How Culinary Weeks Are Putting Bellevue on the Global Food Map

Bellevue is a city that’s fully "standing on business" when it comes to food.

In the latest episode of Bellevue Bound, host Trey Jackson introduces a fresh voice to the show: Anna Yan, Visit Bellevue’s new culinary host. With a background that spans Hollywood PR to hand-wrapping dumplings with her grandmother, Anna brings both global perspective and deeply personal passion to the table.

Together, Trey and Anna explore what makes Bellevue’s food scene so unique and why it’s quickly becoming a must-visit destination for food lovers around the world.

A City Defined by Culture and Cuisine

Bellevue’s culinary identity is rooted in diversity. From authentic, family-run eateries to elevated dining experiences, the city reflects a global tapestry of flavors, traditions, and stories.

As Anna shares in the episode, her love for food started at home. Having learned the art of dumpling-making alongside her grandmother. That same sense of heritage and storytelling is alive across Bellevue’s restaurant scene, where chefs bring their cultures, creativity, and lived experiences to every dish.

Introducing Bellevue Culinary Weeks

At the center of this conversation is one of Bellevue’s most exciting culinary initiatives: Bellevue Culinary Weeks.

Designed as a year-round celebration of food, these themed weeks invite locals and visitors to explore the city one bite at a time. Each event highlights seasonal ingredients, cultural traditions, and the incredible talent of Bellevue’s chefs.

The Lineup

  • 🥟 Dumpling Week – A celebration in conjunction with Lunar New Year honoring global dumpling traditions

  • 🍓 Berry Week – A tribute to the Pacific Northwest’s summer harvest

  • 🦀 Crab Week – Showcasing the region’s iconic coastal flavors

  • 🍜 Noodle Week – A cross-cultural exploration of comfort food from around the world

From hand-pulled noodles to inventive crab dishes, each week offers exclusive menus, limited-time creations, and immersive food experiences across the city.

Turning Dining Into an Experience

One of the most exciting aspects of Culinary Weeks is how it transforms dining into something interactive and playful.

Through the former Vibemap app and new VueFinder app, visitors can participate in a digital culinary passport, checking in at participating restaurants, discovering new spots, and earning rewards along the way. Think collectible plush keychains, exclusive swag, and even a limited-edition tote for those who complete all four weeks.

It’s a gamified way to explore Bellevue’s food scene while directly supporting local businesses.

A Community Effort

The episode highlights the role of local creators and storytellers like Tammy Le and Christy Kim, who help amplify Bellevue’s culinary voice and bring visibility to the people and stories behind the dishes.

This collaborative energy is what makes Bellevue’s food scene feel so alive. It’s chefs, creators, visitors, and locals all contributing to something bigger, an evolving, shared identity rooted in culture and cuisine.

The Experience Behind the Plate

Bellevue’s rise as a culinary destination isn’t accidental. It’s driven by intentional storytelling, diverse voices, and experiences that go beyond the plate.

Whether it’s discovering a hidden gem, celebrating Lunar New Year through dumplings, or tasting your way through global noodle traditions, Bellevue invites you to experience food as a journey.

🎙️ Watch the full episode of Bellevue Bound to hear Trey and Anna dive deeper into Bellevue’s culinary evolution—and why now is the time to explore it.