If you’re a dumpling lover in St. Louis, clear your calendar for Tuesday, September 24th. Chao Baan, the authentic Thai restaurant nestled in The Grove, is set to host a culinary event that brings together some of the city’s most prominent AANHPI (Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander) chefs for an evening dedicated to dumplings—and a whole lot more.

A Star-Studded Chef Lineup

This year’s Dumpling Dinner at Chao Baan promises to be nothing short of extraordinary. It marks the third annual gathering where local culinary talents showcase their unique takes on dumplings, celebrating National Dumpling Day with creativity and flavor. The lineup features:

  • Qui Tran from Nudo House & Mai Lee
  • Ivan Wei from Corner 17
  • Amy Le from Saucy Porka
  • Lona Luo from Lona’s Lil Eats

Each of these chefs will present two distinct dumpling varieties, giving you the opportunity to indulge in eight different culinary masterpieces over the course of the evening.

A Night of Flavors and Community

The event kicks off at 5 p.m. with a cocktail hour, where guests can enjoy a specialty cocktail crafted by Chao Baan just for the occasion. For every cocktail sold, $1 will be donated to OCA St. Louis, a nonprofit dedicated to advocating for the AANHPI community in the region.

At 6 p.m., the multi-course dinner begins, featuring not only the much-anticipated dumplings but also a selection of starters and signature dishes from Chao Baan, including their famous Khao Tod Nam Sod, Spring Rolls, and Chicken Tom Yum Soup.

More Than Just a Meal

This event isn’t just about food; it’s also about community and conversation. Throughout the evening, Peter Tao, Board President of OCA St. Louis, will host a panel discussion featuring the participating chefs. The panel will explore what it means to grow up Asian American in St. Louis, the importance of cultural representation in the culinary world, and how to make the city more inclusive.

A portion of the proceeds from the evening will benefit OCA St. Louis, further supporting its mission to bridge gaps between cultures, foster understanding, and champion the AANHPI community.

Limited Tickets—Act Fast!

Given the intimate nature of this event, Chao Baan will be closed to the public for the evening, making this a ticketed, exclusive experience. Tickets are priced at $65 per person and can be purchased through Eventbrite. Considering the popularity of the event and the limited availability, it’s recommended to secure your spot as soon as possible.

Join the Celebration

Chao Baan’s Dumpling Dinner is more than just a culinary experience—it’s a celebration of heritage, culture, and community. Whether you’re there for the delicious food, the meaningful conversation, or the chance to support a great cause, this is an evening you won’t want to miss. Mark your calendar for September 24th and get ready to celebrate National Dumpling Day in the best way possible.

For more details and to purchase your tickets, visit Eventbrite.