Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month #hAAPIwithYuzu

May 1, 2025

How Asian Food Fuels Heritage, Culture, and Community

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, a time to honor the vibrant cultures, histories, and contributions of AAPI communities across the United States. In 2025, Yuzu, a platform celebrating AAPI identity through food and connection, conducted its hAAPIwithYuzu - Social Flavor Survey to explore how Asian cuisine serves as a powerful vehicle for celebrating heritage, fostering community, and sparking social and romantic bonds. With over 350 responses from a diverse AAPI audience, the survey reveals how food—whether shared over hotpot or savored with a spicy kick—brings AAPI communities together. Here are three key trends from the survey that highlight Asian food’s role in AAPI Heritage Month celebrations, with ideas for celebrating in Los Angeles, New York City, and Washington, DC.

AAPI Food as a Social Glue

Asian cuisine is a cornerstone of AAPI heritage, acting as a bridge for cultural exploration and community bonding. The survey found that 63% of respondents connect with the Asian community by trying new AAPI food spots, far surpassing sharing recipes (13%) or hosting food nights (12%). This trend is especially strong among young adults, with 49% of respondents aged 25–34, who seek out restaurants to build friendships and celebrate their roots.

Why It Matters for AAPI Heritage Month: Exploring new AAPI eateries is a dynamic way to honor heritage during May, as it supports AAPI-owned businesses and fosters cultural pride through shared culinary experiences. Nationally, this reflects a broader trend of food as a cultural connector in diverse communities, amplifying AAPI voices and flavors.

Celebration Ideas:

  • Los Angeles: LA’s rich AAPI food scene, from Sawtelle’s Japanese restaurants to Koreatown’s bustling eateries, is a hotspot for Yuzu users. Organize food crawls to places like Tsujita LA (ramen) or Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong (Korean BBQ) to celebrate AAPI heritage while supporting local businesses.

  • New York City: NYC’s vibrant Chinatowns and Flushing food scenes offer endless options. Host community outings to spots like Xi’an Famous Foods or Joe’s Shanghai to share AAPI culinary traditions.

  • Washington, DC: DC’s growing AAPI food scene shines at places like Maketto (Cambodian-Taiwanese) and Anju (Korean). Arrange group visits to these venues to connect over food and culture.

Spice Tolerance as a Dating Litmus Test

Spicy food isn’t just a flavor profile—it’s a cultural and romantic benchmark for AAPI daters. The survey shows 37% of respondents are hesitant to date someone who can’t handle spicy hAAPIMeal (7% say “No,” 30% say “It depends”), while 63% are open-minded. Spice preferences lean bold, with 40% favoring Medium, 32% choosing Hot, and 7% embracing “Inferno.”

Why It Matters for AAPI Heritage Month: Spice is a vibrant expression of AAPI culinary heritage, from fiery Thai curries to Sichuan peppercorns. During AAPI Month, this trend highlights how food preferences shape modern AAPI identity, including romantic connections, as daters bond over shared tastes. It underscores the role of bold flavors in cultural pride.

Celebration Ideas:

  • Los Angeles: Host spicy food challenges at restaurants like Jitlada (Thai) or Chengdu Taste in the San Gabriel Valley, where Yuzu users’ love for “Hot” and “Inferno” flavors can shine.

  • New York City: Plan AAPI Month date nights at spicy spots like MáLà Project (Sichuan) or Somtum Der (Thai) in the East Village, celebrating culinary daring with bold flavors.

  • Washington, DC: Organize tastings at Chiko or Moon Rabbit, where diverse palates converge, to explore spicy AAPI dishes and spark romantic and cultural connections.

Hotpot and Boba Lead Social Hangouts

Communal dining is a hallmark of AAPI culture, and the survey underscores this with hotpot (24%) and boba (21%) as top choices for social hangouts, followed by ramen (17%) and sushi (16%). These interactive meals resonate strongly with younger users (32% aged 18–24), who value shared dining experiences.

Why It Matters for AAPI Heritage Month: Hotpot and boba embody the communal spirit of AAPI heritage, bringing friends and families together to share meals and stories. During AAPI Month, these foods offer a delicious way to celebrate community, reflecting national trends toward experiential dining that honors cultural traditions.

Celebration Ideas:

  • Los Angeles: Host hotpot nights at places like Haidilao in Arcadia or boba-making workshops at Sharetea in Little Tokyo, tapping into Yuzu’s data on communal dining.

  • New York City: Arrange AAPI Month gatherings at 99 Favor Taste (hotpot) or The Alley (boba) in Flushing, fostering community through shared meals.

  • Washington, DC: Plan hotpot events at local spots or boba workshops at Gong Cha, celebrating AAPI culture through interactive dining experiences.

Stocking Up for AAPI Month: Asian Grocery Stores

To bring AAPI Heritage Month celebrations home, visit Asian grocery stores in Los Angeles, New York City, or Washington, DC, to source authentic ingredients for recipes inspired by the survey’s trends (hotpot, spicy dishes, and boba). Here’s a curated list of stores to explore:

  • Los Angeles:

    • H Mart (Koreatown, Madang Plaza): A go-to for Korean and pan-Asian ingredients, perfect for hotpot broths and spicy sauces. Open daily, with a food court for quick bites.

    • 99 Ranch Market (San Gabriel): A large chain with Chinese, Taiwanese, and Southeast Asian products, ideal for boba pearls and fresh produce.

    • Mitsuwa Marketplace (Mar Vista): Specializes in Japanese goods, great for sushi ingredients and snacks.

    • Bangluck Market (Hollywood): A Thai-focused store with curry pastes and herbs for spicy dishes.

    • Seafood City (Westlake): Filipino market with seafood and pan-Asian staples, perfect for communal meals.


  • New York City:

    • H Mart (Koreatown, 38 W 32nd St): Offers Korean and Asian ingredients, from kimchi to hotpot essentials. Open 9 a.m.–8 p.m.

    • Fei Long Market (Sunset Park, Brooklyn): A Chinese supermarket with bok choy, tofu, and sauces, plus a food court.

    • Chang Jiang (Flushing, Queens): Stocks Chinese and Japanese ingredients, including wasabi and black chickens.

    • Asian Veggies (Long Island City): Offers next-day delivery of Asian produce like pea shoots and chili crisp ($45 minimum, $8 fee).

    • Kalustyan’s (Murray Hill): A global specialty store with Indian and Asian spices, open 11 a.m.–7 p.m.


  • Washington, DC:

    • H Mart (Fairfax, VA, near DC): A regional hub for Korean and Asian goods, stocking hotpot ingredients and spicy condiments.

    • Hana Japanese Market (U Street): Small but well-stocked with Japanese staples like miso and sushi rice.