These awards spotlight the best in the culinary, beverage, and hospitality worlds—celebrating the people who are shaping the way we eat and experience food today. From rising stars to industry veterans, this year’s winners showcase an inspiring range of talent and creativity.

Among this year’s honorees are several Asian creatives whose work continues to elevate and diversify the conversation around food. From deeply reported features to joyful cultural explorations, these winners reflect the depth, talent, and influence of Asian voices in today’s food media landscape. Check out the list of this year’s winners below.

From intimate essays to groundbreaking documentaries, these nominees are redefining what it means to tell a food story.

This May, it's the perfect time to explore the city's rich tapestry of Asian American and Pacific Islander flavors. Here are five must-visit food spots in Chicago that honor AAPI culture through unforgettable dishes.

This year’s finalists showcase the rich diversity and innovation within Asian culinary traditions, celebrating their heritage while pushing boundaries. Here’s a closer look at Asian excellence among the 2025 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Award finalists.

From comforting classics to inventive fusion, here are five must-try spots bringing fresh energy to the city’s dining landscape.

Nestled in the heart of Chicago’s Gold Coast, Pandan stands as a sophisticated Southeast Asian Cocktail Lounge, bringing an elevated experience to the city’s dining and nightlife culture.

In Chicago’s jungle of aroma, spices, and zest, lies a hidden gem known for its authentic Thai cuisine—Aroy Thai. Read how staying authentic to their food led to creating an authentic connection with the community.

Read the beginning of Boba x Ice Cream and how their resilience, commitment, and passion for innovation led to their breakthrough.

See this exclusive interview with Serai Chicago’s founder, Victor Low, where he provides some valuable insights on their own journey of beginning, overcoming, and maintaining—then by effect, realizing the endless possibilities for their own venture.

Ashok Selvam's foray into food journalism is a tale of unexpected twists. Transitioning from political campaigns and healthcare reporting to the culinary beat, Selvam found his niche in Chicago's diverse gastronomic scene, now serving as the Editor of Eater Chicago.

Swadesh Shrestha's Chiya Chai, nestled in Chicago's Logan Square, epitomizes resilience and cultural reverence. From Nepal, Swadesh's journey intertwines her familial tea traditions with entrepreneurial ambition, culminating in a beloved chai sanctuary.