May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and I think there is no better way to celebrate it than to explore the wide variety of foods representing those areas, easily available in Ellicott City.

You know about the designated Koreatown corridor on Baltimore National Pike, but do you know about all the Asian restaurants and bakeries in the region?

I love Honey Pig, at 10045 Baltimore National Pike, for its great atmosphere and delicious Korean barbecue. The new Cantonese restaurant, Ye’s Seafood House, is nearby at 9380 BNP. Ye’s is located in the building that for a long time housed Boston Market, and the food is amazing, and reasonably priced. I like the calming décor and the remarkably efficient and friendly staff. Just behind it is a French-Asian bakery called Tous Les Jours — I dream about their chocolate croissants and fruit tarts. Directly across the Pike is another French-Asian bakery, Shilla, at 9339 BNP, also well-loved for their tarts and savories.

About a mile away, at 3570 Frederick Road, is Niko Japanese restaurant, which we love for sushi, sashimi and katsu. The lunch specials are just that — special — and entrees come with miso soup and a salad. Next door is Mochi Donuts, which sells their namesake sweet treats — huge connected circles of dough balls in a variety of flavors — as well as bubble tea. This is just a small sample of the many Asian restaurants locally available. Email me and let me know which I should try next! And yes, I’m a big fan of H-Mart too and can make a decent fish ball soup. Lots to learn.

It’s also that wonderful time of year when all of the fresh produce starts to show up. We’re lucky to have several farmers markets close by with all kinds of goodies. The market at the Miller Library is open on Wednesday afternoons from 2 to 6 p.m., and will run until the end of October. This market has been operating during the summer for several years now, and has reliably great fruit and veg.

New this year is the Old Ellicott City Market located in the expanded Tiber Park, across from the Railroad Station Museum. This one will be open on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., also through October, and will feature produce, baked goods, food and drink and live music.

The Breezy Willow Farm Country Market at 9090 Frederick Road is open year-round Thursdays through Sundays, but this is the time of year it really shines. Much of the produce is from their own farm but they carry other interesting stuff like pickles, eggs and ice cream. Check it out.

On June 7 the Howard County Conservancy, at 10520 Frederick Road, is holding two cool events — Introduction to the Great Sunflower Project and Pollinator Fest. Both events are free and will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Representatives of the Howard County Beekeepers, the Howard County Bird Club, the Howard County Master Gardeners, and the University of Maryland insect zoo will be on hand, and they are also offering a butterfly walk on the property. To register, visit howardnature.org/event/pollinator-fest-2/

Have an item to share for this column? Send information about Ellicott City people and events at least two weeks in advance to janetkusterer21042@gmail.com.