8 Amazing Asian American Businesses to Support in the DMV
by Angelica Kajiwara
Did you know there are 22 million Asian Americans and 1.6 million Pacific Islanders living in the United States today? It’s time to come together to actively celebrate our neighbors and community contributors during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. An easy way to recognize and show support of the AAPI community is by choosing to shop locally owned small businesses. We’ve rounded up a list of small and family-owned Asian American and Pacific Islander companies with tons of fun stuff for kids and families, so scroll down and start shopping.
Sportrock Climbing Centers
Lillian Chao-Quinlan started Sportrock Climbing Center in Alexandria to create an inclusive place for all to learn about rock climbing. Young and old alike will love scaling the colorful walls. Little ones can sign up for a youth class or summer camp. To get started, new visitors can start with the Introduction to Rock Climbing class.
To celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Ice Cream Jubilee created five flavors that celebrate Asian & Pacific Islander culture. In addition, the owner donates 10% of all sales of Asian ice cream flavors to Asian Americans Advancing Justice. However, this local spot is more than an ice cream shop. It's an integral part of the D.C. community.
Crafty or not, everyone will love their experience at AR Workshop, owned by Katie Nguyen Wells. You can sign up for an in-person class or kids camp or take one of the DIY to-go kits home. Either way, you'll have a beautiful keepsake to share and admire. If you're ready to take home even more beautiful decor, check out the gift shop.
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 have co-managed Chocolate Chocolate. You'll find high-quality sweets, like handmade truffles and milk chocolate caramels. Looking for a kitschy gift for your out-of-town guest? Their chocolate monuments and Capitol replicas are fun to give (and eat!).
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.
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 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
