Celebrating AAPI-Owned Food Stops on Tour: Flavors, Stories & Impact
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the diverse cultures, histories, and contributions of AAPI communities across the country. At Like A Local Tours, we’re proud to partner with incredible AAPI-owned food businesses that enrich our neighborhoods and feed our souls. These aren’t just delicious stops on our tours—they’re vibrant hubs of identity, innovation, and community care.
Here’s a look at some of the inspiring AAPI-owned eateries we visit, and the changemakers behind them.
☕ 1. Bird & Branch – Coffee with a Cause
Founded by Chinese American couple Brandon and Faith Lee, Bird & Branch is more than a specialty coffee shop—it’s a mission-driven community space with locations in Hell’s Kitchen and Pier 57. The Lees opened Bird & Branch with a vision rooted in second chances and tangible impact. That’s why they created a paid job training and mentorship program for individuals facing barriers to employment—whether due to homelessness, incarceration, or trafficking. Trainees gain hands-on barista experience, resume help, one-on-one mentorship, and life skills that go far beyond coffee.
Bird & Branch’s signature drinks, like the Cloud Latte (topped with their homemade vanilla cream), are as thoughtful as the people who serve them. With a peaceful, plant-filled interior and an ethos of restoration, this café embodies what it means to build community one cup at a time. Every visit is a vote for a more inclusive NYC—and a very good coffee break.
Photo Credit: The Infatuation
🍰 2. Lady Wong – A Celebration of Southeast Asian Sweets
When Malaysian-born chefs Seleste Tan and Mogan Anthony opened Lady Wong in the East Village, they set out to do more than satisfy sweet cravings—they wanted to honor their roots. The result? A stunning patisserie that blends the intricate desserts of Southeast Asia with French pastry finesse.
The couple, both veterans of New York’s fine-dining scene, missed the nostalgic sweets of their childhood—especially the colorful kuih often absent from American menus. At Lady Wong, they reimagine these traditional treats using premium ingredients and elegant presentation. Their Black Sesame Passionfruit Entremet, Pandan Coconut Mousse Cake, and eye-catching kuih slices have wowed locals and food critics alike.
Named to honor Southeast Asian femininity and strength, Lady Wong is now a nationally recognized brand. For AAPI Heritage Month, they’re offering a $100 gift card giveaway and have expanded nationwide shipping to share their sweets far and wide. Seleste and Mogan aren’t just preserving culinary heritage—they’re pushing it forward, one delicate, delicious bite at a time.
🥟 3. Nom Wah Nolita – A Modern Take on a Century-Old Tradition
An offshoot of the legendary Nom Wah Tea Parlor, Nom Wah Nolita brings dim sum to the fast-casual generation—without losing an ounce of soul. First opened in 1920, Nom Wah is New York City’s oldest dim sum restaurant. In 2010, Wilson Tang, a second-generation Chinese American and nephew of the original owner, took the reins and breathed new life into the beloved institution.
Nom Wah Nolita, launched in 2016, is Wilson’s contemporary twist on that legacy. Here, you’ll find a streamlined, counter-service setup, eco-friendly packaging, and a rotating menu of classics like pork buns, shrimp dumplings, and scallion pancakes—all served in a bright, art-filled space. It’s dim sum, reimagined for today’s NYC.
Wilson Tang has also become a prominent voice for AAPI entrepreneurship and Chinatown preservation. His Nom Wah Cookbook blends recipes with family stories, and he’s received national recognition—including a $25,000 AAPISTRONG grant—for his work supporting Chinatown’s economic recovery. Nom Wah Nolita is a celebration of tradition, resilience, and the power of evolving while staying rooted.
🧠 4. Honeybrains – Nourishment for Mind and Body
At Honeybrains, everything on the menu is good for your brain—and your taste buds. Founded by siblings and headed by Marisa Seifan, this wellness café combines neuroscience with nutrition to help people eat for long-term brain health.
What sets Honeybrains apart is its science-backed menu, developed in collaboration with registered dietitians and neuroscientists. All offerings are designed around the “Brain Five”—five essential food groups shown to support cognitive function: omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, fiber, healthy fats, and vitamins/minerals. Their menu includes nutrient-dense power bowls, seasonal salads, and vibrant lattes like the Golden Milk Latte (made with turmeric, ginger, and honey). Everything is made without refined sugar, and even the coffee and espresso drinks are enhanced with raw honey, which acts as a natural prebiotic.
Beyond food, Honeybrains has become a hub for wellness education and preventive health. The café features an on-site “Brain Bar,” where customers can learn about the brain-boosting properties of various ingredients. They also host educational events and workshops on topics like stress, sleep, and nutrition—many of them led by Dr. Seifan himself.
As an Asian-American and family-led business, Honeybrains reflects a modern approach to health rooted in both Eastern and Western philosophies. It’s also one of the few café concepts that bridges the gap between wellness and scientific rigor without compromising flavor or fun. Their mission is simple but powerful: to help people eat in a way that makes them feel good now—and sharp for years to come.
Honeybrains continues to be a proud participant in initiatives that promote health equity and brain wellness across New York City, making them an invaluable partner on Like A Local Tours’ Flatiron and NoHo routes.
Photo Credit: Greenpointers
🥯 5. Leon’s Bagels – A Fusion of Cultures
Leon’s Bagels in Greenwich Village & Williamsburg is everything a New York bagel shop should be—but with a twist. Founded by Chris Taha, who is of Chinese and Syrian descent, Leon’s is a personal and cultural project. Taha set out to build a space that honors both his immigrant roots and the diverse culinary tapestry of NYC.
Leon’s makes bagels the old-fashioned way—hand-rolled, boiled, and baked daily—but isn’t afraid to innovate. The shop is known for its unique specials and inclusive atmosphere, often spotlighting underrepresented communities and causes.
For AAPI Heritage Month 2025, Leon’s partnered with Olympic gold medalist Sunisa Lee to create a special limited-edition bagel: a sesame bagel with scallion cream cheese, crisp cucumber, and yuzu honey 🍯🥒✨
Available at ALL locations from May 5–11. Proceeds support American Kidney Fund. It’s the perfect blend of flavor and purpose.
Chris Taha sees food as a vehicle for storytelling and connection. Leon’s regularly supports local fundraisers, hosts cultural pop-ups, and invites artists and activists to take up space—proving that bagels can be both bold and beautiful.
👣 Taste the Stories on Tour
Every stop we make is about more than just food—it’s about the people, histories, and futures behind it. These AAPI-owned businesses are shaping the city’s flavor and spirit in unforgettable ways. Join us this month (and every month) as we celebrate the richness of NYC through food, community, and stories that matter.
Explore our tours and meet these incredible makers up close. You’ll leave full—in more ways than one.