Red Tricycle and Tinybeans stand against the systemic racism towards Asian Americans, as well as all people of color. We strive to uplift our neighbors, friends, co-workers, and fellow humans in the fight for justice, and one way to do that is to support small businesses and to support local businesses. May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and we are highlighting some amazing Asian American owned businesses in San Diego you’ll love. From delicious Thai food and delectable ice cream and donuts to stylish clothing and adorable room decor, read on for where to dine and shop!

Paige's Pocket

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Paige's Pocket offers stylish and comfortable pocket tees, hats, accessories and stickers for adults and kids. All of their pockets are handmade and totally unique. We love the Mom's Dress Paige's pocket tee. You select from a wide variety of pockets and then choose the color tee you'd like the pocket to adorn. Bonus: For every shirt sold, Paige’s Pocket contributes $5 to the National Parks Foundation.

Online: paigespocket.bigcartel.com

A Simple One

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Your kids will be delighted by the charming array of products found at the A Simple One shop. We love their light switch decals that instantly brighten a room with whimsy as well as their door signs, wooden memory games, glass mugs and money envelopes. Support this local business today by purchasing your next gift from them.

Online: shopmyporch.com/shop/a-simple-one

Plumeria

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Once you dine at Thai-eatery Plumeria in Encinitas, it will surely become a favorite and you'll find yourself returning time and time again for their delicious noodle dishes, soups, curries––basically everything on the menu! Owner Pimwara Thongchua also runs Asian Bistro in Hillcrest as well as Park Boulevard's Plumeria location. Plumeria's menu is vegan and vegetarian with plenty of gluten-free options. You won't miss the meat. They offer mock duck, mock chicken, mock fish and tofu in their dishes. You'll certainly find the fresh, healthy, vibrant and delectable food addictive!

Online: myplumeria.com

Cauldron Ice Cream

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Founded by Terence Lioe and Desiree Le, Cauldron Ice Cream started out of a garage in Orange County in 2014 and has since expanded to multiple locations in SoCal as well as to Dallas, TX and Toronto. These scoops of heaven are magical concoctions, just as the name of the shop implies. Cauldron Ice Cream, a.k.a. Home of the OG Puffle Cone, pairs innovation and tradition to create the creamiest ice cream using liquid nitrogen and a sweet, creamy base. They rotate their dreamy flavors monthly, so each visit promises something new.

Online: cauldronicecream.com

R3fresh

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Cheers to R3fresh on Convoy Street! Here you can build your own superfood bowls and drink amazing juices and smoothies from their juice bar and specialty espresso/coffee drinks from their coffee bar. We like to start the day with their "Fire" juice which is a blend of Pineapple, Ginger, Apple, Carrot, Celery and Turmeric.

Online: r3fresh.com

Buddha Foods

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Jai Wurfbain created his 100% plant-based and absolutely divine Buddha Sauce to pair with the wildly popular salad & grain bowls he sells at SoCal farmers markets. His signature raw vegetable salad has a tasty bed of grains that really makes the salad a nice filling nutritious meal that is brimming with protein, fiber, anti-oxidants and minerals. It's a healthy base for the raw vegetables and life that the Buddha Sauce bring to the party in a bowl. Catch up with Jai on Instagram to learn recipes for healthy eating and to see where you can find him and the delicious products he's working to create next! Find him at the Vista and Leucadia farmer's markets and try a bowl and buy a jar of Buddha Sauce. You'll feel enlightened!

Online: buddha-sauce.com

Common Theory Public House

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Common Theory Public House is co-owned by childhood friends Cris Liang and Joon Lee. This gastropub on Convoy Street serves up great food and quality craft beers. Regarding their vision for this bar/restaurant, they offer, "the symbiotic culture clash of our Korean-Chinese-Mexican-American background genuinely showcases itself in Common Theory’s ambiance, food, and drinks; demonstrating one common story of many of what it means to be Californian." Stop in to check out their rotating beer list and amazing range of food. We love their Buffalo Cauliflower appetizer and Pretzel Bread Pudding for dessert.

Online: commontheorysd.com

Bing Haus

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Treat yourself to Thai rolled ice cream and mochi donuts as the ultimate treat. Bing Haus donuts are made fresh, in-house daily in an assortment of rotating flavors they post on Instagram daily. We love their Black Sesame rolled ice cream which comes with a black sesame base with honey, mochi, and sesame toppings. They also offer coffee and tea drinks, soft-serve and Patbingsoo Shaved Ice.

Online: binghaus.com

Menya Ultra

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Order up what food travel host and chef Andrew Zimmern voted the best ramen in the country! The noodles, which use wheat imported straight from Hokkaido, Japan are what set Menya Ultra apart. They are made fresh daily and combined with a super creamy, flavorful broth. The Tonkotsu Ajitama Ramen is a popular choice here. Kids will also dig the fried gyoza and edamame on the menu. Find Menya Ultra in three locations across San Diego, including their brand new Hillcrest location.

Online: menya-ultra.com

Iceskimo

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Owner of Iceskimo Robert Yang sets his ice cream and Taiwanese-inspired shaved ice or snow apart from the rest! Iceskimo's offerings are handcrafted in small batches using all natural, pure ingredients. They do not use powders, syrups or artificial sweeteners. Their Taiwanese artisan “snow” is shaved off large cylinders in ribbons so pretty they resemble peonies. Flavors are available in classic and vegan flavors with an abundance of topping, affogato and drizzle choices. With three locations in San Diego, you're sure to find an Iceskimo near you.

Online: iceskimo.com

––Beth Shea

featured photo: Quynh V. via Yelp

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