AAPI-Owned Food Brands You Should Support This Month and Beyond
This month is Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month, a time to honor and highlight the contributions and achievements of the AAPI community. Here in America, there are many AAPI-owned food and beverage businesses which help to make our country the diverse melting hotpot it is. We have the awesome pleasure of trying many up-and-coming AAPI brands, so we felt it was only right to recommend some in honor of the heritage month.
SANZO
Founder: Sandro Roco
Sanzo is a burgeoning sparkling-water brand that specializes in distinct flavors which originate from places all over Asia. The taste is super crisp and the experience is refreshing for those looking for something besides the run of the mill lemon flavor.
OMNI FOODS
Founder: David Yeung
China-based Omni Foods has been making a lot of noise on the plant-based protein scene. They specialize in seafood alternatives that are so good, you may have a hard time distinguishing them from the real thing. Also, their Spam-alternative is to die for.
OMSOM
Founder: Vanessa & Kim Pham
Omsom is a women-owned brand that champions bold Asian flavors. In order to accomplish that feat, they’ve created a selection of bold, zesty and authentic Asian sauces that are ready-made to kick up your meal. They also have options available for vegans and gluten-free folks.
FLY BY JING
Founder: Jing Gao
Another woman-owned brand, Fly By Jing has been spicing things up in recent years. Their uber popular, authentic sauce selection includes Sichuan & Zhong options, sure to rev your next bite into a fiery gear. You can find Fly By Jing in wide availability nationwide.
XCJ
Founder: Jen Liao
Thousands of dumplings were consumed to create the perfect recipe for up and comer XCJ. Their delicious dumplings come in packs of 50, sure to feed an entire family or one hungry dumpling lover. Made fresh every morning, these dumplings can be delivered right to your front door.
NOODIE
Founder: Isabel Khoo
This plant-based instant ramen brand was founded by a Harvard alumni who was inspired by her college days. NOODIE is the kinda ramen you love without the heavy sodium and features real whole vegetables like kale, bok choy and broccoli.
BROOKLYN DELHI
Founder: Chitra Agrawal
This cleverly titled Indian condiment and sauce brand will jumpstart your palate. Brooklyn Delhi uses plant-based ingredients to create an array of rich and aromatic flavors for use in a wide range of applications. From classics like Tikka Masala to interesting mash-ups like Curry Ketchup, Brooklyn Delhi is sure to satisfy fans of bold flavors.
CALI DUMPLING CO
Founders: Candace & Allan Tea
These hand-folded dumplings were inspired by the ones many Asian families grew up eating. They come in a variety of flavors like Pork and Chive and also meatless ones like Mushroom. The best part is that they can be delivered right to your doorstep if you’re in the SoCal area.
NONA LIM
Founder: Nona Lim
Inspired by childhood memories of Asian street food, Nona Lim makes small-batch noodles, broths and sauces adapted to a healthy modern lifestyle. Spicy Chicken Ramen broth and Pad Thai Stir Fry are some of Nona Lim’s tasty offerings. They can be prepared in minutes and slurped in an instant.
BOKKSU
Founder: Danny Taing
Get authentic Japanese snacks, teas and candies from small family-owned businesses delivered to your front door monthly. Each box contains a dynamic selection that lets you experience Japanese culture from your home. It’s simple — subscribe, receive and experience.
RED BOAT FISH SAUCE
Founder: Cuong Pham
Dubbed the purest fish sauce on earth, Red Boat Fish Sauce only uses two ingredients, black anchovies and salt. Ex-Apple engineer Cuong Pham returned to his motherland of Vietnam to source the centuries-old fermentation tradition used to make Red Boat Fish Sauce. Intensely fragrant, with no flavor enhancers, this fish sauce is definitely the real deal.
COPPER COW COFFEE
Founder: Debbie Wei Mullin
Get your instant-caffeine boost from this premium Vietnamese coffee company. Copper Cow Coffee is a women-owned brand that uses sustainably grown coffee beans fresh from Vietnam. Their selections come in packets and include a range of flavors like Salted Caramel, Churro and even Lavender. In addition to coffee, they also sell teas and creamers.
MISFITS MARKET
Founder: Abhi Ramesh
This ingenious grocery delivery service was created with the goal of preventing food waste by recycling leftovers. Misfits Market works with farmers and food producers to rescue organic produce and other grocery items that’s typically tossed aside. The result is fresh produce and items up to 40% off delivered to your door in 2-3 days.
While these brands scratch the surface of great AAPI-owned food companies here in the States, they’re a great entry point. Be sure liven up your kitchen this AAPI Heritage Month and beyond by supporting one of the brands above.
