The Ginger Pig

From hockey player to attorney, owner Natascha Hess took a winding path to the food scene, but it was her time living in China during college that inspired her to eventually start a food truck in 2016 serving the food she’s spent years learning to cook with love like her Chinese “mom” Nalu. With the support of friend turned business partner, Top Chef alum Carrie Baird, Hess opened her first brick and mortar location October 2020. The menu features many favorites from her food truck days including the arancini-like Bangkok Balls, crispy Thai red curry rice balls with lime leaf aioli, along with some fun new additions like the cheeseburger (for real!) fried rice inspired by the burger at Baird’s eatery Rose’s Classic Americana in Boulder’s Rosetta Hall.

Asian street food with an upscale twist is the draw at Ginger Pig in Sunnyside. As an exchange student in Beijing, chef Natascha Hess fell in love with Chinese cuisine and traveled across Asia to immerse herself in the culinary traditions of countries like Thailand, Japan, and Singapore—experiences diners can taste in her inventive plates.Eat this: The Korean Cornflake Dog—an all-beef jumbo frank snuggled in handmade yeasted dough and rolled in cornflakes—is an audibly crunchy, crave-worthy delight on a stick. It comes coated in swirls of ketchup and mustard and sprinkled with scallions and sesame seeds.

With no background in the food industry (and prior careers in both sportscasting and law), Natascha Hess started the business as a food truck with the guidance of mentor and Top Chef alum Carrie Baird. In 2020, Hess debuted her brick-and-mortar location, where she cooks food inspired by her time living in China, including menu hits like arancini-like Bangkok Balls, sous-vide char siu and the Korean cornflake dog — real street food-style snacking. A Nathan's all-beef frank (the top dog of hot dog brands) is coated in a yeasty dough, crispy panko breadcrumbs and cornflakes.

With no background in the food industry (and prior careers in both sportscasting and law), Natascha Hess started the business as a food truck with the guidance of mentor and Top Chef alum Carrie Baird. In 2020, Hess debuted her brick-and-mortar location, where she cooks food inspired by her time living in China, including menu hits like arancini-like Bangkok Balls, sous-vide char siu and the Korean cornflake dog — real street food-style snacking. A Nathan’s all-beef frank (the top dog of hot dog brands) is coated in a yeasty dough, crispy panko breadcrumbs and cornflakes.

The Lowdown: Formerly a beloved food truck in Boulder, Ginger Pig opened a new brick and mortar restaurant last year in the Berkeley neighborhood, in the former home of Scratch Burrito. With the opening of this store, there are new additions to the menu alongside multiple Asian-style chicken wings – including karaage and Korean fried chicken – available. They earned a spot on this list, however, for the Vietnamese wings ($14) appetizer, which they toss in nuoc cham caramel making them just the right balance of sweet and savory.

Located in the Berkeley neighborhood, Ginger Pig is a food truck turned brick and mortar location. Run by former hockey player and attorney Natascha Hess, Ginger Pig serves creative, bold street dishes inspired by Hess’s time spent living and traveling in China, Thailand, Japan, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Examples of dishes include Bangkok snack Balls, Cheeseburger fried rice, and an old favorite from her food truck days, Char Siu pork with smashed cucumber salad.

The Ginger Pig has large facilities, cozy, elegant and with spaces to make you feel comfortable when enjoying your gluten-free Chinese food in Denver. So if you thought you’d never eat Chinese food again, here you can find Bangkok Balls, Pai Huang Gua – Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad, Char siu – Chinese Bbq Pork Shoulder, Xinjiang Yang Rou – Cumin Lamb Stir Fry, Karaage – Japanese Fried Chicken, among other Denver gluten-free dishes.

The Ginger Pig is a local hotspot that has been featured on the Food Network, Eater and Thrillist and is one of the best restaurants in Denver. This upscale restaurant pays homage to classic Asian street food with a fine dining twist. Experience Asian street food classics such as crispy Korean corn dogs, refreshing smashed cucumber salad and Hong Kong french toast with this birthday dinner in Denver.

The Ginger Pig is an Asian street food-inspired restaurant in Denver’s Berkeley neighborhood, offering a menu that blends traditional street food flavors with modern techniques. Chef Natascha Hess has created an innovative and authentic menu showcasing the bold and vibrant flavors of Asian street food. The ambiance at The Ginger Pig is casual and lively, focusing on creating a fun dining experience.

The MICHELIN Guide is a globally respected resource for discerning travelers seeking outstanding dining experiences. It was originally created in France to help motorists by recommending dining and lodging options, ultimately encouraging travel and boosting tire sales. Over time, it evolved into a trusted authority in the culinary world, now offering recommendations in over 40 destinations globally.

The Ginger Pig was born from Chef Natascha Hess's deep love of Beijing and the time she spent there as a student. According to Hess, she learned authentic recipes from her host mother and used that knowledge to start The Ginger Pig. The menu includes street food inspired by different regions of Asia, boasting cuisine inspired by China, Korea, Thailand, and more.

4262 Lowell Blvd, Denver, CO 80211720-324-8416 Visit Website. You shouldn’t have trouble finding delectable Asian food on Lowell Boulevard when stopping by the Ginger Pig. Chef Natascha brings a fresh take on Asian street-style food by incorporating everything she learned about cooking in Beijing.

The MICHELIN Guide Inspectors identified nine restaurants to award the Bib Gourmand designation, which recognizes eateries for great food at a great value: AJ's Pit Bar-B-Q, Ash’Kara, Basta, The Ginger Pig, Glo Noodle House, Hop Alley, La Diabla Pozole y Mezcal, Mister Oso and Tavernetta.

🍽️ Asian | ($) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (720) 324-8416. The Ginger Pig began as a food truck, serving up Asian street food. It was the creation of former lawyer Natascha Hess who began working on some of these recipes while living with a host family in Beijing.

4262 Lowell BoulevardDenver, CO 80211(720) 324-8416 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. Ginger Pig is a laid-back eatery offering Asian street food-style dishes blended with traditional Chinese flavors.

For Natascha Hess, chef and owner of The Ginger Pig, being named a Bib Gourmand restaurant was a shock. She and her team went from food truck to brick and mortar to now, named in the Michelin Guide.