Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month at These Neighborhood Businesses

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, a celebration of the generations of Asians and Pacific Islanders who have enriched America’s history and are instrumental in its future success. Historically, Portland’s AAPI communities have dealt with discrimination and violence, but they have persevered and continue to enhance the fabric of our society. Please consider supporting local Asian-owned businesses and organizations, including the ones listed below. This week we are also celebrating Cinco de Mayo and Mother’s Day so make sure to check out our recommendations for those days here.

  • 82nd Ave: Pho Hung is a family-friendly restaurant offering a wide selection of pho and other classic Vietnamese dishes. Ocean City Seafood Restaurant serves a tasteful blend of Chinese traditional and contemporary comfort food to create the ultimate dining experience.
  • Alberta: Alberta is home to numerous Asian-owned restaurants. Get your noodle-fix satisfied at Yang’s Noodle. Zilla Saké is Portland’s first sake bar, which pairs nicely with its sushi-centric menu. For authentic Japanese ramen, check out Akasaru Ramen.
  • Beaumont: Noho’s offers generous portions of great tasting food in a casual setting that embodies Hawaii’s warm aloha spirit.
  • Central Eastside: Wu-Rons, named for the manga Tokyo Tribes, focuses on the porky, thin-noodled ramen found in stalls through Fukuoka, Japan.
  • Foster: The Headstrong Hound is a Filipina-owned pet supply store that puts women and BIPOC-owned pet brands in the spotlight.
  • Gateway: Established in 1994, IRCO Pacific Islander and Asian Family Center (PIAFC) was the very first culturally and linguistically specific community center in Portland focused on the diverse needs of Pacific Islanders and Asians.
  • Hawthorne: Tibet Spirit is the dream of Lhekshy Gyatso from the Amdo province of Tibet. Everything in the store are hand selected, one-of-a-kind items for meditation and ritual to clothing and mouse pads. Down the street, Road to Tibet Imports carries a diverse selection of items for Buddhist practice, such as Tibetan Prayer Flags, Prayer Wheels, Prayer Bells and Dorjes, Singing Bowls, and more. Finally, Potala Imports specializes in authentic Tibetan jewelry as well as various dharma items and other handicrafts from Tibet, India, and Nepal.
  • Jade District: The Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon (APANO) unites Asians and Pacific Islanders to build power, develop leaders, and advance equity through organizing, advocacy, community development, and cultural work. For a taste of what the Jade District has to offer, experience the Asian shopping center, Fubonn, or enjoy a number of Asian restaurants such as Ha VL, Thai Fresh, and many others!
  • Lents: The Asian Health & Services Center is a great resource offering social support, wellness groups, mental healthcare, and education to Asian communities.
  • Lloyd: E San Thai was named the #1 Thai Restaurant in Portland and uses fresh ingredients from local markets. 
  • Montavilla: You’ll get treated like family at Pai Tong Thai, which has been serving Thai cuisine in Montavilla since 2006.
  • Old Town: Spring is a great time to stop by the Lan Su Chinese Garden. It features a beautiful pond, Chinese architectural features, and a tea shop. They also have upcoming programming to celebrate AAPI Heritage Month. While you are in the area, stop by the Japanese American Museum of Oregon and learn about the experiences of Japanese immigrants in Oregon. Opened in 2018, the Portland Chinatown Museum is Oregon’s first museum about Chinese American history, art, and culture. After you have worked up an appetite, stop by Golden Horse Restaurant or Chen’s Good Taste to satisfy your hunger.
  • St. Johns: The Asian-owned, Weird Sisters Yarn serves Portland’s local knitting and crochet community by providing a small but carefully chosen selection of quality yarns sourced from select conscientious American producers and local makers in the Pacific Northwest.
  • Williams District: Reclamation is an Asian-owned boutique that specializes in fun, local gifts and plants. Be sure to say “hi” to shop mascot, Elliot the tortoise, or any of his furry friends who might be hanging out for the day. The menu at Lua is an inspired selection of thoughtfully crafted dishes that touches on all the core Vietnamese classics. Kayo’s Ramen serves clever vegan and meat-centric noodle dishes along with beer, wine, and sake. With a family friendly atmosphere, thoughtfully designed space, and a curated selection of Chinese comfort food, XLB offers something for everyone.

This list is non-exhaustive. If you have a favorite Asian-owned business, tell us all about it on Instagram and Facebook.