The Best Asian-Owned Finds I Discovered This Month
I love trying new foods and products, and every AAPINH Heritage Month, I try to be intentional about finding new Asian-owned businesses to support. These are some of the top gems I’ve found this year!
Pocket’s Chocolates
Chocolate-covered almonds with Asian flavors? Yes, please! Perfect for snacking between meetings, mid-commute, road trips, beach days, you name it.
Founded by: Linh Pham
Based in: Los Angeles
What makes them unique: A yummy sweet snack that is guilt-free and reminiscent of your favorite AAPI childhood flavors. Satisfies “both your adult sweet tooth and your care-free inner child”.
Price point: $6 per pack
Perfect for: Road trip snacks or an mid-day pick-me-up
Peach & Lily
Love how clean their oil cleanser leaves my skin feeling! It smells heavenly and doesn’t dry my skin out, leaving my face with a healthy glow at the end of the night.
Founded by: Alicia Yoon
Based in: New York
What makes them unique: Clean and conscious skincare that combines potent actives with nourishing botanicals.
Price point: $35
Perfect for: Your nightly double-cleanse
Nan Yang Delight
I tried these Malaysian pickled vegetables at AAPI LA x Smorgasburg (one of my fave events every year!), and I was blown away. The stand was unassuming and sold this one product with 2 different spiciness levels - both were unique and delicious. I will definitely be purchasing it again.
Founded by: Liang
Based in: Los Angeles
What makes them unique: Locally made pickled vegetables, mixed in a bright, tangy, aromatic spice paste. A crunchy refreshing stape on Malaysian tables.
Price point: $13
Perfect for: A flavorful side
Baby Snack Time
I met the Taiwanese-American creative mama behind these adorable bilingual children’s books and toys. I don’t have any kids yet, but if I did, I would be buying EVERYTHING.
Founded by: Judy Li
Based in: Los Angeles
What makes them unique: Colorful and lively Chinese-English bilingual learning books centered on food, a pillar of Asian culture.
Price point: $13
Perfect for: Raising bilingual kids in a fun, creative way
Nellita’s Crafts
Located near Little Tokyo, this unassuming craft shop is a perfect stop if you’re looking to start a new offline hobby. She has all sorts of fun crafts that are beginner-friendly, including embroidery, sashiko, watercolor, etc., and the shop layout is clean and cozy.
📍 248 East 1st Street, Los Angeles, California 90012
Founded by: Rosalyn Kawahira
Based in: Los Angeles
What makes them unique: Craft shop and makerspace perfect for both beginners and seasoned creators alike, with starter kits and imported craft supplies.
Price point: $10-50
Perfect for: Creative projects that are fun and accessible to do alone or with friends