Note: Greater Philadelphia is open for business and welcoming visitors. Safety guidelines regarding COVID-19 continue to evolve. While proof of vaccination and mask-wearing are no longer required in Philadelphia, individual businesses in Philadelphia and the Countryside may require them, and the City of Philadelphia strongly recommends mask-wearing in indoor public spaces. Advance tickets or reservations remain recommended or necessary at many spots. Your best bet: Check online or call ahead.
Among Philadelphia’s thousands of small businesses, more than 13,000 are owned by locals of Asian descent.
From boutiques and clothing stores to beauty supply and bicycle repair shops, Asian-owned establishments are located throughout the city and countryside, from Ardmore to Center City’s Chinatown.
Shoppers can get pampered (Laurentius Salon) — as can their pups (Ham + Bone) — pick up some new threads (Ps & Qs) or take their bike in for a tune-up (Kayuh Bicycles and Cafe).
Below, find a short roundup of just some of Philly’s must-explore Asian-owned shops and boutiques, compiled with help from the Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation, a non-profit group devoted to promoting and protecting the unique cultural treasure that is Philadelphia’s Chinatown and the Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia, a nonprofit supporting Asian-American businesses.
For over two decades, DIA Boutique has provided traditional Chinese clothing and alterations, plus accessories and skincare products — all under one roof. Owner Lisa Lai does all the sewing herself in her charming, unassuming Chinatown shop.
Where: Dia Boutique, 931 Race Street
When your pup needs a blowout, look no further than Ham + Bone. With two locations — one in Fishtown and another in Queen Village — the shop, owned by Amy Ko, offers apparel, accessories, food, treats and toys for both dogs and cats.
Where: ham + bone Fishtown, 1824 Frankford Avenue
ham + bone Queen Village, 715 E. Passyunk Avenue
Specializing in men’s streetwear fashion and accessories, Invisible Faek stocks goods from international brands, like Supreme, Comme des Garcons and Bape. The boutique closed up shop for over two years due to COVID-19, but its doors have since recently reopened for stylish Chinatown shopping.
Where: Invisible Faek, 118 North 9th Street
Shoppers looking to add some sparkle to their lives shouldn’t miss South Philly’s LaLa Boutique, where ample supplies of rings, bracelets, earrings and necklaces are always in stock.
Where: LaLa Boutique, 2210 S. 7th Street
Rows of pastel gifts — from anime figures to stationery — line this whimsical Chinatown shop. Expect a K-pop soundtrack while shopping for K-pop merchandise, clothes, plushies and more.
Where: Little Seven House, 933 Arch Street
Brothers Rick and Ky Cao have been selling stylish men’s streetwear at P’s & Q’s since 2012. The shop has garnered a dedicated following beyond city confines, thanks to their selection of goods from brands like Stussy, Diadora, Herschel Supply Co. and their in-house P’s & Q’s brand.
Where: P's & Q's, 820 South Street
Celebrating Japanese craftsmanship, design and aesthetics, Rikumo carries Japanese-made office, kitchen, bath and other home goods — like sleek ceramics, minimalistic bath towels and high-quality crafting supplies. After closing their Walnut Street shop at the end of 2020, husband-and-wife ownership team Kaz and Yuka Morihata moved their operations to Ardmore.
Where: Rikumo, 19 W. Lancaster Avenue, Ardmore
Occupying a pair of storefronts on South Street, Totem Brand Co. and Totem Outdoor focus on Japanese contemporary style and outdoor lifestyle apparel, respectively. Founded by Phillip Yi, both Totem shops carry men’s and women’s denim, jumpsuits, footwear, outerwear, accessories and more.
Where: Totem Brand Co., 535 South Street
Stocking foods and ingredients from Southeast Asia to the Himalayan Mountains, Friendly Market specializes in rare dry goods from Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, India and Pakistan. Run by Sovannary Heang and her husband Julio Carlos, the shop’s robust selection ensures you’ll always walk away with a new-to-you spice.
Where: Friendly Market, 2135 S. 7th Street
Customers rave about the samosas at West Philly’s International Foods & Spices, run by Paul Singh. Aside from prepared dishes, the grocery stocks frozen curry and naan, plus all the ingredients you’d ever need to make your own: curry powder, dried red peppers and so much more.
Where: International Foods & Spices, 4203 Walnut Street
Offering acupuncture, Chinese medicine, cupping and more at their locations in Chinatown and King of Prussia, Core Acupuncture aims to get you feeling your best via all natural approaches. Owner Dr. Yanchun Zhong has been practicing acupuncture and Chinese medicine locally for over 20 years and, before that, worked as an internist and liver specialist at a hospital in China.
Where: Core Acupuncture, 908 Arch Street
Core Acupuncture, Wayne Counseling Center, 987 Old Eagle School Road, Wayne
Spruce up your ’do at this Chinatown salon, a stone’s throw from Reading Terminal Market. Whether you’re looking for a total overhaul (color, cut, blowout) or just a shape up, the hairstylists on staff will transform your look
Where: In Style Hair Studio, 137-139 N. 11th Street
Founded by two sisters, Indulge Nail Studio’s Madison and Heather Pham are unparalleled in their nail art. Seriously: Their intricate Eagles logo nail designs made the local news. Whether you want crystal nail tips or just an OG mani, your hands will be the envy of all. Go all out and book a pedi and an eyelash tint too.
Where: Indulge Nail Studio, 1032 South Street
Your one-stop shop for Korean beauty products, K-Beauty Outlet is a Chinatown-based sanctuary for skincare aficionados. You’ll want to take your time perusing through the ultra-organized shelves of face masks, cleansing oils, body mists, hair serum and beyond, lovingly curated by owner Stella Cho.
Where: K-Beauty Outlet, 227 N. 10th Street
Pamper yourself from head to toe at La Palette, where you can get natural-looking eyelash extensions, facials, manicures and pedicures in Chinatown.
Where: La Palette, 129 N. 10th Street
Long, luscious lashes are in your future thanks to Sharon Cheung and her team at Lash Boutique. Offering classic, hybrid and volume full lash sets along with lash lifts and tints, the salon treats every lash like it’s the star of the show. Plus, the boutique’s team members educate clients on proper after-care, so they get the most out of their glam look.
Where: Lash Boutique, 615 S. 2nd Street
With A-list clients such as Britney Spears and Beverly Johnson, Laurentius Purnama’s eponymous Italian Market hair salon brings Hollywood glamour to South Philly. Whether you need a few highlights or a glam look for an event, Laurentius Salon has you covered.
Where: Laurentius Salon, 815 Christian Street
Keratin treatments, updos and men’s styling are all on the menu of services at Neta’s Beauty Salon, where highlights, vibrant colors and sleek styles are always the order of the day.
Where: Neta’s Beauty Salon, 645 W. Porter Street
Adeline Koh made the pivot from academia to beauty and began making her own skincare products to give to friends. Now, the public can score those products at her Bok-based brick-and-mortar shop, Sabbatical Beauty (you’ll have to make an appointment for in-store shopping). There you’ll find small-batch cleansers, toners, masks, serums and moisturizers packed with beneficial active ingredients.
Where: Sabbatical Beauty, 1901 S. 9th Street
If you’re considering a new look, trust the pros at Seng’s Salon, a family-run operation opened in 1986 by founder Seng Sananikone. From bold and trendy styles to complete transformations (plenty of satisfied platinum blondes), Seng’s Salon caters to hair lengths and textures of all kinds.
Where: Seng’s Salon, 2352 S. 7th Street
Get your bike tuned up and grab a coffee at Kayuh Bicycles and Cafe. (Kayuh translates to “cycle” or “pedal” in Malay.) Owner Henry Sam took the reins of the business at the ripe age of 20 and steered the business through the worst of the pandemic. In addition to bike tune-ups and caffeinated beverages, Kayuh hosts social rides as well.
Where: Kayuh Bicycles & Cafe, 1900 W. Girard Avenue
Helping you navigate the landscape of traditional Chinese medicine is Long Life Chinese Herbs. Hailing from four generations of Chinese herbalists, the shop offers guidance and insight into its products, including herbal teas, oils, extracts and more.
Where: Long Life Chinese Herbs Inc., 1011 Arch Street
Date night, anyone? DIY candle-pouring spot Loomen Labs opened in 2021, helmed by co-owners Jordan Cook and Jeff Yu. Visitors can choose a unique candle jar, customize their fragrance and create their very own candle (or two). Don’t forget to bring some bevs — this spot is BYOB.
Where: Loomen Labs, 620 S. 5th Street
Roll the dice at Queen and Rook Game Cafe, the Queen Village board game cafe run by Jeannie Wong and Edward Garcia. The spot’s game selection runs the gamut from classics to indie games made by locals. Also available: puzzles, collectible game cards and more. Pro tip: While you’re there, sample the plant-based cafe menu, which includes fried cauliflower and Beyond meat burgers.
Where: Queen & Rook Game Cafe, 607 S. 2nd Street
The Keep, 613 S. 2nd Street
From South Philly to Center City and beyond, the region’s Asian-owned restaurants satisfy hungry customers with traditional and innovative dishes that offer tastes of China, Vietnam, Japan, Korea, Burma, Sumatra, Taiwan and more. Beyond flavors of Asian origin, Asian American entrepreneurs are behind some of the region’s most excellent destinations for fine dining, fine wine and fine donuts. Head right this way for our roundup of Asian-owned restaurants. Don’t know where to start? Philly’s Chinatown is unquestionably one of the best neighborhoods for dining in the city. And look: We’ve got a roundup of where to eat in Chinatown as well.
Where: Various locations in Kalaya Thai Kitchen, 764 S. 9th Street
Are you ready to celebrate magic in Philadelphia?
This spring and summer, treat yourself — and your fellow Wizarding World fans — to the Visit Philly Overnight Hotel Package, which includes free hotel parking, two untimed tickets to the world premiere of Harry Potter: The Exhibition and overnight hotel accommodations (while supplies last).
Enjoy authentic flavors, family recipes and inventive dishes while supporting Asian business...