Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month in Vacaville Through Food and Community

Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month is a time to honor culture, history, and the contributions of AAPI communities. In Vacaville, it’s also a chance to celebrate the vibrant local flavors that bring people together—starting with a shared meal.

This month, we sat down with Jinho from the Blue House Korean Restaurant to talk about food, heritage, and the meaning behind the dishes he serves every day.

Food That Brings People Together

At Blue House Korean House Restaurant, dining is about more than what’s on the plate—it’s about connection. “At Blue House, food brings people together. We love seeing guests gather around the grill, share laughs, and create memories over Korean BBQ,” Jinho shared. That spirit of togetherness is at the heart of the restaurant experience, where meals are meant to be shared and enjoyed collectively.

A Culinary Tradition Rooted in Balance and Sharing

Jinho’s approach to cooking is deeply influenced by Korean culinary tradition. “Korean food is all about bold flavor, balance, and sharing. That is the heart of how we cook and serve,” he explained. These principles shape every dish, from marinated meats grilled tableside to carefully prepared side dishes known as banchan.

Dishes That Carry Meaning

For Jinho, certain dishes hold special cultural significance. “Galbi is very meaningful to us. It is a classic Korean dish often enjoyed with family, celebration, and togetherness.” These dishes aren’t just recipes—they’re part of family traditions and shared memories that span generations.

More Than BBQ and Kimchi

While Korean BBQ is often what people first think of, Jinho emphasizes that Korean cuisine is much more diverse. “Korean food is more than BBQ and kimchi. It has deep flavors, comforting soups, stews, banchan, and traditions behind every dish.” From hearty stews to comforting soups, Korean cuisine offers a wide range of flavors and experiences waiting to be explored.

What AAPI Heritage Month Means

For Jinho, AAPI Heritage Month is both personal and meaningful. “It means honoring our roots, celebrating our culture, and sharing Korean heritage with our community through food.” It’s a reminder of the importance of storytelling through cuisine and the role food plays in preserving cultural identity.

A Dish to Try

If you’re looking to explore Korean cuisine beyond BBQ, Jinho has a recommendation: “Galbi Tang—it’s a warm Korean short rib soup that is comforting, rich, and shows the heart of Korean home-style cooking.”

Celebrate Through Flavor

AAPI Heritage Month is an opportunity to recognize and uplift the diverse cultures that shape our community. In Vacaville, that celebration is often best experienced around the table—through shared meals, new flavors, and meaningful conversations.

This month, take the time to explore local Asian cuisine, support community restaurants, and celebrate the stories behind every dish.

All Asian American & Pacific Islander Restaurants in Vacaville 🍜

🇰🇷 Korean
Blue House Korean BBQ – Popular Korean BBQ spot known for tabletop grilling and shared dining experiences.
Yumee Katsu – Korean-style katsu plates, fried cutlets, and rice-based combo meals in a casual setting.

🇨🇳 Chinese
Chef Chen's Chinese Restaurant – Classic Chinese dishes, including stir-fry favorites and combo plates.
Pho Lee Hoa Phat – This spot offers Vietnamese staples with strong overlap in Chinese-influenced flavors.
Tasty Every Hour Chinese Restaurant – Casual American-Chinese comfort food and late-night options.
Wah Shine – Longtime local favorite serving traditional Chinese dishes.
Dragon Palace – Chinese-American dishes including chow mein, fried rice, and classic stir-fries.
Wah Sing – Traditional Chinese takeout favorites like noodles, rice plates, and family-style entrées.
China House – Chinese comfort food with egg rolls, fried rice, and classic stir-fry dishes.
Kings Buffet – Chinese buffet with a wide selection of stir-fries, fried items, and American-Chinese classics.

🇯🇵 Japanese
Kazan Japanese Cuisine – Sushi, teriyaki, and Japanese comfort dishes in a casual dining setting.
Hoshi Japan Hibachi Restaurant – Hibachi-style dining and sushi options.
Koi Express – Hibachi grill, sushi, and noodle dishes served in combo plates and quick-serve style.
Haruki Sushi House – Sushi rolls, sashimi, and Japanese kitchen entrées in a sit-down setting.
Fuji Sushi Buffet – All-you-can-eat sushi, tempura, and Japanese buffet-style selections.
Yo Sushi – Sushi rolls and Japanese appetizers in a casual, quick-service format.
Cherry Blossom – Japanese sushi and kitchen dishes with a mix of rolls and cooked entrées.
Umi Sushi – Sushi-focused menu with specialty rolls, nigiri, and Japanese appetizers.
Hisui 2 – Japanese sushi and bento-style meals with a mix of rolls and cooked dishes.
Ayame – Sushi rolls, sashimi, and Japanese kitchen entrées in a casual dining space.

🇹🇭 Thai / Lao
Bhan Thai Lao Restaurant – Thai and Lao dishes including pad Thai, curries, and papaya salad.
Tom Yum Goong Thai Restaurant – Authentic Thai soups, curries, and street-style dishes.
Rice Barn | Thai Eatery and Wine Bar – Thai eatery featuring curries, noodles, street-style dishes, and local wines.
Buddha Thai Bistro – Thai bistro serving curries, noodle dishes, vegan-friendly options, and classic Thai comfort food.
Rose Garden – Thai staples like pad thai, curries, and stir-fried noodle dishes in a casual dining space.
Muay Thai Cuisine – Thai street-food style dishes including curries, noodles, and spicy stir-fries.
Lims Thai – Traditional Thai dishes such as basil stir-fry, curries, and noodle entrees.
Bhan Thai Lao Kitchen – Thai and Laotian comfort food including larb, curries, and noodle soups.

🥟 Asian Fusion / Regional
Fortune Dumpling House – Dumplings, noodles, and dim sum-inspired dishes.
Barzar Eatery – Southeast Asian fusion with rotating flavors and modern presentation.
88 Bao Bao – Asian fusion featuring bao, noodles, and modern comfort dishes.

🇮🇳 Indian
Essence Indian Cuisine – Authentic North and South Indian cuisine featuring curries, dosas, naan, and vegan-friendly dishes.
Clay Oven Grill & Bar – Indian grill and bar serving tandoori specialties, biryani, curries, and Indo-Thai favorites.

🌺 Hawaiian
Wow Wow Hawaiian Lemonade – Hawaiian-inspired café featuring fresh-pressed lemonades, acai bowls, poke bowls, and light island-style eats. Wow Wow Hawaiian Lemonade
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue – Hawaiian plate lunch spot serving BBQ chicken, kalua pork, teriyaki plates, and classic island comfort food with rice and mac salad.

🇻🇳 Vietnamese
Pho Lee Hoa Phat – Vietnamese pho, rice plates, and noodle bowls with traditional broths and toppings.
Saigon Pho – Classic Vietnamese pho soups, vermicelli bowls, and banh mi sandwiches.