aapi heritage month
Celebrate the Asian and Pacific Islanders who have so richly contributed to New York City’s food culture and traditions. Learn, cook and shop with AAPI-owned businesses at Essex Market as we recognize their contributions year round.
COOK
New Star Fish
Opened in 1993, New Star Fish Market is the longest standing vendor at Essex Market. Jae Suh and his wife Hye Jung opened their first fish market in Connecticut, then relocated their business to the Lower East Side after their son Eric was born. Eric now plays the many roles of owner, manager, and fishmonger at New Star Fish Market and is quick to say that Essex Market is like a second home to him.
Learn how to make one of the Suh family’s favorite snacks: haemul-pajeon, a Korean green onion pancake packed with fresh seafood.
LEARN HOW TO MAKE KOREAN SEAFOOD PANCAKES →
Shop
Essex Farm
James Lee and his partner opened Essex Farm after moving to New York from South Korea in 1993. They have become a staple in the market and a go-to grocery store in the neighborhood, offering a wide selection of groceries where shoppers can find fresh and organic produce, international goods, and every type of Bob’s Red Mill flour imaginable. No matter what you might be looking for, Essex Farm will have it!
When the pandemic hit, Essex Farm quickly worked to create an online store so they could continue serving their customers. This month they’re offering a discount: $5 off orders of $30 or more from their Mercato.com online store. Get fresh groceries delivered right to your door.
LEARN
Ni Japanese
Atsushi and Saori Numata were running a catering business in the East Village when their daughter was born. She developed so many allergies that she couldn’t eat traditional Japanese ingredients. This inspired the couple to create a menu focusing on vegan, gluten, and allergen-free recipes rooted in traditional Japanese cooking.
At Ni Japanese Deli Atsushi will delicately craft you a made to order bento box, onigiri or udon noodle soup. For the chef of the family, take home some Japanese cooking products to create your own delicacies.
Learn more about the variety of imported Japanese pantry ingredients at Ni Japanese Deli in the video below, and start building your own Japanese pantry at home.
SHARE
Lower East Side Ice Cream Factory
The Lower East Side Ice Cream Factory is the Seid family’s 3rd location of the historic Chinatown Ice Cream Factory, established in 1978 on Bayard Street by Phillip Seid. Christina, Phillip’s daughter, has been in the ice cream industry for over 25 years. She is a third generation New Yorker who remembers her own grandmother shopping for groceries at Essex Market’s old location. She is excited to bring her family’s story and continue their traditions at our new location.
Christina shared her story, as well as a delicious recipe for Raspberry Cheesecake Ice Cream in our Women of Essex Market recipe booklet. Check out her contribution and our other women-owned businesses.
VISIT
Eat Gai
Bangkok born and Queens bred Bryan Chunton opened his first restaurant in Sunnyside. That’s where he met Pei Wei, with whom he opened a Vietnamese spot in the East Village. They quickly become known and loved for their now famous Hainanese chicken and rice. One of Bryan’s favorite dishes, Hainanese chicken and rice originated in southern China and spread across Asia, becoming Singapore’s national dish.