In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we’re putting the spotlight on the AAPI-owned and operated food brands that we partner with. We’re proud to carry a wide range of one-of-a-kind items from AAPI creators who innovate, delight, and make our culinary landscape so much richer.
The makers on this list are champions of the diversity and regional specificity of Asian and Pacific cuisines, as well as those working to create everyday staples for your kitchen pantry.
Fly By Jing
Fly by Jing was founded by CEO Jing Gao in 2018. Jing was inspired by the flavors of her hometown Chengdu, in China’s Sichuan province. Drawing from her experiences eating at local hole-in-the-wall restaurants, she developed a line of sauces and seasonings that reflect her personal story. FreshDirect carries Fly By Jing’s zhong sauce, mala spice mix, and Sichuan chili crisp (our favorite), which brings intense flavor to recipes like these peanut noodles.
Nguyen Coffee
Nguyen Coffee Supply is America’s first specialty Vietnamese coffee company and proud champion of the resilient robusta bean. They import through direct-trade relationships with Vietnamese farmers and roast in Brooklyn, New York. Founded in 2018 by first generation entrepreneur-activist Sahra Nguyen, Nguyen Coffee Supply is on a mission to change the future of coffee through diversity, sustainability, and cultural integrity.
Nona Lim
Each batch of Nona Lim’s buzzed-about Asian broths is made from scratch from clean, whole food ingredients and no preservatives or MSG, then frozen so that all the rich flavors stay perfectly preserved. Pair them with Nona’s fresh ramen noodles or stir fry-starter kits and enjoy a slurp-worthy meal in minutes.
Noona’s
Locally made. Owned by women. Noona’s Ice Cream’s claim to fame is their extraordinary Korean-inspired flavors, like Toasted Rice, Yuzu Blossom, and Black Sesame. Made in small batches with sustainable ingredients plus hormone & antibiotic-free milk, the taste is super smooth, yummy and absolutely unique.
Omsom
Each Omson dish starter is a rip-and-pour packet with all the sauces, aromatics, and seasonings you need to cook a specific Asian dish. The company was founded by Vanessa and Kim Pham, two sisters and entrepreneurs who set out to create a love letter to the home cooking they relished while growing up in a Vietnamese family. The duo teamed up with a handful of scene-leading chefs to develop to the loud and proud flavors in each of their kits. Omsom is about representing Asian culinary traditions in all their depth and complexity. In their own words, that means “no more diluted dishes, no more cultural compromise. Real deal Asian cuisine and communities are too damn delicious to deny.”