As May is Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage month, we’re highlighting some of our favorite businesses, neighborhoods and spaces in 5 cities across the US.
Our AAPI communities represent a diverse array of cultures, languages and traditions. With the continued rise in racial violence against the community, many travelers may be wondering what they can do to help. One way is by supporting these Asian-owned businesses and neighborhoods that can be found in some of our favorite destinations.
Flushing, New York
The borough of Queens is known for being one of the most diverse places in America, and its Flushing neighborhood is the center of the Asian American community in New York. You could spend your whole visit here and barely scratch the surface. While the area is home to a large Chinese and Chinese-American population, there are also large pockets of Korean and Vietnamese restaurants, shopping and cultural opportunities in the area. One place to experience it all at once is at the New World Mall on Roosevelt Avenue, which houses over 100 Asian food stalls, shops and markets. There’s also Jiang Nan, a Sichuan-style spot that lavishes in creative plating. You should also visit Union Street, home to much of Flushing’s Korean population, to enjoy seolleongtang (설렁탕 – a milky ox bone soup) at Gahwa – a 24-hour restaurant.
Dallas, Texas
An expansive city in its own right, Dallas is home to an increasing number of diverse populations including a growing Asian community. There are three main areas to visit if you want to support Asian-owned businesses. DFW Chinatown is a center for commerce and culture in Richardson (North Dallas), marked by a large shopping center and some fantastic restaurants. Indulge in some pho at Pho Que Huong or hot pot at Sichuan King. The Dallas Asian Trade District is also in North Dallas near I-35, and is home to more than 21 shopping plazas that together account for over 300 businesses – including an outpost for the famous grocery chain, H Mart. Finally, Dallas’s “Little India” (also in Richardson) boasts Indian food markets and shops. Get takeout from Bikaner Sweets, which serves an array of South Indian foods and mithai (sweets).
Chicago, Illinois
In the West Ridge, you’ll find Devon Avenue, which has been named the “most diverse street in America.” Locals refer to it as “Little India,” and while there is a large South Asian community that owns shops and restaurants in the area, the street is also a vibrant blend of other Asian cultures including Pakistani, Chinese and Middle Eastern businesses. If you head towards Uptown around West Argyle and North Broadway, the area there is referred to as “Little Vietnam” and includes popular spots like Ba Le for bahn mi, Phở Loan for pho, and Tai Nam Food Market. If you’re hoping for authentic Sichuan, many swear by Da Mao Jia, a street food spot serving dishes from Chengdu, capital of the Sichuan province.
San Francisco, California
San Francisco’s Chinatown is home to the largest Chinese and Chinese-American community in the world outside of China. Spanning from Bush Street to Broadway, the neighborhood’s popular Dragon Gate is an SF icon. But if you’re looking to experience culture in a way that doesn’t directly appeal to tourists, the Richmond District and Clement Street are great areas to check out. As the largest Chinatown in the US, you could stay here for a week and still not experience all the amazing food and shopping housed in its radius. Wait for a table at House of Nanking, a popular spot that usually has lines snaking down the block, or visit its sister restaurant Fang). If you want to truly indulge, sample the tasting menu at The Slanted Door, a Bay-area mainstay – it’s currently closed for renovations but will be reopening later this year. You can also support other shops throughout the city, particularly towards the SoMa neighborhood. Wine Down is an Asian women-owned wine bar that focuses on social justice issues (as well as new and interesting varietals). Yank Sing is a dim sum restaurant that likes to throw a contemporary flair on traditional foods. And Manila Bowl, a Filipino-owned spot on Market Street (located in Twitter’s HQ), is a popular spot for lunch.
Los Angeles, California
LA’s popular Little Tokyo neighborhood is known to be the largest Japanese American community in the US. There, you can find inventive businesses like Donatsu (ドーナツ), a creative donut shop perfect for a morning (or anytime) sugar rush. You’ll want to take in the “Home is Little Tokyo” mural on Central Avenue, across the street from the Japanese American National Museum. There’s also Shojin (精進), a creative vegan and macrobiotic restaurant, that’s currently offering takeout and in-home (or hotel) delivery throughout LA. If you’re visiting LA’s Chinatown, Lasita is an award-winning Filipino rotisserie and wine bar popular with locals. Or, head over to Thai Town where you can find a number of spots serving delicious Thai fast food, like Ruen Pair.
Have a favorite shop, restaurant or attraction we missed? Share it with us @KAYAK.
As travelers, we often find ourselves in new and different places – whether abroad or at home. No matter where you are in the world – racism does not belong. For more information on how to support the Asian American Community right now – and what you can do if you are a witness to anti-Asian racism – visit Stop AAPI Hate.
This post was originally published on March 24, 2021, and updated on May 11, 2022.
