5 Ways To Experience Asian Culture In Houston

It’s great to experience new cultures and ways of life for many reasons. Luckily for us, the US has become so diverse, it’s easy to dive right into another culture. Here are 5 great ways to experience Asian culture in the Houston area.

1. Observe at Asia Society Texas Center

For only a 5 dollar admission, visitors can gain access to a permanent collection as well as a rotating collection of both contemporary and classical Asian Art. This organization aims to host exhibitions and programs to facilitate the bridging of understanding between America and Asia. The Society even houses Pondi Cafe, serving Indian food, that makes for a chic brunch break between your intellectual wandering.

2. Eat in Chinatown

Enter Dan Huang Plaza into your GPS for a turn straight into Asia. Despite its location in Chinatown, the plaza offers foods from various other countries such as Korea, Japan, and Taiwan. I recommend driving to the plaza without preconceptions of which restaurant to go to, and let your appetite decide by opening each door for a good whiff of what’s inside. Pro tip: ask the servers which dishes are local to their country and order those for an authentic experience!

3. Stroll the Japanese Garden

Tucked in Hermann Park, the Japanese Garden is a tranquil space with cherry blossoms, creeks, and bridges. While the garden provides a wondrous aesthetic function, it’s also home to occult spots for meditation, just as the Japanese intended for their gardens.

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4. Watch at HAAPI Film Fest

From May 31 to June 8, the Houston Asian American & Pacific Islander Film Festival is running its 14th showcase of various interpretations of life by Asian ethnic groups. Films include narratives, documentaries, and short shots that are a tribute to the feat of preserving while surviving in America. This festival is more than simply an experience, it’s an assimilation of mutual understanding between West and East.

5. Crank it Out at Karaoke

The famous, dreamy karaoke bar scene in Lost in Translation (with Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson) where they’re singing and swirling in Japan can become a reality. Bring some friends and loosen up as you take part in a fun Japanese activity, all while sipping drinks and snacking on sushi. Lose some dignity or show off skills, but either way, you’ll learn how to have fun the Japanese way.