How To #StopAsianHate and Support the AAPI Community in Arizona
Photo Courtesy of The Arizona Republic and AZ Central
The work of Local First Arizona is centered on diversity, equity and inclusion. We firmly believe that a successful economy cannot be fully realized if people are excluded from full and fair participation as a result of racism, poverty, discrimination, cultural ignorance, bias or other conditions of exclusion. Our work across the state is dedicated to supporting our whole community and to working toward true equity here in Arizona.
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and that presents a great opportunity to take time to reflect on the #StopAsianHate movement and how to be a better ally. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a drastic increase in the number of hate crimes against the Asian community. Harmfully coined “the China virus,” some Americans have wrongfully blamed Asian-Americans and avoided their businesses during the pandemic. According to an analysis released by the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at California State University, hate crimes targeting the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community rose by nearly 150 percent in 2020. But this issue is not new. Taunts, mispronunciations and the general devaluing of the experience of AAPI individuals have long been a part of this country's rhetoric and COVID-19 escalated racism and hostility. While it may not be mainstream news now, we must come together as a community and continue to support one another.
This guide walks you through where to find Asian businesses to support as well as provides resources on reporting harassment.
Activities, Shopping and More
Did you know that Mesa has their own Asian District? It follows a 2-mile stretch down Dobson Road in west Mesa and features over 70 restaurants, grocery stores, and other service and retail businesses. The focus of the Asian District is culture, community and commerce and it’s a great way to experience different cultures while supporting the economy. You’ll find businesses like,
Mekong Plaza, which features 28 Asian-owned businesses
You can check out the full directory here. Once a year, the Asian District also hosts a night market that features over 60 food vendors!
A favorite of the Local First team is the Japanese Friendship Garden located in Phoenix. Called RoHoEn, the garden is a symbol of the friendship between Japan and the United States and, more specifically, between Phoenix and its sister city Homeji, Japan. The garden was built with the utmost care with the purpose of creating a place of beauty, tranquility and escape from the everyday pressures of life. You’ll find a teahouse, stroll garden, tea garden, stone garden and a courtyard garden. This gift from the City of Himeji is truly a gem.
While this guide works well for Phoenix, you are likely to find yourself in other places and want to support local or Asian businesses. Asian-owned Local Buzz is an app that you can download in the Apple store or Google Play store that will help you “be local anytime, anywhere.” You can find local experiences near you and store and share your favorites! It’s easy, it’s local and it’s a great way to support your community.
Places to Explore Asian Cuisine
While Arizonan cuisine is often connected with Latin food, there is no shortage of delicious, local Asian restaurants.
Happy Buns
Greater Phoenix
Hana Japanese Eatery, James Beard Foundation Women of Arizona and Devour member serves delicious dishes that highlight the flavors of the simple ingredients.
H Mart, a Korean-American supermarket, is a favorite for people looking for traditional products and cuisine.
Lee Lee International Supermarket, another spacious ethnic grocery store with fresh produce, seafood, and imported foods.
SoSoBa, known for its “uncommon ramen” and its cocktails that create the perfect pairing. They also have a Flagstaff location!
Zu Izakaya, one of the best spots for an after-work drink with friends. This bar offers a huge list of food as well from sushi to Korean BBQ.
Paradise Hawaiian BBQ, get a taste of the “Island Flavor” at this family-owned and operated establishment,
Pop N’ Tea, offers natural and organic boba teas, 3D printed popsicles, smoothies, slushies, gelato and sorbets.
Happy Buns, an Asian bakery that brings the experience of boba, coconut buns and more to your kitchen with kits and workshops.
Snoh Ice Shavery brought BaoBing, a cross between ice cream and shaved ice, to Arizona. It’s a unique way to cool down this summer!
Sweet Republic, offers classic ice cream flavors as well as options like earl grey tea, Blackberry Lemon Custard Pie and more.
These are just a few of the Asian restaurants and food spots that you can find in Phoenix. Check out this map from the Arizona Asian Chamber of Commerce for a more comprehensive list.
Hiro’s Sushi Bar
Flagstaff
Go Sushi, one of Flagstaff’s newest sushi restaurants that features other favorites like ramen and daily specials.
Hiro’s Sushi Bar, winner of “Best of Flagstaff” for Japanese cuisine, is a lunch and dinner spot you don’t want to miss.
Golden Dragon, known for outstanding Chinese food and offers modern interpretations of classic dishes.
Hunan East, in operation since 1989 and bringing spicy Mandarin food options to the area. They also offer vegetarian and vegan options.
Hot Wok and Asian Market, get all the ingredients you need to make your own Asian-inspired meal at home, including hot pot and dim sum ingredients and other specialty items. Not in the mood to cook? Check out their Hot Wok restaurant.
Miss Saigon
Tucson
Char’s Thai Food, delicious food that has been a staple in Tucson for over 30 years.
Miss Saigon, with four locations it's easy to grab the #1 Vietnamese food in Tucson.
Ha Long Bay, best known for its pho noodle soup and fresh ingredients.
Ikkyu, Chef Hiro makes all the food from his own authentic recipes and offers an incredible dining experience.
Hee Mee Bakery, all fresh and made from scratch by Hee Mee. She creates incredible flavors and decorates with perfect detail.
Shela Yu
Experience Art and Music
Ken Koshio is a local specialist in Taiko Japanese drumming, an ancient art form. He is also a Japanese Folk artist, singer and songwriter. Ken performed at the Devour the World event in 2020 and can be found drumming at sunrise on Piestewa Peak.
Shela Yu is a local Asian American muralist. Born and raised in Arizona, her parents are from Taiwan. She became a full-time artist during COVID and you can find her art on her instagram and also at Cartel Coffee Lab for the month of April.
Diana Ho, a Shanghai native, has had art featured in exhibits across the United States. Diana uses her passion for art to serve the community and has taught various art classes at local Phoenix-area schools. You can take classes with her here.
And keep an eye out for the community mural project in the Asian District in Mesa!
CoHoots
Professional and Community Services
Whether you’re another business or a consumer looking for services, there are several Asian-owned options in the valley!
For business-to-business services, one of our favorites is CoHoots! CoHoots is a coworking space that is dedicated to creating an environment where your team can meet, innovate and collaborate. It’s a great place to connect and an awesome option for places that have smaller office spaces. Looking for a great accountant? Lin Chai Rawlinson has an incredible team ready to help you whether you're looking to do your business books or your own. Or maybe you need a new insurance broker - check out Wong Insurance Agency for business, car, home insurance and more.
We all have healthcare needs. Fatima Pharmacy has a team ready to provide personalized healthcare in tandem with your other healthcare professionals. They are dedicated to helping you find programs designed to lower your drug and healthcare expenses. If you want to try some Eastern medicine, schedule a visit to Beijing Acupuncture. Their holistic approach to health has helped people find a natural path to healing. Another important part of health is your teeth! If you’re looking for a new dentist, check out Hi Tech Dentistry. There are also tons of options for relaxation and beauty. Treat yourself to a massage from Thai Foot Massage or go get pampered at Lesley’s Beauty Salon.
What can you do?
It’s important to support AAPI businesses but if we’re going to overcome racism for the AAPI community, BIPOC and others, then we need to take extra steps. Here are some other ways to show your support:
Learn how to correctly pronounce Asian names. Check out this resource from ASU.
Donate! The Arizona Asian Chamber of Commerce is a great way to support Arizona’s Asian businesses.
Educate yourself on the different issues that the AAPI community faces and believe their stories. Visit Right to Be to learn more.
Report any harassment you see. You can report to Stop AAPI Hate here.