One of the nation's largest outdoor traveling Asian food festivals expects to draw thousands to the Mall of America this weekend.
Panda Fest, founded by Biubiu Xu, has been traveling across the United States this year with stops in Philadelphia, Boston, and Seattle before landing in the Twin Cities.
"I am from Asia," Xu said. "I really wanted to do something for our community so that's why I chose a very niche topic instead of doing an international food festival."
The festival brings together Asian food, vendors, culture performances, and more to the Mall's north parking lot.
"We feature a lot of different things include Thai dances, line dance and K-pop," added Xu. "We have the 15 foot inflatable Giant Panda."
Nearly 50,000 people are expected to take part in the sold out, ticketed event that runs from 4 pm until 10 pm on Friday, 10 am to 10 pm on Saturday, and 10 am to 8 pm on Sunday.
"I bring a lot of authentic street food from all over the country including New York and Los Angeles."
Local vendors are also on display throughout the weekend including Minneapolis-based Banh Sizzle owned and operated by Jonathan and Hang Jauquet. The mobile food vendor features Bánh Xèo, or Vietnamese crepes.
"Banh, in Vietnamese, is just like bread, cake, and cookies, but a lot of people think bánh mì," Jonathan Jauquet said. "Bánh Xèo is the dish we specialize in which translates to sizzling crepe. That's where we get our name from."
For Hang Jauquet, Bánh Xèo is a dish that brings her back to her childhood in Vietnam. The recipe is one her mother used.
"Almost every single Vietnamese knows about this food," Hang said. "It's especially good in the rain when a farmer has nothing to do on the farm and they come in, and mom has the fire on, we make Bánh Xèo."
And the chance to share her mother's recipe, is special.
"My mom passed away two years ago," Hang said. "Whenever she made it, it gave me a really beautiful memory in the past and how she cared for me."
While tickets are sold out for the event, those interested in going are encouraged to monitor potential ticket releases throughout the weekend online.
Prior to founding Panda Fest, BiuBiu Xu created Dragon Fest which debuted in New York City and drew more than 200,000 attendees in 2023.