TASTE OF ASIA RETURNS FOR FOURTH EVENT

New York, NY – October 10, 2025 – Today, Hương vị Châu Á hosted its fourth annual event in New York’s iconic Madison Square Park, bringing together more than 40 of the city’s leading restaurants, including COQODAQ, COTE Korean Steakhouse, Soothr, Nami Nori, and more to celebrate NYC’s vibrant AAPI community and green spaces. This year, the event achieved a record-breaking success, raising over $1.7 million in support of Apex for Youth and the Madison Square Park Conservancy.

Taste of Asia was hosted by Simon Kim, founder and CEO of Gracious Hospitality Management, along with Eva Chen, author and head of fashion partnerships at Meta; Michael Chung, global co-head of equities at Millennium Management; and Laura Kim, creative director at Monse.

“I founded Taste of Asia back in 2021 as a response to the rise in AAPI hate crimes throughout New York City,” said Simon Kim. “As a father of two, I keep thinking about what this event means to so many Asian children. It shows them what is possible and lets them know that there are people who will want to invest in their future. Taste of Asia is also about shifting the light from hate to love. It’s a celebration of inclusivity, diversity, and the vibrant Asian cultures in New York City. 40 of the city’s top restaurants sharing their rich flavors in one of New York’s most beautiful public spaces, Madison Square Park, is humbling and inspiring. As a part of the Flatiron business community, I am beyond grateful that these restaurants can shine in such a beautiful environment.”

Notable attendees included Suni Lee, actor BD Wong, designer Andrew Kwon, Fernando Garcia from Monse, designer Kim Shui, artist Naomi Otsu, author Jenny Han, makeup artist Daniel Martin, tastemaker Jessica Wang, and photographers Peter Ash Lee and Martin Romero. Nico Heller and others were also present.

As part of the experience, Taste of Asia hosted an exciting special raffle. Guests had the chance to win various prizes, including a $1,000 Uber Eats gift card, exclusive access for two to the MONSE NYFW 2026 Show and After Party, and a private karaoke party for 20 at COQODAQ. Additionally, there was the opportunity to win a private chef dinner experience at Nami Nori for eight people, as well as the luxurious Per Se Black Card experience for two. 

“Taste of Asia has become one of our community’s favorite traditions, bringing together 40 of New York’s best restaurants in its best park,” said Holly Leicht, Executive Director of Madison Square Park Conservancy. “Not only is it a fun and delicious event, it is also the park’s biggest fundraiser, enabling us to maintain and program this much-needed urban oasis for over 60,000 visitors every day.” – Holly Leicht, Executive Director, Madison Square Park Conservancy.

“Taste of Asia is so much more than a culinary celebration—it’s a testament to the power of community,” said Jiyoon Chung, Executive Director of Apex for Youth. “Each year, this event brings together chefs, restaurateurs, and supporters who believe in creating a world where every Asian American young person can thrive. The generosity and heart behind this gathering directly fuel our mission at Apex for Youth, ensuring that thousands of immigrant and low-income youth in New York City have access to the mentorship and critical resources they need to realize their limitless potential.”

Participating restaurants included: 53nyc, 12 Matcha, Atoboy, Bangkok Supper Club, Banh Anh Em, Chinese Tuxedo, COQODAQ, COTE Korean Steakhouse, Dashi Okume, Dhamaka. Golden Diner, Hana Makgeolli, ICCA, Joji. Joo Ok, Jua, JUNGSIK, Kisa, Kochi NYC, KORA, KONO, La Caravelle Wines, Lei Wine Bar, Lysée, Ma•dé, Mokbar, Nami Nori, Papa San, Passerine, Pecking House, PETROSSIAN, CAVIAR, Potluck Club, Saigon Social, Shake Shack, Sip and Guzzle, SOOTHR, Sushi Noz, Tamarind Tribeca, Tonchin, Undercote, Win Son, Yingtao, and Yip.Studio

Taste of Asia event was made possible with the generous support of benefactor Dan Chung and sponsors including Alger Investment Management, Millennium, Uber Eats, Irongrey Advocate, Resy/American Express, Janice Lee, Joseph Bae, Karen and Robert Lee, Michael Li, Stephanie Ng, Richard Li, SpotOn, YS Kim Foundation, The Asian American Foundation, and Tiffany & Co.

To learn more about Taste of Asia see HERE Và HERE. Follow @tasteofasia, @apexforyouth, Và @madsqparknyc to learn more. 

To learn more about Taste of Asia Sponsors see HERE and to see the full list of supporting committee members see HERE 

TÀI SẢN

HERE (Photo Credit: Yvonne TNT/BFA,

HERE (Photo Credit: Kelsey Cherry, and KT Sura)

PRESS INQUIRIES

tasteofasia@ledecompany.com

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ABOUT APEX FOR YOUTH 

Apex for Youth empowers Asian American youth from low-income and immigrant backgrounds to unlock their potential today and a world of possibility tomorrow.

With 1 in 2 Asian American youth living in or near poverty in NYC, our holistic approach is expertly tailored to our youth’s age, racial identity and socioeconomic status. Our programs combine impactful mentorship with access to critical resources for our youth and their families that would not have otherwise been available.

Apex xây dựng các hệ thống hỗ trợ cho thanh thiếu niên từ tiểu học đến thanh niên. Dựa trên những bản sắc và trải nghiệm chung, chúng tôi nuôi dưỡng những mối quan hệ mang tính chuyển đổi với một cộng đồng người lớn quan tâm đến nhau — từ người cố vấn và nhà trị liệu đến huấn luyện viên thể thao và hướng nghiệp.

Thông qua các chương trình Apex, thanh thiếu niên người Mỹ gốc Á có thu nhập thấp sẽ có được nguồn lực và sự hỗ trợ để vượt qua các rào cản kinh tế xã hội và chủng tộc, tạo dựng tương lai của riêng mình với ý thức về quyền làm chủ, sự gắn bó và sự tự tin.

We are building a world without limits for all Asian American youth.

ABOUT MADISON SQUARE PARK CONSERVANCY 

Madison Square Park Conservancy (MSPC) is the nonprofit entrusted by the City of New York to operate Madison Square Park, a 6.2-acre public space in the heart of Manhattan. Our mission is to conserve, maintain, and program this ever-evolving historic green space, including raising 100% of the park’s operating budget. Anchoring a diverse and vibrant live-work community, Madison Square Park is both an intimate neighborhood park and an international destination for over 60,000 daily visitors. 

ABOUT GRACIOUS HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT (GHM)

Gracious Hospitality Management speaks to today’s consumer with the best of both worlds. Rooted in “the power of AND,” each of its concepts achieves a balance of fine dining and fun dining. Every detail is meant to exhilarate: the music, the lighting, the ambiance.

GHM thrives at the intersection of tradition and fresh perspectives. East meets West, high-brow meets low-brow, and every element is designed to spark delight. From COTE Korean Steakhouse, one of only two Michelin-starred steakhouses in America, to COQODAQ, home to the largest restaurant champagne list in the country, GHM transforms steak and fried chicken into elevated experiences through uncompromising quality with a pulse on the zeitgeist of New York and beyond.

In 2026, GHM will unveil its most ambitious project to date: a multi-level, haute hub where icons meet with future icons.

At GHM, accolades and experiences go hand in hand, Michelin stars and industry recognition alongside what matters most: food that excites, hospitality that connects, and consistency guests can count on – all powered by a creative vision that drives both cultural impact and sustained profitability.