May marks the start of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, and many cities across the country are celebrating their favorite AAPI-owned restaurants.
The flavors and cooking techniques of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have an undeniable influence on the culinary world.
However, throughout the pandemic, AAPI-owned businesses were the most negatively impacted. According to CNBC, Asian-owned companies saw the biggest decline in working business owners through the end of 2020.
On top of having to manage the financial fallout from the pandemic, the AAPI community became the target of intolerance. According to Stop AAPI Hate, between March 2020 and December 2021, more than 11,000 hate incidents against members of the AAPI community were reported.
In the wake of increased racism and financial hurdles, supporting AAPI-owned restaurants, whether in-person or by ordering online, is now more important than ever.
Menufy works with thousands of AAPI-owned businesses across the country. This list is simply a glimpse at some of our associates' favorite restaurant partners.
Asian American & Pacific Islander Owner Restaurants
Genghis Khan Mongolian Grill
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI
Genghis Khan Mongolian Grill
Established in 1995, Genghis Khan is Kansas City’s original Mongolian grill. In the hands of owner Ling Chang, they serve up some of the area's best authentic Chinese cuisine. Patrons can order their favorites online, such as Mongolian BBQ, clay-pot simmered favorites, and seasonal chef creations.
Website: www.gkbbq.com
Facebook: @Genghiskhankc
TekiPoke
SAN MARCOS, CALIFORNIA
TekiPoke
Customers come to Tekipoke for their Triple Tuna, Salmon Swag, and of course, poke bowls. Owner Emsira has a menu full of flavorful Hawaiian delicacies for meat-eaters and vegetarians alike.
Website: www.tekipoke.com
Instagram: @teki_poke
Mama Dút
PORTLAND, OREGON
Mama Dút
Like many of us, Thuy Pham had to pivot professions during the worst of the pandemic. She shifted from being a hairstylist to opening her own restaurant, where she cooks vegan Vietnamese food. "Mama dút" means "mama will feed you," and they will do just that at Mama Dut by using from-scratch plant-based meats to create dishes such as the Ryb Biscuit Sandwich.
Website: www.mamadut.com
Instagram: @mama.dut.foods
Triple Crown Restaurant
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
Triple Crown
Triple Crown has served traditional Cantonese cuisine to Chicago's diverse clientele since 1996. The restaurant specializes in eclectic family-style dishes made from ingredients and spices native to southern China. Their goal is that "every plate achieves that elusive, cuisine-defining balance of sweet, salty, and sour."
Website: www.triplecrownchicago.com
Instagram: @triplecrownchi
Ricky's Thai
HILLSBOROUGH, NEW JERSEY
Ricky's Thai
Sawatdee Khap came to the U.S. from Malaysia at the age of 24 and was given the opportunity to work in a restaurant as a server. It wasn't long before he opened his first Thai restaurant, serving in-person and online customers with fresh ingredients and the brightest flavors from Thailand.
Website: www.orderrickysthai.com
Facebook: @RickysThaiHillsborough
Manila Bay Express
GRANDVIEW, MISSOURI
Manila Bay Express
Since 2014, owner, operator, and head chef Norma Thayer's mission has been to bring traditional Filipino cuisine to the Kansas City area. She has created a restaurant concept that is centered around her family’s original recipes.
Website: www.manilabaykc.com
Instagram: @manilabayihaw
Num Thai Restaurant & Sushi Bar
KEY LARGO, FLORIDA
Num Thai Restaurant and Sushi Bar
Panyaporn Russmetes is the proud owner of Num Thai Restaurant and Sushi Bar, an innovative and unique spot that serves the Austin area. Customers rave about their Thai red curry and the unforgettable dining experience: Robots deliver food to patrons!
Website: www.numthaiandsushi.com
Facebook: @NumThaiRestaurant
EurAsia Sushi Bar & Seafood
AUSTIN, TEXAS
EurAsia Sushi Bar & Seafood
Owner Andre, who has been in the restaurant business for many years, chose to open EurAsia Sushi Bar & Seafood to serve the Austin area delicious European-inspired sushi. He proudly sources fresh ingredients from all over the world and offers an extensive selection of beer and sake!
Website: eurasiasushiaustin.menufy.com
Instagram: @eurasiasushibar
Sakura Organic
WAKEFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS
Sakura Organic
When Jenny opened Sakura Organic in 2014, she had already had years of experience focusing on healthier food and customer satisfaction in restaurants. Her mission is to feed the greater Boston area organic-only sushi and fusion cuisine because she truly believes that “Organic is Healthier.”
Website: www.sakuraorganicmass.com
Facbook: Sakura Organic
Fatboy’s
KAILUA & KANEOHE, HAWAII
Fatboy's
Fatboy's was founded by Carroll Ung and his father, John, with the idea of providing a menu featuring both local favorites and gourmet specials. What started as a "hole-in-the-wall" has blossomed into more locations and online ordering options, but Fatboy's has maintained its original goal of creating a true sense of aloha at everything.
Website: www.fatboyshilocations.com
Facebook: @fatboyshawaii
Final Bite
Over the past two years, Asian American and Pacific Islander-owned restaurants have been impacted by the pandemic and growing levels of intolerance.
These hardships and roadblocks should make customers more eager to become regulars at AAPI-owned businesses.
Dining out or ordering online from an AAPI-owned restaurant is a great way to show support.
And it's even better when you know exactly where your money is going, which is why any online orders should be placed directly on a restaurant's website instead of through a big third-party app.
Order from a locally owned restaurant in your neighborhood to show your support for the Asian American and Pacific Islander community.
Menufy is a proud partner of so many talented and dedicated AAPI restaurant owners!
Hungry? Order delivery or takeout from more than 14,000 restaurants!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Melissa Dimmitt, Marketing Communications Coordinator
Melissa began her digital marketing career nearly a decade ago at a restaurant group. She worked with restaurant managers and executive chefs while coordinating seasonal menu releases, executing photoshoots, and creating fresh digital content.