A One Night Pop-Up of Minneapolis’s Acclaimed Vinai Restaurant

For one night only, James Beard Award nominee® chef Yia Vang brings the bold, soulful flavors of Hmong cuisine to New York City in an intimate, family-style dinner experience.

With his critically acclaimed restaurant, Vinai, chef Yia has been a driving force in bringing Hmong cuisine into the national spotlight. As Time magazine put it, "If anyone can be credited with the recognition of Hmong cuisine, it’s Yia Vang." Vinai was named one of Time’s “Greatest Places of 2025” and one of the New York Times’ 50 Best Restaurants of 2024, cementing its status as a must-visit dining destination.

Hmong food is deeply rooted in storytelling, resilience, and heritage. As an ethnic group with origins in Southeast Asia, the Hmong people have built a vibrant culinary presence in Minneapolis, where their cuisine blends Laotian, Thai, and Vietnamese influences while standing uniquely on its own. Known for its wood-fired cooking, fragrant herbs, and rich, layered flavors, Hmong food is a celebration of culture and community that’s best enjoyed family-style, just as it was meant to be shared.

This exclusive dinner is a rare chance to experience the flavors of Vinai, named after the refugee camp in Thailand, where chef Yia’s family lived before coming to the U.S. Through each dish, he honors his family's journey by melding tradition, fire, and innovation into an unforgettable dining experience.