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

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, a celebration of the generations of Asian 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 and Pacific Islander-owned businesses and organizations, including the ones listed below. 

  • 82nd Ave: Fubonn is the largest Asian shopping center in Oregon, complete with a grocery store, foot spa, tailor, chiropractor, and food options including Rockin’ Crab and Sokong Dong TofuPho Hung is a family-friendly restaurant offering a wide selection of pho and other classic Vietnamese dishes. 
  • 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 throughout Fukuoka, Japan.
  • Foster: The Headstrong Hound is a Filipina-owned pet supply store that puts women and BIPOC-owned pet brands in the spotlight. To just call An Xuyen a bakery and deli doesn’t do it justice. For 22 years, they have been serving up some of the best bánh mì, homemade French bread, steam buns, macarons, and other Pan-Asian and French pastries in Portland.
  • 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. You will find hand-selected, one-of-a-kind items for meditation and ritual, plus clothing and accessories. Down the street, Road to Tibet Imports carries a diverse selection of items for Buddhist practice, such as Tibet Prayer Flags, Prayer Wheels, Prayer Bells and Dorjes, Singing Bowls, and more.  
  • Jade District: Check out Master Kong for regional Chinese breakfast and lunch hits, centering on the Tianjin and Guangdong regions of China. Ha VL is an unassuming Vietnamese eatery popular for its daily changing soups and sandwiches.
  • 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. Frank’s Noodle House is a Lloyd staple that is a delightfully homey, family-run spot with Chinese hand-pulled noodle mains and Korean BBQ plates, plus beer and wine.
  • 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. 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.
  • Parkrose: Fork & Spoon Restaurant is truly an entrepreneur’s story. What started as a culinary school eventually became a food cart, and is now a brick-and-mortar restaurant. This family-owned business serves fresh, traditional Filipino cuisine. 
  • 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. For some delicious eats, try Yu Gi Nong PDX, a gluten-free restaurant that serves Korean food with a focus on organic and locally sourced ingredients. 
  • Williams District: The menu at Lúa 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 saké. 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.