Each year, the month of May is dedicated to honoring the historical impact, achievements, and lives of the Asian American and Pacific Islander Communities, writes Emily Keel for the Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board.

Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month this May with these AAPI-owned businesses.

This month, we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, which honors all Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans and their contributions to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States.

We invite you to visit Montgomery County and celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage by supporting our plethora of local Asian-owned businesses; check them out below:

Kumo
Sushi and Japanese Fusion, Providence Town Center in Collegeville

A high-energy, family-friendly bistro with an innovative menu includes the freshest fish and sushi as well as Pad Thai, coconut curry, hibachi and teriyaki.

The Blue Elephant
Asian-Fusion Restaurant, Pottstown

Located right in the heart of downtown Pottstown, at 152 E. High St, The Blue Elephant officially opened its doors to the Pottstown community in 2019. The Blue Elephant’s mission is to deliver a refreshingly innovative twist on Asian fusion dishes in an elegant setting that celebrates the local history of Pottstown.

The Blue Elephant is spearheading the Asian fusion movement in Montco, showcasing Italian-Thai dishes with Japanese influences and a variety of sushi selections. We highlight the freshest ingredients that Executive Chefs, Juan & Felipe Calixto.

The food, beverage program, and dining experience at The Blue Elephant is carefully designed to surprise and elevate any night out by mixing traditional flavors with blazingly contemporary techniques.

OOKA
Japanese Cuisine, Sushi & Hibachi, Montgomeryville

OOKA is one of Montgomery County’s best spots for amazing hibachi, sushi, and Japanese cuisine. The most recent addition to the OOKA family. This uber-cool, urban-feel restaurant has been open since 2009. Located conveniently close to a series of roadways and towns, OOKA provides a one-of-a-kind hibachi experience recognized in Philly Magazine’s “Best of Philly” list(s). 

MAIDO! A Marketplace of Japan
Restaurant & Market, Ardmore

Nestled in the heart of Ardmore’s downtown area is MAIDO!, the only Japanese-owned grocery store in the Greater Philadelphia area. The market focuses on bringing its customers an authentic taste of Japan, right here in Montgomery County. In addition to a fully stocked marketplace, MAIDO! features an eat-in lunch counter which serves delicious dishes like okonomiyaki, yaki-soba, and other Japanese meals.

If you’re looking for authentic Japanese goods and meals, look no further than MAIDO! 

Tiffin Indian Cusine
Indian Restaurant, King of Prussia

Tiffin is a fantastic option for an amazing and authentic Indian dining experience. Tiffin has often been credited with the explosion in the popularity of Indian food in the greater Philadelphia area by leading magazines and publications. Since Tiffin.com’s founding, 36 Indian restaurants have opened in the metropolitan area. For those looking for a wonderful, Indian meal, make sure to check out Tiffin!

Pho Thai Nam
Vietnamese & Thai Cuisine, East Norriton

Pho Thai Nam is a local favorite for authentic Vietnamese and Thai dishes. Located near a number of towns like Blue Bell, Plymouth Meeting, and King of Prussia, Pho Thai Nam is the area’s premier destination for all things Veitnamese and Thai.

Choolaah Indian BBQ
Indian Cusine, King of Prussia

Choolaah Indian BBQ, a genre-busting eatery, is revolutionizing the way the world approaches Indian cuisine by bridging ancient clay cooking methods and authentic family recipes to create fine-dining quality food in a fast-casual setting.

Kooma
Sushi, King of Prussia Town Center

They are mindful, from beginning to end, in the process of sushi creation. Scott Kim and John Jang opened West Chester Kooma in 2001 which led to many successful, wonderful meals and outstanding patrons, and an expansion into King of Prussia in 2020.

Find more great Asian American and Pacific Islander businesses to support this month in Montgomery County here.