May marks Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month—a time to honor the rich cultural contributions of these communities. Among the most vibrant expressions of heritage are the culinary innovations led by AANHPI women entrepreneurs. These trailblazers are introducing diverse flavors to American palates and weaving stories of identity, resilience, and community into every bite and sip.
🍨 Hannah Bae – Noona’s Ice Cream
Inspired by her Korean American upbringing, Hannah Bae founded Noona’s Ice Cream in 2016 to bring Asian-inspired flavors to the dessert aisle. Her creations pay homage to traditional Korean tastes, from toasted rice to black sesame. Bae emphasizes authenticity and quality: “I wanted to see flavors that represented my Asian American background and knew that I could use my skills to focus on Asian American flavors.” In 2024, she expanded her vision by opening a bakeshop in New York City’s East Village, offering a space where community and culture converge.
☕ Sahra Nguyen – Nguyen Coffee Supply
Sahra Nguyen is revolutionizing the U.S. coffee scene with Nguyen Coffee Supply, the first specialty Vietnamese coffee company in America. A daughter of Vietnamese refugees, Nguyen aims to elevate robusta beans, often overlooked in favor of arabica. “We believe in building a diverse and inclusive coffee culture. It is a collective investment with everyone along the entire supply chain,” she asserts. By importing directly from Vietnamese farmers and roasting in Brooklyn, Nguyen is fostering a deeper appreciation for Vietnamese coffee traditions.
🌿 Rosa Li – Wildwonder
Drawing from her Chinese heritage and her grandmother’s traditional remedies, Rosa Li created Wildwonder, a line of sparkling beverages infused with prebiotics and probiotics. Flavors like peach ginger and guava rose delight the palate and promote gut health. Li’s mission is clear: “There’s really a growing awareness today of the impact of gut health.” Her journey from finance to wellness entrepreneurship exemplifies the fusion of cultural wisdom and modern innovation.
🥬 Lauryn Chun – Mother-in-Law’s Kimchi
Lauryn Chun transformed a family recipe into a nationwide sensation with Mother-in-Law’s Kimchi. Inspired by her mother’s restaurant, Jang Mo Jip, Chun introduced artisanal kimchi to American markets, emphasizing its place alongside fine fermented foods like wine and cheese. “We began Mother-in-Law’s with a mission to share a delicious, authentic, handcrafted small batch kimchi using the finest natural ingredients,” she explains. Her work has been pivotal in bringing Korean culinary traditions to the forefront of American cuisine.
🍍 Angela Liu – Crispy Green
For more than 20 years, Angela Liu has led Crispy Green to the forefront of the healthy snacking movement with her innovative approach to freeze-dried fruit. Under her leadership, the brand has become synonymous with clean, crave-worthy snacks like its signature Crispy Fruit line and bold new offerings such as Piña Picante—a spicy pineapple snack inspired by Latin flavors. Liu’s forward-thinking vision and dedication to nutritious, flavorful options continue to set Crispy Green apart in an increasingly health-conscious food landscape.
These entrepreneurs exemplify how food and beverage can be powerful mediums for cultural expression and community building. Their stories inspire us to embrace diversity, honor heritage, and savor the rich tapestry of flavors that define the American experience.