Support AANHPI Business
Add to cart: AANHPI edition.
If you’re of a certain age, you’re no doubt acquainted with the sassy refrain, “Money talks and bullsh*t walks.” While we know that showing up in all ways is an essential part of truly being allies, we don’t mind spreading our spending to AANHPI-owned businesses as part of that picture. Our purchases need not be seen as altruistic ones—these are simply great buys that happen to have an added benefit of putting our money where our proverbial mouth is. Shop our favorites and see what we mean.
In the bag.
We’re a little bit of a Goldilocks when it comes to our reusable bags. The heavy canvas types seem too bulky to keep on hand and the thin fold up types can’t seem to handle much of anything. Enter Baggu. With whimsical patterns (or not), these hold up to 50 lbs and fold into a five inch square. And did we mention the straps that actually go over your shoulder? Aaaah, just right.
It’s a startup.
Somewhere along the pandemic highway, our cooking escapades started to get a little…uninspired. We craved adventure (and a pantry-ready assist). All roads lead us to food startup Omsom, purveyors of meal starters (sauces, aromatics and seasonings) that provide everything but protein and veggies to make any number of Southeast or East Asian dishes. Boring meals, no more.
A fresh spin on prep.
Ever since featuring Recreational Habits founder Jackie Skye Muller, we’ve been super fans of the brand. Their aim is “recreate the preppy American spirit” through beautiful products, storytelling and experiences around recreational sport and living and, by the way, to normalize people of color in country club sports (read: sailing, cricket, equestrian pursuits, golf). We love (and supported) their recent initiative to host polo clinics in collaboration with City Kids Wilderness Project, providing an inclusive introduction to the sport of polo. But it’s their beautifully designed threads we keep coming back for—like this unisex varsity sweatshirt and their recent golf collection, which we wear on repeat.
Not another Whitman’s Sampler.
Though we can’t hate on an old standby, we’ve been branching out when it comes to our chocolate consumption. That’s why we were thrilled to find Cocoa & Cardamom. Founder Annie Rupani brilliantly infuses the flavors of her South Asian background into high-quality chocolate, to tasty effect. If we eat with our eyes first, her confections don’t disappoint. How could flavors like Garam Masala Pistachio and Five Spice Praline, rendered in brilliant colors and shapes, do anything but delight?
Just for kicks.
As self-proclaimed sneakerheads, we have a frequent quandary of wanting to wear our latest acquisitions, but also being a bit precious when it comes to wear and tear. Well, Jason Markk says “I feel you” with this amazing bundle of cleaners formulated for all your prized pairs. With storefronts in Los Angeles and Tokyo, the company delivers both effective and responsible products. Can you kick it? Yes you can.
The spice of life.
As people in our quality over quantity phase of life, we have extolled the virtues of high-quality spices to make the most of your home cooking. And you can’t get much more high-quality than Diaspora Co., single-origin offerings coming at you directly from 150 farms across India and Sri Lanka. They pay their farmers a significant premium over going rates to foster a more resilient food system. You can build your own pack or choose pre-chosen sets like the pantry refresh.
So cheesy.
We didn’t realize how sad our veggie drawer had become until we ordered Chef Roy Choi’s Cheezio Pepe seasoning (sadly it’s sold out at the moment but we recommend you sign up to be notified). It’s pepped up our roasted veggies and with 3 tbsps olive oil, the juice of half a lemon and 1 tbsp of the seasoning—voila, our new favorite salad dressing. We’re looking forward to seeing what other mixes he concocts, but honestly we’re totally ok if this is his only hit.
Let’s dish.
Wing on Wo & Company is the oldest continually operating store in New York City’s Chinatown. Now in its fifth generation of leadership, they are a fantastic source for all types of beautiful porcelain wares and cultural goods. Among our obsessions: these beautiful bok choy sharing bowls in time for spring, along with the Daojin Flower Bowl.
