May 14, 2026

AAPI Heritage Month Gift Guide 2026

Written by: [me] marketeam

This Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month we're supporting AAPI-owned and operated restaurants in our community with a handy-dandy gift guide!

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is here, and it’s the perfect excuse to celebrate the incredible impact AAPI folks have had—and are still having—on every industry, especially food and hospitality. Let’s talk about the magic behind AAPI-owned restaurants: innovative entrepreneurs pouring their heart, creativity, and grit into every single dish. Seriously, what better way to honor this month than by grabbing some swag or bite from one of these amazing spots?

Eating at AAPI-owned restaurants isn’t just about treating your taste buds (though, let’s be honest, they’ll thank you). It’s about showing love to hardworking business owners, supporting their dreams, and helping shape a brighter future for AAPIs in the industry. Whether you’re planning a night out or looking for a thoughtful gift, we’ve got you covered with ideas to help you spotlight and support these culinary rockstars. Dive in and let’s make this month deliciously meaningful!

AAPI Heritage Month Gift Guide

Gift cards
Ready-to-eat foods
Merch & events
James Beard Dining

Gift cards

	Silver and Sons BBQ \| Bethesda, MD Silver & Sons BBQ blends Jewish, Mediterranean, and American influences into a new kind of barbecue - the comforts of grandma’s kitchen, precision from a lifetime in restaurants.	Up to $500
	Gage & Tollner \| Brooklyn, NY This legendary Brooklyn spot is getting a serious glow-up thanks to Sohui Kim, Ben Schneider, and St. John Frizell. This place isn’t just about the landmark dining room or its rich history (though, let’s be honest, that’s pretty awesome); it’s about bringing the magic back for a new generation.	Up to $500
	Rimtang \| Washington, DC Rimtang brings the vibrant spirit of Thai street food to Georgetown, created by Chef Saran “Peter” Kannasute and his mother, Executive Chef Prapit “Mama” La Femina. A big part of Rimtang’s appeal is authenticity, bringing the flavors of Bangkok street food and family recipes into a more intimate DC neighborhood setting.	Up to $500
	Pizzeria Lola \| Minneapolis, MN Led by Chef and Owner Ann Kim, this Minneapolis staple cranks out delicious pies on the daily, including ones topped with one of the greatest culinary inventions of all time: kimchi.	Up to $500
	Tiger Fork \| Washington, DC Tucked away in Shaw’s historic Blagden Alley, Tiger Fork offers playful, modern takes on Hong Kong street food, traditional dim sum, and classic Chinese dishes with global influence.	Up to $500
	Philippe Chow \| Multiple Locations Since his humble beginnings as a teenage chef in Hong Kong restaurants, Executive Chef Philippe Chow has wowed thousands of diners and cooked in many of the world’s most high-profile kitchens. Enjoy gifting the Philippe Chow experience to friends, family, or business associates for any occasion by purchasing a digital gift card that can be used at any Philippe Chow location in the United States.	Up to $500
	Purple Patch \| Washington, DC Led by Chef and Owner Patrice Cleary, Purple Patch opened in 2015, one of the first Filipino Restaurants in Washington, D.C., and has since become a destination for travelers near and far.	Up to $200
	Hola Arepa \| Minneapolis, MN Chef Christina Nguyen & her partner Birk Grudem started Hola Arepa as a food truck in 2011. Though the truck has been mostly in hibernation since they opened their brick & mortar restaurant in 2014, you can always enjoy their arepas, other dishes & cocktails in a space inspired by their travels to beach towns and charming old cafes in South America, Central America and Mexico.	Up to $250
	Osha Thai Kitchen \| Houston, TX Started in 2024, Osha Thai Kitchen is the culmination of years of dedication and hard work. From culinary school in Thailand to honing their craft at various restaurants in the Houston area, Osha is proud to serve its community. They make the vibrant flavors of Thailand come alive in every dish.	Up to $500

Food & ready to eat

Bessou | Signature Popcorn Tin

Bessou's signature popcorn tin is packed with bold Japanese-inspired flavors to bring comfort and joy in every bite. Thoughtfully designed and delicious, it's perfect for gifting and sharing all season long. With flavors like Nori Crunch, Soy Butter, and Miso Caramel Corn, how could you possibly resist!?

$40

Sushi Maven | DIY Sushi Ingredients

Sushi Maven offers a wide variety of products that make preparing sushi at home simple and accessible. Their collection is designed to provide everything needed for homemade rolls, nigiri, sashimi, and more, giving customers a convenient all-in-one sushi-making experience.

Merch & Events

	Eastern Market \| Premier Food & Arts Market Located in the heart of the historic Capitol Hill neighborhood, Eastern Market is DC’s destination for fresh food, community events, and on weekends, local farm-fresh produce and handmade arts and crafts.	Tuesdays-Sundays
	L&L Hawaiian BBQ \| Tote Bag L&L Hawaiian BBQ's durable canvas tote bag blends functionality with island-inspired style, making it perfect for everyday use while showcasing the playful charm of L&L Hawaiian BBQ's signature musubi branding.	$15
	Hola Arepa \| Hola Beanies Coming in four great colors, this super cozy knit beanie has an embroidered Hola patch with a gorgeous beach sunset (locally designed by Nancy McCabe of Design Ahoy) sewn onto it.	$20
	Pizzeria Lola \| FU Fear T-shirt Featuring Chef/Owner Ann Kim's mantra, this t-shirt not only looks good, but does good in the community too! With every shirt sold, Pizzeria Lola will donate $20 to Second Harvest Heartland, a leading hunger-relief organization.	$20
	Bessou \| Indigo Blue Hat Bessou offers a timeless blend of heritage and style, the Blue Indigo Hat is crafted from premium cotton and hand-dyed using traditional Japanese indigo techniques. With its relaxed silhouette, subtle stitching, and minimalist design, this hat is a versatile statement piece—equally suited for everyday wear or adding a touch of character to any look.	$30
	5 Brothers Sushi \| 3D Nigiri Capturing the fun, bold spirit of 5 Brothers Sushi, bring home the designed and printed 5 Brothers Sushi 3D logo. This souvenir makes the perfect collectible for sushi lovers and loyal fans.	$3

James Beard Dining Experiences

	CHIKO \| Gift Cards In 2025, chef-partners Danny Lee and Scott Drewno were James Beard Award nominees for Outstanding Restaurateur. CHIKO, a fine-dining concept under the umbrella of The Fried Rice Collective, serves innovative dishes, such as their signature shrimp and grits with garlic XO sauce.	Up to $500
	Pizzeria Lola \| Gift Cards Chef and owner Ann Kim won the 2019 James Beard Award for "Best Chef Midwest." A Korean immigrant, Kim credits her culinary palate and love of cooking to helping her mother and grandmother, leading to the opening of Pizzeria Lola in 2010. A beloved Minneapolis spot that has earned both local and national acclaim, Pizzeria Lola has been featured in the New York Times, Vogue, Forbes, Wall Street Journal and on Netflix's Chef's Table.”	Values Vary
	Kabooki Sushi \| Gift Cards Chef Henry Moso, the talented chef of Kabooki Sushi in Orlando, Florida, has been a repeating James Beard Award "Best Chef South" semifinalist. Kabooki Sushi is a contemporary Japanese dining experience that blends traditional sushi craftsmanship with bold, globally inspired flavors.	Values Vary
	Hai Hai \| Minneapolis, MN Chef Christina Nguyen & her amazing team took home a James Beard medal for Best Chef Midwest in June 2024. Inspired by dishes that Chef Christina Nguyen grew up eating at home, at family celebrations, in Vietnamese Sunday school basements & during several trips to Southeast Asia, you can expect to find more than just the standards like pho & pad thai.	Up to $250