It’s no surprise to most that Houston is one of the most multicultural cities in America, but for many youth, exploring the city’s vibrant Asiatown has been out of reach.

Now hundreds of local students have had, and will have, the opportunity to experience the food, culture and economic hustle and bustle of Asiatown firsthand, at no cost, through tours sponsored by the International Management District and the neighboring Southwest Management District, organized by Houston Asiatown Tours.

In the International Management District alone, 50 students were served in 2025, with another 50 students slated to take tours this spring semester.

Cathy Podell

Cathy Podell, owner and president of Houston Asiatown Tours, said her team has received an overwhelming response to the school tour opportunities.

Typical tour itineraries, which are designed for grades 5 and up, may include a visit to an Asian temple, a market tour highlighting specialty ingredients, a traditional dim sum lunch, Korean BBQ, a stop at an Asian bakery and other dessert shops, and an opportunity to explore the District’s vibrant murals and cultural landmarks.

Some tours also feature hands-on workshops led by experienced instructors, on Asian cooking, Asian tea culture, calligraphy, origami and more.

For many students, it’s their first time experiencing the International District and its cultural offerings, even though it may be just a short distance from their own neighborhoods.

“My favorite part has been interacting with the students and seeing their eyes open wide as they learn about people and food that are so different than what they’re used to—yet have so many things in common, so close to their home or school area,” Podell said.

During the tours, the students and teachers interact with local businesses in the International and Southwest districts, supporting and highlighting the entrepreneurs while also providing students with authentic, real-world experiences.

Houston Asiatown Tours was formed in 2021 by Podell out of a personal passion that quickly grew into both a business and a nonprofit arm.

Podell has been working with the Asian Community for years to help promote economic development through tourism. She has worked with the Asia Society Texas Center and managed the Asian Heritage Tour program at the Chinese Community Center.

While the grant-funded school tours focus on public school students, Houston Asiatown Tours also offers experiences for a wide range of groups, including corporations and private groups, organized as corporate events, bus tours, walking tours or hands-on workshops.

Are you a teacher or administrator interested in a school tour? While the application period for spring tours for the International District has closed, be sure to sign up for the International District’s e-mail newsletter at www.imdhouston.org for information on future openings.

(The Southwest Management District’s next deadline for school tour applications is March 31, 2026.)

If you’re a supporter or community member who wants to help bring cultural awareness to area students, consider becoming a sponsor of the free school tours program.

Learn more: www.asiatowntourhtx.com/studentgrants.

— Dorothy Puch Lillig