You've got a lot of options when it comes to supporting Asian & Pacific Islander-owned businesses in Denver.
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and we can't think of a better way to celebrate than by supporting some local businesses and artists. We put together a list of some of our favorites below, but we encourage you to use this as a starting point and find even more that you can support.
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image via facebook/uncle
Restaurants & Food
From food trucks to pop-ups and even a Chopped-champion, Denver’s AANHPI-owned food scene is a blessing to us all. You can always find Samosa Shop, Pho King Rapidos, Tum Yumz, WongWayVeg, and Isan Thai Food Truck popping up around town. If you're looking to grab a seat, then settle in for the best ramen at Uncle, treat yourself to some dumplings and more at Yuan Wonton, grab some spring rolls and more from MAK Fam, throw back a pint or two at Comrade Brewing, or sip on some bubble tea from Tea Street. We also recommend a visit to the On Havana Street district in Aurora for some seriously slept-on bites. Finish your meal with some delicious treats from Vinh Xuong bakery!
MORE ASIAN RESTAURANTS TO SUPPORT
image via instagram/wolf & goat tattoo
Shops
One of our favorite parts of city living is the variety of shops and services to choose from. If you're looking to spice up your home (literally), then grab some groceries and goods from Great Wall, Pacific Mercantile, Truong An Gifts, and H Mart. Looking for some self-care? Center yourself at Black Swan Yoga, grab some skincare from The Face Shop, spruce up your pad with some plant life from Still Life Plants, and then celebrate with a different form of self-care at Wolf & Goat Tattoo.
image via facebook/HQ Salon
Salon & Spa
To feel your best, you've got to look your best. That's where these salons and spas come in. Get pampered at Mainstream Nails, then get yourself a new 'do at Hairdo, HQ Salon, or Salon Vo. Then get out there and strut your stuff!
image via Our Daughter
Music
We all know Denver is the place to be if you’re looking for great music, and these artists will make sure you never forget. Consider the pop soundwaves from The Milk Blossoms, and acoustic delights from Shelly Rollison aka Our Daughter.
Art By Casey Kawaguchi Via Denver Public Art
Artists
Murals. Murals everywhere! In fact, there are so many that you can take your own self-guided tour of all the public art in Denver by Asian and Pacific Islander artists. You’re sure to come across the works of local artists like Casey Kawaguchi and Ratha Sok. You can also check out Denver Art Museum’s Asian art collection here and this fantastic gallery from Grace Gee.
Community Organizations
At the end of the day, none of this matters without community. Luckily, there are a massive amount of AAPI organizations in Denver and Colorado that you can either donate to or volunteer with. Just a few include Asian Girls Ignite, Colorado Asian Pacific United, Colorado Asian Culture and Education Network, Colorado Dragon Boat, Asian Chamber of Commerce, Colorado Sikhs, and Sakura Foundation.
As mentioned, this is just an incredibly small amount of all the AANHPI-owned businesses in Denver. If you want to see an extensive list, check out Asian Avenue Magazine for even more resources. We also encourage searching for more and finding how you can support them and other businesses locally.
If you know of an AANHPI-owned business we should know about, drop us a line at [email protected].
