8 Amazing Asian American Businesses to Support in the DMV

Thamee

Thamee is not only Asian-owned, but also woman- and LGBTQ-owned. And the food is out of this world good. Their Southeast Asian flavors are available two ways: as prepared dinner (ordered in advance) or as a Burma Box, allowing you to prepare the meal yourself at home in 30 minutes or less. Whether you let them do the cooking for you or order their ingredients to DIY it, you won’t regret a meal from Thamee.

Safety regulations: Thamee is currently open for take-out only.

Thamee
1320 H St. NE
Washington, DC 20002
Online: thamee.com

Lock & Company

Traci Medlock is the photographer extraordinaire behind the lens of Lock & Company, a VA-based photography and video service company that specializes in family portraits, senior pictures, weddings and headshots. Traci has a knack for getting camera shy kiddos (and their camera-avoiding parents) to come out of their shells for swoon-worthy family portraits. She's also co-owner of The Librarian Box, a cultivated book service that sends fun, novel-themed gifts with each book selection. 

Online: thelockandco.com

Chocolate Chocolate

Korean Americans Frances and Ginger Park make a sisterly team as children's book authors and chocolatiers. They are the award winning co-authors of several children's books, including The Royal Bee and My Freedom Trip: A Child's Escape from North Korea and since 1984, they co-manage Chocolate Chocolate 1130 Connecticut Ave. NW Washington, DC 20036 202-466-2190 Online: chocolatedc.com/

ABC Guys Burger & Fries

Chef and restaurateur Erik Bruner-Yang (who also notably owns Maketto and Yoka and Kota at Capitol Hill's The Roost) is offering this addictive burger-and-fry pop up at ABC Pony in the Navy Yard (a genius COVID pivot).  In addition to burgers, you can find some of his family style favorites, like chicken parm on a bun!   behind this infusion cuisine featuring Italian and Asian flavors. 

Insider tip: They offer takeout and delivery, with slightly different menus for each. If you get delivery, make sure you try one of their sweet treats for dessert!

ABC Pony
2 I Street Southeast
Washington, DC 20003
202-913-8155
Online: abcpony.com

Valery’s Wonderland Treats

Valery’s Wonderland Treats are hand-crafted by mom and entrepreneur Valeriia Li in her Chantilly, VA home with a next-level precision.  From cakes and cookies to other delectable treats, these works of art are almost too breathtakingly beautiful to eat! Flowers, The Beatles, little fairy homes – even anime is not outside her ability to create the perfect, one-of-a-kind dessert for your one-of-a-kind celebration. It does take some time for her to gather ingredients and prepare your stunning creation, so Li does recommend placing your order at least 3-4 weeks in advance via Whatsapp. 

Online: facebook.com

Haad Thai

Just the description of their flavors on the home page, with mentions of warm beaches and setting suns, makes us feel like we're on vacation when we think of Haad Thai. With traditional favorites such as Pad Thai and Drunken Noodles mingled with unique treasures like Bangkok Wings and the Chef’s Original Moo Yang, this menu is a delightful dance through Thai tastes.

Insider tip: Haad Thai does take reservations and it would be a good idea to snag one to make sure you get a table.

Haad Thai
1100 New York Avenue, NW
Washington DC 2005 
(202) 682-1111
Online: haadthairestaurant.com

Maketto 1351

Maketto is a delicious blend of Cambodian and Taiwanese cuisines. And boy, do they do it well! Their menu, though a little on the small side, offers some mouth-watering delights that you’ll struggle to choose between. From their Cambodian Style Pho to their Maketto Fried Chicken, it all sounds as good as it smells and tastes as good as it looks. They also offer a retail space on the second floor that features vintage records. 

Maketto 1351
1351 H Street N.E.
Washington DC 20002
(202) 838 – 9972
Online: maketto1351.com

Pure Love Macarons

Let the food come to you with Pure Love Macarons. Mom-on-a-mission Kim Moehnke started this gluten-free bakery business after wrestling with food allergies in her own home. Moehnke's son had his first emergency when he was just 17 months old and couldn't breathe. What followed was a series of doctors visits and a litany of medications (none of which solved his breathing issues). Finally, a visit to a nutritionist revealed the culprit: gluten.  Moehnke's dedication to cooking foods from scratch for her son inspired her to start a business based on the family's new favorite gluten-free treat. Pure Love Macarons is a home-based bakery that makes Paris look like it’s churning out knock-off macarons. And while her son’s health is better, she still runs the business, bringing gluten-free, organic love in every bite you have of her crazy-good macarons. home-based French macaron bakery that has been fully inspected, insured and is in compliance with the State of Virginia

Online: purelovemacarons.com