San Diego’s AANHPI-Owned Businesses
There are tens of thousands of AANHPI-owned businesses in San Diego County. From farm tours that showcase local agriculture to boutiques offering chic beach bags to a landmark beachside hotel and specialty coffee shops, the options are as diverse as the community itself. Here’s a sample:
Carlsbad Strawberry Company
Where: 1050 Cannon Road, Carlsbad, CA 92008
As you head north on Interstate 5 just past Legoland, the landscape near Aqua Hedionda Lagoon opens up to reveal green strawberry fields that seem to go on forever. This scenic slice of land is the Carlsbad Strawberry Company, a beloved local farm long owned by the Ukegawa family.
Every spring and summer, crowds gather for the popular “U-Pick” season, where visitors can harvest their own strawberries and kids can hop on a tractor ride or feed rabbits, sheep and goats at the onsite petting zoo. The current farm dates to the late 1950s, but the Ukegawa family’s agricultural roots go back further: The family founded their original farm in Orange County in the early 1900s, and during World War II, they were forcibly relocated to an internment camp in Arizona and lost the farm. But the family persevered, resettled in San Diego and continued their farming tradition.
Today, Carlsbad Strawberry Company is still family-run by third-generation owner Jimmy and his daughter, Robyn. If you visit in the fall, the farm transforms into a festive pumpkin patch with seasonal favorites such as a haunted corn maze.
Aloha Collection
Where: 687 S. Coast Highway 101, Ste. 104, Encinitas, CA 92024
Need a new beach bag for your San Diego vacation? Swing by this boutique in Encinitas for durable, waterproof totes, hip packs and packing bags featuring vibrant designs inspired by the flora and fauna of Hawai‘i. The founders, who are of Native Hawaiian ancestry, create pieces that reflect their connection to the islands and love of travel. The company has been growing steadily, with seven stores now open across Hawai‘i, California and Florida; the Encinitas location serves as its headquarters. The signature Tyvek tote bags are lightweight, easy to fold, and best of all, machine washable for low-maintenance cleaning. New prints and styles are released regularly; stop by to see what’s in season.
Aaron Chang Gallery
Where: 415 S. Cedros Ave., Ste. 110, Solana Beach, CA 92075
Aaron Chang is one of the most iconic photographers in the surfing genre. While living in Hawai‘i and working for Surfing magazine back in the 1980s, he pioneered the art of capturing dramatic images from inside the barrel of a wave. Chang worked for the magazine for 25 years, and his photojournalism has appeared everywhere from Sports Illustrated to the San Diego History Museum.
Although Chang has traveled to more than 50 countries throughout his career, he chose to reside in San Diego, where he continues his art, and his works can be seen at his gallery in the seaside community of Solana Beach. For more information on Chang and his work, click here.
Leilani’s Attic
Where: 5505 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., San Diego, CA 92117
Leilani’s is a small boutique in the Clairemont neighborhood that’s big on the aloha spirit. Owned by the family that established Leilani’s Cafe in Pacific Beach 20 years ago, it’s a one-stop-shop for shelf-stable and frozen foods, snacks and goodies from Hawai‘i, such as frozen poi (mashed taro), guava jam, Kona coffee, candies and cookies. The store is also stocked with clothing, handbags and a variety of Hawai‘i-themed gifts, along with a selection of fresh flower lei. Handmade orchid or maile leaf lei for graduations, birthdays and special occasions can be ordered through Leilani’s website and shipped nationwide.
Mostra Coffee
Where: Multiple locations
Mostra Coffee is an exciting part of the wave of specialty coffee roasters and cafes that opened in San Diego in recent years. The co-founders were inspired to start the company during a volunteer trip to the Philippines, and wanted to help local coffee farmers earn a living and a fair wage. Mostra not only sources its coffee from the Philippines, but the items on their drink menu pay homage to the owners’ Filipino heritage: ube lattes and cold brew steeped with coconut sourced from the Philippines. The company won the coveted “Roaster of the Year” award from Roast Magazine and currently has five locations around the county, with a sixth in the works.
Ocean Park Inn
Where: 710 Grand Ave., San Diego, CA 92109
This chic boutique hotel fronting the shores of Pacific Beach near the iconic pier has been family-owned for nearly 60 years. CEO Elvin Lai, a local entrepreneur and community leader, is now the fourth-generation owner of the landmark hotel. The property was refreshed in 2021, with rooms offering modern surf-inspired decor and balconies that open up to vistas of the ocean. All guests have access to a complimentary breakfast and beach towels — that way you don’t have to worry about buying one during your trip. In addition to being just steps away from the beach, the hotel is within walking distance of restaurants and bars. Don’t feel like going out? Several local restaurants offer delivery discounts for hotel guests.
OB Noodle House & Sake Bar and The Holding Company
Where: 2218 Cable St., San Diego, CA 92107; 5046 Newport Ave., San Diego, CA 92107
These Ocean Beach dining and nightlife institutions are owned by the Yeng brothers — Steven, Kyle and Scott — whose family settled in Ocean Beach after fleeing the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia. The Yengs became notable entrepreneurs in the neighborhood, first opening OB Noodle House — known for its generous portions of beef phở and spicy garlic chicken wings, which Guy Fieri tried (and loved) on an episode of “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.”
Their sister venture, The Holding Company, is a three-story nightlife destination that hosts live music and happy hours, and has a rooftop deck with awe-inducing views of the shoreline and the Ocean Beach Pier — you’ll want to enjoy a cocktail during sunset here. Fun fact: If you’re a fan of Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey, it was founded by Steven and his wife, Brittany. The idea for the whiskey was inspired by Steven’s love of peanut butter and a popular peanut butter drink that originated at OB Noodle House.
Grocers and Markets
There’s no shortage of grocers in San Diego that specialize in selling food and produce from across Asia, as the county has stores from both large national chains as well as homegrown retailers.
HMart is known for its extensive selection of Korean foods and K beauty and skincare products, and their Balboa Avenue location has an ample food court serving dishes such as jjajangmyun (noodles in black bean sauce) and trendy cheesy corn dogs.
Zion Market is headquartered in San Diego, and the flagship location for the Korean grocer is in the Convoy District.
99 Ranch, the largest Asian supermarket chain in the U.S., has three stores in San Diego and is stocked with foods from China, Taiwan and across Asia.
Shops focused on Japanese cuisine and merchandise include Mitsuwa Marketplace, which has Hokkaido-based Santouka Ramen in its small food court, and Nijiya Market, where you can grab a bento lunch or onigiri (rice with fillings like pickled vegetables or tuna salad wrapped in seaweed) in addition to groceries.
At the edge of the Convoy District, Marukai Market is a shopping complex with three stores onsite: one focused on groceries, another on cosmetics and housewares, and Tokyo Central, where the shelves boast a colorful array of gifts and toys from Japan (it’s a must-visit for fans of Hello Kitty characters).
For Indian foods, snacks, spices, teas and beauty products, Miramar Cash and Carry is a large grocery store in the Mira Mesa neighborhood.
Thank You Very Mochi
Where: 1210 Third Ave., Chula Vista, CA 91911
While doughnuts and desserts stuffed with mochi may be on trend, the number of mochiya (mochi shops) in Southern California devoted to crafting the glutinous and sweet Japanese confection are rare today. One of these shops, Thank You Very Mochi, is located right in Chula Vista, and is the second act for a much-loved mochi shop, Hogetsu Bakery, that was in the neighborhood for nearly 40 years.
Hogetsu was originally founded by Masa Takeda, who had been making mochi at the shop for decades. When he and his wife were ready to retire, they sold the business to their mentee, who continues the store’s sweet legacy. Find mochi flavors like matcha lightly dusted in sugar, tsubaki — shaped to resemble a flower — and strawberry cheesecake.
Daiso
Where: Multiple locations
If you love a good deal and browsing for housewares, you’ll want to check out Daiso. The popular Japanese retailer, which specializes in affordable housewares, gifts, toys and accessories, has been expanding throughout the United States and has a strong presence in San Diego, with four locations throughout the county.
The average price point for many items in the store is around $2, and it’s chock full of things you didn’t know you needed. Fans of Japan’s kawaii culture will appreciate the fun selection of toys, stickers and Sanrio-themed products.