside of The Answer Brewpub parking lot for the first-ever Asian Street Food Festival this Saturday.

The inaugural festival, organized by the Asian American Society of Central Virginia (AASoCV), brought a dozen Asian street cuisines to Richmond on Saturday, Nov. 8, from 12 to 5 p.m.

Event goers were lined up at the doors prior to the festivals start. AASoCV Chair Rakesh Bainsla said he didn't think the festival would attract more than 50 guests at first, but he estimated about 300 attendees came through the doors within the first 30 minutes.

"The weather is in our favor — it's not too cold," Bainsla said. "The fall season, people want to come out before the cold."

Asian Street Food Festival (8News Jessie Nguyen)

Asian Street Food Festival (8News Jessie Nguyen)

Asian Street Food Festival (8News Jessie Nguyen)

Asian Street Food Festival (8News Jessie Nguyen)

Asian Street Food Festival (8News Jessie Nguyen)

Asian Street Food Festival (8News Jessie Nguyen)

From Nepali Momos (filled dumplings) and Pad Thais to Chinese BBQ, skewers and hot pot, there was something for every Asian food enthusiast.

"Rather than the restaurant-style [food] that is more commercial, [the festival] is about the authentic taste you get on the streets of Asia," Bainsla said. "We're going to bring that here to the heart of Richmond."

The event organization is set to hold its annual "Taste of Asia" event in May 2026, which Bainsla said is more elaborate and yields thousands of attendees — featuring a wider variety of Asian cuisines, performances and additional attractions.