About Us
From Food Truck to Award-Winning Restaurant
In 2015, Natascha and her husband, Steve, began developing recipes and dreaming of sharing the vibrant flavors she had come to love. Inspired by her travels through Asia and the lessons learned in Nalu’s kitchen, Natascha blended authentic flavors and technique with creative fusion twists. By 2016, The Ginger Pig food truck hit the streets, becoming the first food truck at the Boulder Farmers Market. The truck quickly gained a following, earning Westword’s Best Food Truck award in 2018. In 2020, The Ginger Pig found a permanent home in Denver, where it has become a beloved gathering place for locals and visitors alike. In 2023, the Boulder location followed, bringing the restaurant’s bold, creative Asian fusion cuisine back to the city of our roots. In 2023 and 2024, the restaurant was honored with the prestigious Michelin Bib Gourmand Award, cementing its reputation as a must-visit destination for exceptional Asian street food. At The Ginger Pig, we believe in the power of food to connect people. Our menu reflects the bold flavors and culinary traditions Natascha discovered while backpacking through Tokyo, Hong Kong, Bangkok, and beyond, combined with a modern twist that makes every dish uniquely ours. From handcrafted dumplings to sizzling Korean fried chicken, each plate tells a story of passion, tradition, and innovation.
“She lit a fire under my wok (and me) and showed me how much flavor is possible with simple, fresh ingredients.”
- Natascha
During her college years, Natascha spent winters playing Div. 1 hockey at University of Wisconsin and summers in Beijing with the Zhang family, who welcomed her into their tiny kitchen and taught her the joy of creating dishes with simple, fresh ingredients. Under the guidance of Nalu, her Chinese “Mom,” Natascha learned to grind pork with a cleaver, make dumplings from scratch, and prepare Chinese Borscht—a heartwarming dish that would later inspire her dream to open The Ginger Pig.
Welcome to the Ginger Pig
Chef Natascha Hess’s life was forever changed by one Chinese family and their relationship with food.
From Food Truck to Award-Winning Restaurant
In 2015, Natascha and her husband, Steve, began developing recipes and dreaming of sharing the vibrant flavors she had come to love. Inspired by her travels through Asia and the lessons learned in Nalu’s kitchen, Natascha blended authentic flavors and technique with creative fusion twists. By 2016, The Ginger Pig food truck hit the streets, becoming the first food truck at the Boulder Farmers Market. The truck quickly gained a following, earning Westword’s Best Food Truck award in 2018. In 2020, The Ginger Pig found a permanent home in Denver, where it has become a beloved gathering place for locals and visitors alike. In 2023, the Boulder location followed, bringing the restaurant’s bold, creative Asian fusion cuisine back to the city of our roots. In 2023 and 2024, the restaurant was honored with the prestigious Michelin Bib Gourmand Award, cementing its reputation as a must-visit destination for exceptional Asian street food. Honoring Tradition, Embracing Innovation At The Ginger Pig, we believe in the power of food to connect people. Our menu reflects the bold flavors and culinary traditions Natascha discovered while backpacking through Tokyo, Hong Kong, Bangkok, and beyond, combined with a modern twist that makes every dish uniquely ours. From handcrafted dumplings to sizzling Korean fried chicken, each plate tells a story of passion, tradition, and innovation.
“She lit a fire under my wok (and me) and showed me how much flavor is possible with simple, fresh ingredients.”
- Natascha
During her college years, Natascha spent summers in Beijing with the Zhang family, who welcomed her into their tiny kitchen and taught her the joy of creating dishes with simple, fresh ingredients. Under the guidance of Nalu, her Chinese “Mom,” Natascha learned to grind pork with a cleaver, make dumplings from scratch, and prepare Chinese Borscht—a heartwarming dish that would later inspire her dream to open The Ginger Pig.
Welcome to
The Ginger Pig
Chef Natascha Hess’s life was forever changed by one Chinese family and their relationship with food.
The Ginger Pig is more than just Natascha’s story; it’s a testament to the incredible team that brings her vision to life. Every member of The Ginger Pig family shares a commitment to crafting unforgettable dining experiences, from the chefs who innovate in the kitchen to the staff who ensure every guest feels welcome. Together, they’ve created a space where the joy of food, community, and culture come together.
Culture of Achievement, Legacy of Excellence
The entire team’s dedication to authenticity and innovation has earned it prestigious accolades, including the 2023 and 2024 Michelin Bib Gourmand Awards. It has been featured in Eater’s 38 Essential Restaurants in Denver, 5280 Magazine, Forbes, and more. Chef Natascha has also showcased her talents on Food Network’s Beat Bobby Flay and Chopped.
Culture of Achievement, Legacy of Excellence
The Ginger Pig is more than just Natascha’s story; it’s a testament to the incredible team that brings her vision to life. Every member of The Ginger Pig family shares a commitment to crafting unforgettable dining experiences, from the chefs who innovate in the kitchen to the staff who ensure every guest feels welcome. Together, they’ve created a space where the joy of food, community, and culture come together.
The entire team’s dedication to authenticity and innovation has earned it prestigious accolades, including the 2023 and 2024 Michelin Bib Gourmand Awards. It has been featured in Eater’s 38 Essential Restaurants in Denver, 5280 Magazine, Forbes, and more. Chef Natascha has also showcased her talents on Food Network’s Beat Bobby Flay and Chopped.
Whether you’re visiting our Denver or Boulder location, enjoying a cocktail while watching an Avs game, or taking a meal to-go, we’re honored to share our passion for Asian street food with you, and our philosophy of bringing people together, one dish at a time.
Ganbei! (Cheers!)
