The InTENtional List includes a variety of AAPI-owned small businesses owned by people who brighten our day every time we see them. We hope that you will join us in celebrating and amplifying the Seattle Asian-owned small businesses and Pacific Islander owned small businesses you love by creating and sharing your InTENtional List.

At the end of each week, Intentionalist will publish an Essentially AAPI Community InTENtional List based on the top ten businesses that are shared on individual lists.

Laura’s InTENtional List

Pink Bee Curry & Sandwiches – Once upon a time before Intentionalist, a new casual Thai restaurant opened in Ballard. From the moment I first met the family – Pink, Bee & Pop – I loved their story and the inspiration for the sandwich that started it all.

Seattle Best Tea – When I go to Seattle Best Tea, they know my go-to order: Heavy Oolong Milk Tea with extra boba. But in addition to enjoying hot tea with owner Lydia Lin, it has been wonderful to experience and learn from her passion for tea and its health benefits.

Momo – Curating items for a boutique is definitely more art than science, and Lei Ann Shiramizu has it down. To spend time in her shop is to discover a variety of clothes and gifts you didn’t know you needed. I also secretly hope that her Kawaii style rubs off on me!

Raised Doughnuts – What’s not to love about Mi Kim, Noodle the poodle, and hand-crafted doughnuts. Like many people, I love and appreciate the innovative flavors that switch up every month. And I maintain that a box of Raised Doughnuts is key to a productive meeting.

Seattle Asian-owned small businesses

Phnom Penh Noodle House – Long before I tried the food, I was inspired by the people and story behind this longtime culinary and cultural fixture. I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the badass women behind the business and can’t wait to continue eating my way through their menu.

Super Six – My mom is originally from Kauai, and I feel the aloha spirit every time I visit Super Six. Suffice to say I’m a big fan of the food, and an even bigger fan of owners Kamala Saxton and Roz Edison.

Canton Noodle House – This family-owned and operated restaurant is not to be missed. I will never forget the first time I watched Qiping Ng seemingly effortlessly fill a baking sheet with handmade wontons. Yes, they’re delicious. And as a bonus, they’re available in frozen packages to go.

Sweet Alchemy – To say that I love ice cream is an understatement! I appreciate the love and care that Lois Ko puts into her ice cream – made-from-scratch with local, organic ingredients. And I think she may love ice cream almost as much as I do.

Bellden Cafe – Claire created her cafe to serve the community, and it shows in everything that she does – from the specialty coffee drinks that benefit local non-profits, to the warm hospitality you can sense from the moment you step inside. Even as you grab breakfast to-go you’ll find yourself wishing you could stay and chat awhile.

Makeda & Mingus – I’m so thankful for Prashanthi Reddy and her neighborhood coffee shop. And although it isn’t in my neighborhood, I find myself going there anyway because I love the down-to-earth, friendly vibe.

Looking for more Seattle Asian-owned small businesses, search our directory. 


Thanks for all that you do to #SpendLikeItMatters! Discover awesome brick + mortar small businesses in your community, suggest your favorites, and be sure that you’re following us on social media (InstagramFacebook, Twitter).

Intentionalist is your local guide to small businesses and the diverse people behind them. We believe that where you spend your money matters, and we’re sure glad you do too! Whether you identify as a localist, activist, or just a good neighbor, we make it easy for you to connect with, learn about, and support small businesses in your community through everyday decisions about where you eat, drink, and shop.

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