29 Jan 2025

Let’s Play Lunar New Year Bingo!

Let’s Play Lunar New Year Bingo!
Trust me folks, it don’t get more Asian than this!

I love how these business owners unapologetically put their Asian culture and heritage front and center! Here’s how to do Lunar New Year …

1. 1587 • Boston, MA

To begin with you have to start the new year off looking fresh. 1587 is the first documented year that Asians landed in America. It’s also the first sneaker brand in the US owned, designed, and inspired by Asian American culture, founded by Sam Hyun and Adam King. This brand won’t let you forget: leave your shoes at the door!

Sam Hyun & Adam King, 1587

Sam Hyun & Adam King, 1587

2. Menmin Made • San Francisco, CA

Next up get some new clothes to match your shoes. Paulina Hoong is a 2nd generation Chinese-American and self-described “Chinese restaurant kid" who grew up spending more time in her parent’s restaurant than at home. It shows in her AAPI-inspired watercolor art.  Wear it proudly!

Paulina Hoong, Menmin Made

Paulina Hoong, Menmin Made

3. Baisun Candle Co. • Los Angeles, CA

Now you’re ready to visit with the relatives. After you take your shoes off, go right away and “baisun" (light joss sticks at the family alter) to pay your respects to the ancestors. Remember that smell? It’s the power to bring back memories that inspired Brandon Leung to start his nostalgic Asian scented candle business. 

Brandon Leung, Baisun Candle Co.

Brandon Leung, Baisun Candle Co.

4. I’ll Know It When I See It • Vancouver, BC

It’s time to face the relatives and the Aunties never fail this important annual tradition – the uncomfortable questions about your personal life. Who here has not been asked:

    • did you gain weight?
    • what happened to your skin?
    • Kumon is good for you (not really a question)
    • do you have a boyfriend/girlfriend?
    • when are you gonna have kids?

There’s a 9.9 in 10 chance that whatever answer you give will be met with a “Yau Mo Gaw Choh Ah?" politely translated as “Are You Freakin’ Kidding Me!?!".  Christine Chee & Cassie Leung’s business nicely captures this and other favorite Asian-isms we can’t live without!

Christine Chee & Cassie Leung, I’ll Know It When I See It

Christine Chee & Cassie Leung, I’ll Know It When I See It

5. Lunar • New York City, NY

After that heat in the kitchen, cool yourself off with some award winning hard seltzer. Kevin Wong and Sean Ro’s drinks not only rep Asian flavors, they donate a portion of monthly proceeds to various AAPI-focused non-profits!

Kevin Wong & Sean Ro, Lunar Hard Seltzer

Kevin Wong & Sean Ro, Lunar Hard Seltzer

6. Snackshot • Vancouver, BC

You made it! Before you head home, pick up some snacks to go. These red bean and coconut pudding Mahjong Tiles by Aurelia Au and Wayne Poon look almost too real to eat!

Aurelia Au & Wayne Poon, Snackshot (PC: Lien Yeung/CBC)

Aurelia Au & Wayne Poon, Snackshot (PC: Lien Yeung/CBC)

And that’s how you do Lunar New Year. Welcome to the Year of the Snake! Happy Lunar New Year, Gong Xi Fa Cai and Kung Hei Fat Choy to all!

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