A Guide to AAPI-Owned Shops & Boutiques in Greater Philadelphia

The newest shop by Rachael Compton of by ren, Aiyah offers “curated objects for sacred spaces” that merge quality, artistry and design.

Aiyah (pronounced eye-YAH), a Cantonese expression for surprise, is the concept behind the shop, which sells rings, earrings, hair clips and accessories.

Aiyah also offers singular gift items and exquisitely refined home goods, like incense holders, glasses and other kitchen goods, books and tons of candles.

Compton employs a variety of metals in her jewelry designs to suit various styles and preferences, perfect for custom engagement and wedding rings.

When your pup needs a blowout, look no further than ham + bone. With two locations — one in Fishtown and another in Queen Village — the shop, owned by Amy Ko, offers apparel, accessories, food, treats and toys for both dogs and cats.

There’s plenty for spoiled fur babies here, including a variety of holiday-specific (Christmas, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day) treats and toys.

And the grooming services aim to put your furry friend at ease while getting them in snip-top shape.

Shoppers looking to add some sparkle to their lives shouldn’t miss South Philly’s La’la Boutique, where ample supplies of dazzling earrings, beautiful bangle bracelets and elegant necklaces and rings are always in stock.

Also on offer: custom-designed jewelry and watches.

Check online for regularly updated and meticulously curated items for sale.

Rows of pastel gifts — from anime figures to stationery — line this whimsical Chinatown shop. Expect a K-pop soundtrack while shopping for K-pop merch, clothes, plushies and more.

Searching for Labubus? Little Seven House has got you covered. The shop also carries numerous Blind Box items for collectors and plushie aficionados, as well as Hello Kitty items.

And don’t miss plush keychains galore, for fashionistas looking for the perfect one to dangle from their bag.

Brothers Rick and Ky Cao have been selling stylish men’s streetwear at P’s & Q’s since 2012. The South Street shop has garnered a dedicated following among tastemakers thanks to its carefully curated collections.

The merch rotates regularly at P’s & Q’s, so you never know what you might happen upon due to new releases and fresh collaborations. That includes men’s clothing (like tops, bottoms, hats and kicks) and hip home goods, like funky clocks and stationery.

In addition to their own line, the shop also carries clothing and items from nearly 20 featured brands.

Celebrating Japanese craftsmanship, design and aesthetics, Rikumo carries Japanese-made office, kitchen, bath and other home goods, including sleek ceramics, minimalistic bath towels and organic Japanese teas.

After closing their Walnut Street shop at the end of 2020, husband-and-wife ownership team Kaz and Yuka Morihata moved their operations to Ardmore in nearby Montgomery County.

Look forward to perusing thoughtfully curated collections of delightful soaps, super-soft towels and natural skincare, in addition to a wide variety of elegant table settings.

Longtime friends and business partners Lisa Maita and Kelli Mercado are both daughters of Filipino immigrants who bring their cultural heritage and childhood fun to fine jewelry.

Sisterfriend is a line of cute, joyful and singular pieces — gold and silver spam musubi necklaces, mango pendants and persimmon earrings — that have earned them mentions in Vogue and Nylon magazines. They’ve even styled Michelle Zauner, author of Crying in H Mart and frontwoman of Japanese Breakfast.

Occupying a pair of storefronts on South Street, Totem Brand Co. and Totem Outdoor focus on Japanese and Korean contemporary style and outdoor lifestyle apparel, respectively.

Founded by Phillip Yi, both Totem shops carry men’s and women’s tops, footwear, outerwear, outdoor equipment and more.

The incredibly long list of brands on offer includes Patagonia, Big Agnes, orSlow, Hoka, Puma and so, so many more.

Totem’s also got accessories galore (socks, jewelry, hats, watches) and home goods aplenty (candles, stationery, incense).

In the market for some custom jewelry? Look no further than Workshop Underground, an independent jeweler in Graduate Hospital specializing in custom jewelry for special occasions, as well as timeless everyday wear.

Owner Ruben Luna offers custom engagement ring services as well as collections of necklaces, earrings and bracelets adorned with pearls, gemstones and gold.

And with a long list of accolades — like leading the design team at the Metropolitan Museum of Art — and a focus on ethical sourcing of materials, you know your jewelry needs are in good hands.

If you’re a fashionista, Bella Boutique is your luxury consignment and resale shop. Owner Domonique Kim Schroom has been consigning, buying and selling high-end designer items for more than 20 years.

The collection includes Gucci, Louis Vuitton bags, Burberry clothing, Versace sunglasses, Juicy Couture velour track suits and more. They authenticate all items (verified by Entrupy) and change things up every season, relying on more than 100 established consigners.

Ask the knowledgeable staff about seasonal items considered for commission or follow them on Instagram to see the most up-to-date items for sale.

At Kayuh Bicycles, the mechanics come to you now.

Owner Henry Sam took the reins of the business (kayuh is an Indonesian and Malay word for “pedal”) at the ripe age of 20 and steered the business through the worst of the pandemic. The business model has shifted over the years to now offer 100% mobile bike repair.

In addition to working on human-powered bicycles, Kayuh also specializes in e-bike repairs and tune-ups. Bought a new bike that came in a box and want to make sure it’s put together correctly? Kayuh has got you covered.

This husband-and-wife operation is about connecting with the natural world, creating furniture pieces that evoke feelings of peace, balance or simplicity.

John Geating (Chinese-European) and Gina Kim (Korean-American) specialize in sustainable woodworking and cabinetry (cherry, oak, redwood, maple woods, etc.) to build long-lasting, kid-tested, well-designed pieces that bring warmth and comfort to homes.

Think: coffee tables, dining chairs, cutting boards, house doors, bed frames, kitchen islands and desks.

Many of Leeward’s designs create solutions for small-space living, like their signature fold chair, which can be easily folded and stashed or taken on the go.

Helping you navigate the landscape of traditional Chinese medicine is Long Life Chinese Herbs. Hailing from four generations of Chinese herbalists, the shop offers guidance and insight into its products, including herbal teas, oils, extracts and more. Guests can shop according to health concern or just browse the vast collection of offerings.

If you’re a newbie to traditional Chinese medicine and wondering where to start, check out Long Life Chinese Herbs’ blog posts that explain some of the basics.

Looking for a “scent-sational” way to spend an evening? Loomen Labs specializes in experiences that guide participants to craft their perfect signature scent to incorporate into products like candles, home fragrances and incense.

Opened in 2021 and helmed by co-owners Jordan Cook and Jeff Yu, Loomen Labs makes for a perfect date night.

And while you can’t bring food to your experience, you can BYO your favorite libation. Note the shop’s new location on South Street.

The three-story (!) fantasy-style tavern on South Street — run by Jeannie Wong and Edward Garcia — features two dedicated bars, outdoor seating, a massive board game library with 2,000-plus titles and a retro video game arcade.

Specializing in plant-based cuisine, the restaurant offers a robust menu of bar-food delights (like their signature vegan wings), and includes a kids’ menu and lengthy dessert menu.

Queen & Rook also offers food (and games!) to go to enjoy from the comfort of your home.

One of Chinatown’s most popular shopping stops for Hello Kitty gear is You & Me. This ground-floor market and toy store also has a large selection of toys, snacks, gifts, cosmetic beauty products and even claw machines to retrieve stuffed animals.

Also connected to You & Me is EnJoy Market, a basement-level grocery and kitchen supply store brought to you by Hung Vuong Food Market, offering snacks, drinks, kitchen supplies and cosmetics.

Korean-American Kelly Wright opened this small storefront in the Bok building to link people of color who are intimidated by DIY projects or are new to the craft with everyday tools and supplies.

YUNS (Wright grew up in the rural south, where the endearing term “yuns” means everyone) counters technology dependency and convenience culture as a space to learn and solve problems on a tactile level and with a “mom-and-pop store” community mindset.

Visitors can buy items like safety glasses, screwdrivers, multi-tool boxes, wrench sets and more — all of which have a modern but practical design.

This two-story grocery opened in late 2019 and features fresh seafood and produce on the first floor and nonperishables, snacks and refrigerated goods on the second.

People shop here for hot pot meats, seafood, chicken, beef, drumsticks, live crabs and moon cakes for the Mid-Autumn Festival.

If you’re seeking Asian-style versions of your favorite snacks (think spicy hot pot flavored Lays), chances are good you’ll find them here.

Spanning a number of cultures and cuisines, Chung May Food Market offers Japanese snacks, Thai ice pops, a wide variety of teas, noodles, produce, candy, sauces and beyond. In other words, the selection is vast, offering a seemingly endless array of items.

In addition to food, the market also carries housewares like teapots and pans to cook up all of your tasty buys.

Ebisu Japanese Life Store was founded in Osaka, Japan, in October 2013 and opened its doors in Philadelphia 10 years later. The store carries a wide range of Japanese products, including snacks, drinks, beauty products, household items, kitchenware and even an action-figure dispenser.

Also available: plushies and Japanese blind boxes for the collector on your gift list.

Ebisu shares a space with Mochinut, a popular dessert chain serving up Mochi donuts, Korean rice flour hotdogs and bubble tea.

Stocking foods and ingredients from Southeast Asia to the Himalayan Mountains, Friendly Market specializes in rare dry goods from Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, India and Pakistan.

Run by Sovannary Heang and her husband, Julio Carlos, the shop’s robust selection ensures you’ll always walk away with a new-to-you spice. Have an Asian recipe with hard-to-find ingredients? Chances are you’ll find them at Friendly Market.

Customers rave about the samosas at West Philly’s International Foods & Spices, run by Paul Singh. Aside from prepared dishes, the grocery store is your go-to spot for rice and grains, curry powder, dried red peppers and so much more, as well as foods and ingredients from India, the Middle East, Bangladesh and Pakistan.

Expect Indian music in the background to guide your shopping adventure, with the super-friendly staff ready to help.

In a western region of Japan, “maido” is used as a greeting for regulars and as an appreciation for a loyal customer. This Japanese grocer and restaurant has plenty of them.

Founded in Narberth in 2003 by Seiko Dailey, Maido! is one of the only Japanese-owned grocery stores in Greater Philadelphia, offering fresh produce, a wide variety of Japanese packaged goods and even Japanese toys.

Dailey’s current expanded store and restaurant in Ardmore also offers guests an immersive Japanese experience: Sit at the lunch counter and enjoy Okonomiyaki (pancakes), Yaki-soba noodles and other specialties while watching a live sumo tournament on satellite TV.

Indulge those snack cravings at meishi meike, a gourmet snack shop in Chinatown. On the carefully curated shelves: high-quality dry goods (like instant ramen), fresh jellyfish, and various beauty and skincare products.

The shop offers a variety of Asian and Middle Eastern goods, like specialty spices and hard-to-find teas.

For imported snacks you won’t find anywhere else, look no further than S. Mart. The two-storefront space is packed to the brim with chips, cookies, mochi, specialty drinks and noodles from China, Japan and Korea.

The shop also has a large offering of Asian beauty products, from face masks and scrubs to makeup and specialty items like collagen snacks.

Among the many international vendors you’ll find in the Italian Market is Tran’s Produce. Run by Be and Hoa Tran, the couple sells oranges, tomatoes, cucumbers, pineapple and more.

The stand has been part of the Italian Market produce scene since 1985 and recently underwent a makeover with sustainable materials and artwork depicting Vietnamese folk sayings.

Looking to spice up your ’do? Artiva Hair Salon can help with stylists who nail vivid colors, highlights and cuts. Owner Ying Jing has been offering cuts in Philadelphia for more than a decade, styling both men and women’s hair.

Offerings at the salon include cuts, coloring (including highlights, ombre and balayage, perms, straightening, up-dos and waxing services). Artiva also offers special ‘dos for proms and weddings.

Whether you’re looking for a simple polish change or for refills, gel manicures and nail art, Boutique Nail Cafe’s team of estheticians has got you covered.

The South Street salon was named a Best of Philly 2024 winner by Philadelphia magazine for its dip powder manicures and nail art. Boutique Nail Cafe also offers full care for nails, toes, brows and lashes.

Check out the salon’s Instagram for the latest nail trends and inspiration for your next mani-pedi.

Offering acupuncture, Chinese medicine, cupping and more at its locations in Chinatown and King of Prussia (as well as Marlton, New Jersey), the team at Core Acupuncture aims to get you feeling your best via all-natural approaches.

Owner Dr. Yanqun Zhong has been practicing acupuncture and Chinese medicine locally for nearly 20 years and, before that, worked as an internist and liver specialist at a hospital in China.

The team offers a consultation for those new to acupuncture and Chinese medicine. Core Acupuncture also offers a variety of blissful facials and massages.

From Botox and lip fillers to chemical peels and laser acne treatment, Everest Medspa has an expansive catalog of aesthetic and wellness services.

Board-certified internal medicine physician Dr. Xiaobin Li leads the team of medical professionals who help you achieve a natural beauty look.

The offerings consist of injectables, skin treatments and a long list of body treatments to sculpt and contour.

Spruce up your get-up at this Chinatown salon, a stone’s throw from Reading Terminal Market.

Whether you’re looking for a total overhaul (color, cut, blowout) or just a shape-up, the hairstylists on staff can transform your look.

Founded by two sisters, Indulge Nail Studio’s Madison and Heather Pham are unparalleled in their nail art. Seriously: Their intricate Eagles logo nail designs made the local news.

Whether you want crystal nail tips or just an OG mani, your hands will be the envy of all. Go all out and book a pedi and an eyelash tint, too.

Your one-stop shop for Korean beauty products, K-Beauty Outlet is a Chinatown-based sanctuary for skincare aficionados, where all the K-beauty products you could hope for (including many in-demand snail mucin products!) line the well-stocked shelves.

You’ll want to take your time perusing the selection of face masks, cleansing oils, body mists, hair serum and beyond, lovingly curated by owner Stella Cho.

Pamper yourself from head to toe at La Palette, where you can get natural-looking eyelash extensions, facials, manicures and pedicures in Chinatown.

In addition to a long list of facials (basic, laser, collagen, deep cleansing), the team at La Palette also specializes in lash and brow treatments, manis, pedis and nail art.

Thanks to Sharon Cheung and her team at Lash Boutique, long, luscious lashes are in your future. Offering classic, hybrid and volume full lash sets along with lash lifts and tints, the salon treats every lash like it’s the star of the show.

The salon also offers additional services such as brow lamination and waxing. Plus, the boutique’s team members educate clients on proper after-care, so they get the most out of their glam look.

With A-list clients such as Britney Spears and Beverly Johnson, Laurentius Purnama’s eponymous Italian Market hair salon brings Hollywood glamour to South Philly.

Whether you need a few highlights or a glam look for an event, Laurentius Salon has you covered.

For an ultra-personalized nail salon experience, book an appointment with Sarah Lam at Lucky Gloss Nails. Lam, a former restaurant general manager, grew up in nail salons working at her Vietnamese-Cambodian-American family’s salons during summer school breaks.

She started Lucky Gloss to help folks struggling with nail-biting, providing a caring and judgment-free space to receive “builder gel manicures.”

Keratin treatments, updos and men’s styling are all on the menu of services at Neta’s Beauty Salon, where highlights, vibrant colors and sleek styles are always the order of the day.

Offerings include cuts for men and women, coloring (including highlights), hair treatments (keratin, permanent, straightening), shampoo, styling, blowout, up-dos and waxing services.

Pain Away of Philly focuses on traditional Chinese medicinal massage to help relieve pain from arthritis, disc herniation, sciatica, muscle strain and more.

Owner Bin Wang has over 30 years of experience in Chinese medicinal treatments. The focus here is on Qi, balance and blood flow to bring more harmony to your stressed-out body.

Traditional Chinese medicine treatments include acupuncture, cupping and gua sha, as well as other massage techniques like Swedish massage and sports massage.

Whether you’re in the market for a trim or a big chop, some highlights or a blowout, your tresses are in for a treat at Room 209, which offers cuts and hair treatments for men and women and accepts walk-ins.

Expect to spend some time here, as haircuts come with a blissful scalp massage. Customers rave about the chic cuts and friendly service.

Adeline Koh made the pivot from academia to beauty and began making her own Korean-inspired skincare products to give to friends.

Now, the public can score those products at her Bok-based brick-and-mortar shop, Sabbatical Beauty.

There you’ll find small-batch, lovingly hand-crafted cleansers, toners, masks, serums and moisturizers packed with beneficial active ingredients. Koh’s products have gotten shout-outs from Elle magazine, Allure, Slate, Shape, Beauty Independent, New York magazine, the Guardian and Philadelphia magazine.

If you’re considering a new look, trust the pros at Seng’s Salon, a family-run operation (three generations!) opened in 1986 by founder Sengthong Sananikone.

From bold and trendy styles to complete transformations (plenty of satisfied platinum blondes), the salon caters to hair lengths and textures of all kinds, hoping to help you find “the best version of yourself.”

From South Philly to Center City and beyond, the region’s Asian-owned restaurants satisfy hungry customers with traditional and innovative dishes that offer tastes of China, India, Thai, Vietnam, Japan, Korea, Burma, Sumatra, Taiwan and more.

Beyond flavors of Asian origin, Asian American entrepreneurs are behind some of the region’s most excellent destinations for fine dining, fine wine and fine donuts. Head right this way for our roundup of Asian-owned restaurants.

Don’t know where to start? Philly’s Chinatown is unquestionably one of the best dining neighborhoods in the city.