Free screening of 1927 Chinese silent film The Cave of the Silken Web (盤絲洞) at Pitt for SCREENSHOT: Silent Asia 2025, April 7.

The University of Pittsburgh's SCREENSHOT: Asia and the Department of Music will present a free screening of 1927 Chinese silent film The Cave of the Silken Web (盤絲洞) for SCREENSHOT: Silent Asia 2025 on April 7. From the Asian Studies Center newsletter:

The film, which was thought lost until a partial copy was rediscovered in Norway, has been translated into English by UBC professor Christopher Rea. The silent film adapts an episode from the Ming dynasty tale The Journey to the West, in which the monk Tripitaka is held prisoner in a cave by magical spider-women, before being rescued by the Monkey King and his companions.

The version of the surviving print  is a restored digital copy that the National Library of Norway shared with the UBC Chinese Film Classics Project, the world’s largest free online collection of early Chinese films with English subtitles.

It will run from 7:00 to 9:00 pm in 125 Frick Fine Arts (map). 

New photos from Hong Kong Dim Sum, set to open in Oakland in the next two weeks.

The development team shares new photos from inside Hong Kong Dim Sum, aiming to open in the next two weeks in Oakland.


It will be located at 4520 Centre Ave. in North Oakland's One on Centre complex (map). The space features a large dining room plus three private rooms for events. Announced back in September 2023, Hong Kong Dim Sum was to help fill in one of the remaining gaps in Pittsburgh's Asian food scene, though dim sum offerings have expanded around town since then.

HK Dim Sum is hiring ahead of its planned opening, and is recruiting server/waitstaff, host, dishwasher, busser, and line/prep cook positions. Those interested may text 917-618-7307 or 718-415-0546 to apply.

Work continues on Pittsburgh's Fresh International Market past latest target opening date.

Photo taken the morning of April 2.

Work continues on the eagerly-awaited Fresh International Market coming soon to Pittsburgh in Point Breeze's Rockwell Park development. The US-based chain of Asian grocery stores was first announced for Pittsburgh in March 2023, and the 23,000 square foot store would be among the largest Asian groceries in the region. It was initially aiming for a Summer 2024 opening, then announced a February 2025 opening, then April 1. From a February 2025 Pittsburgh Magazine article:

Known for its unique selection of international ingredients and authentic Asian cuisine, Fresh International Market imports products from more than 28 countries. This will be the 10th location, with stores located in Illinois, Nebraska, Texas, Michigan, Indiana, North Carolina and Florida. The first store was founded in Lansing, Michigan in 2011 by Bowen Kou; the company is now headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Also opening at Rockwell is the second location of Ineffable CaPhe, a Lawrenceville coffee shop offering a variety of Asian items such as bubble tea, banh mi sandwiches and rice bowls, Al Lardo, Rockwell Park’s principal, said in an interview. It will operate out of the grocery store rather than being a separate tenant at Rockwell.

He noted his family’s roots are in Wilkinsburg, where his wife’s family had a business for 80 years and his father owned rental properties. He told the Business Times that he looks forward to the new opportunity that the store will bring to residents in Wilkinsburg as well as Homewood to be able to buy healthy and fresh foods that are affordably priced.

“The location [of the Fresh International Market] is especially good because of the busway,” Lardo said in an interview. which is just a half-mile walk from Rockwell Park. “There’s a lot of people who don’t have cars in Wilkinsburg.”

The store will open at 7511 Thomas Blvd. (map), located roughly a block from the East End Food Co-op and Construction Junction. While this will be the region's first Fresh International Market, though the chain was loosely linked to Pittsburgh in 2021 as a finalist for the former Hill District Shop n' Save location that was later occupied, and vacated, by Salem's Market. Its proposal was admittedly the weakest of the four for the site, and was reportedly submitted after the deadline, which were among two of the reasons it was not selected to move into Uptown.

Dang Poke & Boba Tea soft opens in Cranberry.

Dang Poke & Boba Tea soft opened yesterday, March 31, in Cranberry. Signage went up for the new spot a few weeks ago at 20018 US-19 Suite 500, in the Oak Tree Plaza next to Jimmy John's (map).

"Proudly family owned and operated since 2025," it has eight varieties of poke bowls, a build-your-own-bowl menu, a selection of Asian appetizers---spring rolls, tempura, edamame, among others---and an assortment of drinks and bubble teas: options generally missing from the food scene north of the city.

Dang Poke & Boba Tea is open 11:00 am to 8:00 pm Monday through Saturday, and 11:00 am to 7:00 pm on Sunday.

Taste of Asia Asian Food Festival, May 11 at Heinz History Center.

The third annual Taste of Asia Asian Food Festival will take place on May 11 at the Heinz History Center. The three-hour festival will feature food from 15 restaurants plus cultural performances and other attractions. The restaurant and vendor line-up includes, so far: Bombay & Burgh, Chengdu Gourmet, Hungry Panda, HK Dim Sum, Kung Fu Chicken 2, Nan Xiang Soup Dumplings, Pho Van, Szechuan Spice House, Sushi Fuku, Tous les Jours, Yujian Bao, and 1:11 Juice Bar, with a few others set to be announced soon.

The event runs from 12:00 to 3:00 pm, and the Heinz History Center is located at 1212 Smallman St. in the Strip District (map).

Dang Poke & Boba Tea opening in Cranberry in April.

via its Facebook page

Dang Poke & Boba Tea will be opening soon in Cranberry. "Proudly family owned and operated since 2025," Dang Poke & Boba Tea will have eight varieties of poke bowls, a build-your-own-bowl menu, a selection of Asian appetizers---spring rolls, tempura, edamame, among others---and an assortment of drinks and bubble teas. It is located at 20018 US-19 Suite 500, in the Oak Tree Plaza next to Jimmy John's (map).

Archives & Special Collections Gallery Talk- Guardians of Nature: Animals in Chinese Culture and Conservation!, March 26 at Pitt.

The University of Pittsburgh's University Library System will host "Archives & Special Collections Gallery Talk- Guardians of Nature: Animals in Chinese Culture and Conservation" on March 26.

Join us to learn more about the new exhibit Guardians of Nature: Animals in Chinese Culture and Conservation!

Guardians of Nature explores the rich symbolism of animals in Chinese culture, from ancient representations to contemporary reflections on endangered species. In this exhibit, you’ll encounter prints, stamps, and various objects that illustrate how animals have been revered, symbolized, and protected in Chinese history. You'll also see how these creatures are central to cultural beliefs, from the mythical creatures of ancient times to today’s conservation efforts. Alongside curator Shuyang Shi, PhD Student in History at the University of Pittsburgh, you'll explore the significance of these animals and gain insight into how China’s relationship with wildlife has evolved over the centuries.

The talk runs from 12:00 to 12:30 pm at the Hillman Library's 3rd Floor Exhibit Cases (map). 

 

2025 Chinese animated film Ne Zha 2 (哪吒之魔童闹海), now the top-grossing animated film of all time, remains in Pittsburgh through (at least) March 26.

The 2025 Chinese animated film Ne Zha 2 (哪吒之魔童闹海), which opened in Pittsburgh on February 13, will remain here through at least March 26.

After the catastrophe, although the souls of Nezha and Aobing were saved, their bodies would soon be shattered. Taiyi Zhenren planned to use the seven-colored lotus to rebuild their bodies.

Ne Zha 2 recently became the highest-grossing animated film of all time. It plays locally at the AMC Loews Waterfront, and tickets are available online.

Free screening of 1927 Chinese silent film The Cave of the Silken Web (盤絲洞) at Pitt for SCREENSHOT: Silent Asia 2025, April 7.

The University of Pittsburgh's SCREENSHOT: Asia and the Department of Music will present a free screening of 1927 Chinese silent film The Cave of the Silken Web (盤絲洞) for SCREENSHOT: Silent Asia 2025 on April 7. From the Asian Studies Center newsletter:

The film, which was thought lost until a partial copy was rediscovered in Norway, has been translated into English by UBC professor Christopher Rea. The silent film adapts an episode from the Ming dynasty tale The Journey to the West, in which the monk Tripitaka is held prisoner in a cave by magical spider-women, before being rescued by the Monkey King and his companions.

The version of the surviving print  is a restored digital copy that the National Library of Norway shared with the UBC Chinese Film Classics Project, the world’s largest free online collection of early Chinese films with English subtitles.

It will run from 7:00 to 9:00 pm in 125 Frick Fine Arts (map). 

2025 Chinese animated film Ne Zha 2 (哪吒之魔童闹海), now the top-grossing animated film of all time, remains in Pittsburgh through (at least) March 19.

The 2025 Chinese animated film Ne Zha 2 (哪吒之魔童闹海), which opened in Pittsburgh on February 13, will remain here through at least March 19.

After the catastrophe, although the souls of Nezha and Aobing were saved, their bodies would soon be shattered. Taiyi Zhenren planned to use the seven-colored lotus to rebuild their bodies.

Ne Zha 2 recently became the highest-grossing animated film of all time. It plays locally at the AMC Loews Waterfront, and tickets are available online.

Work progresses on Top Pot Hotpot & Korean BBQ, coming soon to the South Side.

A corner lot on the 2800 block of East Carson Street is outwardly unassuming, with brown paper covering the windows and no new signage at the old J & L Grille Company, but work is progressing on what is one of about seven Hotpot and Korean BBQ places looking to open soon in Pittsburgh. Top Pot Hotpot & Korean BBQ is a chain with nine locations currently open---three in Pennsylvania, two in Ohio, and one each in Floriday, Maryland, New Jersey, and Utah---and four under development, including this Pittsburgh spot first announced in December 2023.

Top Pot & K BBQ is an AYCE restaurant franchise that offers a unique and satisfying dining experience with a combination of hot pot and Korean BBQ. The menu features a wide range of ingredients, spices, and sauces to cater to different tastes, with options for meat, seafood, vegetables, and more. Customers can enjoy cooking their food at the table with a simmering pot of soup stock or grilling meat on the table with personalized dipping sauces. The restaurant also offers a well-rounded meal with a lot of delicious small side dishes, which provide a diverse array of flavors and textures. These side dishes, along with the option of both hot pot and Korean BBQ, make for a unique and satisfying dining experience.

In addition to the delicious food, Top Pot BBQ is committed to providing quality service at affordable prices. This means that customers can expect to receive not just a great meal, but also attentive service and a welcoming atmosphere. And with the restaurant's focus on using fresh ingredients, customers can be assured that they are eating high-quality food that is both delicious and nourishing.

For those looking for a unique and satisfying dining experience, Top Pot BBQ is the perfect choice. With its combination of hot pot and Korean BBQ, and commitment to quality, service, and affordability, it's sure to leave a lasting impression on all who visit and we have something for everyone regardless of your preferences.

It will open at 2829 East Carson St. (map), and will be one of three new-ish Asian chains, along with Kura Sushi and Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao, helping to make Southside Works a dining destination.

Work inches along at Shabu Shabu Hot Pot and Grill in McCandless.

Shabu Shabu Hot Pot and Grill in McCandless was reportedly eying a January 2025 opening, but interior work continues on what aims to be the second all-you-can-eat hot pot and Korean BBQ restaurant in the North Hills. Work has been underway at the spot in McCandless Crossing---across from LaRoche University and in the outparcel shared with Midwest Shooting Center (map)---since July 2023.

Umi Hair Salon opens in Squirrel Hill.

Chinese hair and nail salon Umi Hair Salon has recently opened in Squirrel Hill. Also stylized Youmi, it is located at 2115 Murray Ave. (map) and joins Instyle Hair Studio as the two Chinese salons in the neighborhood. Their profile on fresha has a list of services and prices, and an option to make an appointment online.

2025 Chinese animated film Ne Zha 2 (哪吒之魔童闹海), now the top-grossing animated film of all time, remains in Pittsburgh through (at least) March 12.

The 2025 Chinese animated film Ne Zha 2 (哪吒之魔童闹海), which opened in Pittsburgh on February 13, will remain here through at least March 12.

After the catastrophe, although the souls of Nezha and Aobing were saved, their bodies would soon be shattered. Taiyi Zhenren planned to use the seven-colored lotus to rebuild their bodies.

Ne Zha 2 recently became the highest-grossing animated film of all time. It plays locally at the AMC Loews Waterfront, and tickets are available online.

Taiwanese-style chicken restaurant Kung Fu Chicken opens second location, this time in Shadyside.

Kung Fu Chicken, which operates a location in the Novo Asian Food Hall in the Strip District Terminal, opened another location in Shadyside on February 28. It is located at 709 Bellefonte St. in Shadyside (map), the former spot of I Tea Cafe, one of the first bubble tea places in Pittsburgh when it opened in 2013. From its signage:

At Kung Fu Chicken, we bring the authentic taste of Taiwan's bustling street food culture right to your table. Inspired by the vibrant night markets of Taipei, our specialty is the iconic Taiwanese chicken cutlet, known for its mouthwatering flavor, tender texture, and signature crispy coating. Our journey began with a passion for sharing the joy of traditional Taiwanese street food. Each cutlet is carefully crafted using fresh, high-quality ingredients and marinated in a blend of soy sauce, garlic, and secret spices, staying true to time-honored recipes. We pride ourselves on delivering a perfect balance of flavors---crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, with just the right amount of seasoning.

A Taiwanese chicken cutlet, also known as "ji pai" (雞排), is a popular street food in Taiwan. It's a large, boneless chicken breast that is pounded thin to tenderize it, then marinated in a mixture of soysauce, garlic, and spices to infuse it with rich flavor. The chicken is made from sweet potato starch, which gives it a distinctive crispy texture when deep-fried. The cutlet is typically seasoned with a special blend of spices, including white pepper, Chinese five-spice and chili powder for a mildly spicy kick. It's usually served piping hot, sometimes with a sprinkle of additional seasoning on top, and enjoyed as a snack or meal-on-the-go.

Grand opening of Nan Xiang Soup Dumplings in Pittsburgh, March 5.

Nan Xiang Soup Dumplings, a popular New York-based chain specializing in dumplings and southern Chinese cuisine, will hold its Grand Opening on March 5. It held a friends-and-family opening on February 23 and a soft opening on February 24, and is located at 2773 Sidney St. in the Southside Works at the former Sake spot (map).

The Pittsburgh location for Nan Xiang Soup Dumplings was first announced for in September 2023, with an opening initially planned for Spring 2024. 

The restaurant's official site describes its offerings:

Soup dumplings, or xiao long bao (which literally means "little steamer-basket buns" in Mandarin Chinese), originated hundreds of years ago in Nan Xiang, a canal town near Shanghai. Today, soup dumplings are a global icon of Southern Chinese comfort food.

For New Yorkers, the introduction to the best soup dumplings in the state began in 2006 with a family recipe and a small shop in Flushing. Nearly twenty years later, Nan Xiang is synonymous with authentic Southern Chinese cuisine.

. . .

Recognized as having “the best soup dumplings in town” and with a perennial feature in the Michelin Guide, we pride ourselves on being a haven for those who value the warmth of home-cooked meals, family dinners, and community. What does the taste of home mean to you? We hope you’ll find the answer here at Nan Xiang.

2025 Chinese animated film Ne Zha 2 (哪吒之魔童闹海), now the top-grossing animated film of all time, remains in Pittsburgh through (at least) March 5.

The 2025 Chinese animated film Ne Zha 2 (哪吒之魔童闹海), which opened in Pittsburgh on February 13, will remain here through at least March 5.

After the catastrophe, although the souls of Nezha and Aobing were saved, their bodies would soon be shattered. Taiyi Zhenren planned to use the seven-colored lotus to rebuild their bodies.

Ne Zha 2 recently became the highest-grossing animated film of all time. It plays locally at the AMC Loews Waterfront, the AMC Westmoreland in Greensburg, and the Cinemark theater in Monroeville, and tickets are available online.

2025 Chinese movie Legends of the Condor Heroes: The Gallants (射雕英雄传：侠之大者) remains in Pittsburgh through (at least) March 5.

The 2025 Chinese movie Legends of the Condor Heroes: The Gallants (射雕英雄传：侠之大者), which opened in Pittsburgh on February 20, will remain here through at least March 5.

The film is adapted from Mr. Jin Yong's classic martial arts work "The Legend of the Condor Heroes". It tells the story of the world of grievances and hatred in the war-torn era of power struggle. Guo Jing (played by Xiao Zhan) left his hometown and acquired huge power of martial arts to change destiny. Although he was valued by Kung Fu Masters and who passed down the world's peerless martial arts "Nine Yin Manual" and "Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms", jealousy towards him was formed from all parties where he became the target of public criticism. Guo Jing and Huang Rong (played by Zhuang Dafei) turned the tide and protected the Southern Song Dynasty border amidst the rain of arrows with the spirit of gallants.

It plays locally at the AMC Loews Waterfront and tickets are available online.

Nan Xiang Soup Dumplings to soft open its Pittsburgh location on February 24.

Nan Xiang Soup Dumplings, a popular New York-based chain specializing in dumplings and southern Chinese cuisine, teased its Pittsburgh opening on social media recently, and has announced a friends-and-family opening on February 23 and a soft opening on February 24. The restaurant's first Pittsburgh location will be located in the Southside Works at the former Sake spot.

📣 Hello, Pittsburgh Family! We’re excited to announce that Nan Xiang is coming soon to @southsideworks at
📍 2773 Sidney St, Pittsburgh, PA 15203

✨ We’ll be joining amazing neighbors like The Cheesecake Factory, Urban Outfitters, and Hyatt House—bringing you the best soup dumplings in town!

Stay tuned and follow us for the latest updates on our Grand Opening—we can’t wait to serve you! ❤️

Nan Xiang Soup Dumplings was first announced for the spot in September 2023, with an opening planned for Spring 2024. 

The restaurant's official site describes its offerings:

Soup dumplings, or xiao long bao (which literally means "little steamer-basket buns" in Mandarin Chinese), originated hundreds of years ago in Nan Xiang, a canal town near Shanghai. Today, soup dumplings are a global icon of Southern Chinese comfort food.

For New Yorkers, the introduction to the best soup dumplings in the state began in 2006 with a family recipe and a small shop in Flushing. Nearly twenty years later, Nan Xiang is synonymous with authentic Southern Chinese cuisine.

. . .

Recognized as having “the best soup dumplings in town” and with a perennial feature in the Michelin Guide, we pride ourselves on being a haven for those who value the warmth of home-cooked meals, family dinners, and community. What does the taste of home mean to you? We hope you’ll find the answer here at Nan Xiang.

2025 Chinese movie Legends of the Condor Heroes: The Gallants (射雕英雄传：侠之大者) in Pittsburgh, from February 20.

The 2025 Chinese movie Legends of the Condor Heroes: The Gallants (射雕英雄传：侠之大者) will play in Pittsburgh from February 20.

The film is adapted from Mr. Jin Yong's classic martial arts work "The Legend of the Condor Heroes". It tells the story of the world of grievances and hatred in the war-torn era of power struggle. Guo Jing (played by Xiao Zhan) left his hometown and acquired huge power of martial arts to change destiny. Although he was valued by Kung Fu Masters and who passed down the world's peerless martial arts "Nine Yin Manual" and "Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms", jealousy towards him was formed from all parties where he became the target of public criticism. Guo Jing and Huang Rong (played by Zhuang Dafei) turned the tide and protected the Southern Song Dynasty border amidst the rain of arrows with the spirit of gallants.

It plays locally at the AMC Loews Waterfront and tickets are available online.