Small AAPI-Owned Businesses to Check Out in Toronto

In recent years, the importance of recognizing and supporting diverse small businesses has gained significant momentum. Today, we turn our spotlight toward Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI)-owned small businesses that have made invaluable contributions to their local communities. These entrepreneurs have defied the odds and brought vibrant cultures, unique perspectives, and exceptional products and services to the forefront. Join us as we celebrate the resilience and success of AAPI-owned small businesses.

We (Retea) recently tabled at the Stackt Asian Night Market in downtown Toronto. It was a blast meeting some of our customers in person as an e-commerce shop and seeing new faces as well. We were able to introduce our brand and bubble tea to some people, which was very exciting!

If you missed the Stackt Asian Night Market or are simply looking for AAPI-owned  businesses to support, you've come to the right place! Below you'll find the amazing vendors that were at the night market who deserve your attention year round! 

Keep reading for more! Instagrams are in the hyperlinks if you want to find out more ;)

Food:

• Patco Cafe

@patcocafe - An online coffee shop that sells syrups and baked goods

• Meringue Patisserie

@meringuepatisserie - Handmade French macarons

• SumNomNoms

@sumnomnoms - Small batch bakery

• What's Poppin by Elle

@whatspoppinbyelle - Handcrafted and freshly baked gourmet caramel popcorn and pretzels

• The Chai Brewing Company

@thechaibrewingcompany - Toronto-based authentic chai maker

• Retea Inc.

@reteacups - Reusable bubble tea cups and premium DIY boba kits

• The Kakao Guy

@thekakaoguy.ca - Sweets shop founded in Dubai

• Fiesta Empanada

@fiestaempanada - Homemade empanada and ensaimada 

• CC's Szechuan Sauce

@ccspicy - Award winning sauces

• Baker Rae

@bakerraexcafe - Filipino-Inspired Baked Goods & Cold Brew Concentrate

• Chachalate

@lovechachalate - Pure chocolate

• Chakra Nutrition

@drinkchakranutrition - Canada's premier bubble tea protein powder

• Kumain Kitchen

@kumainkitchen - Filipino food catering

• Tâm Restaurant

@tam.restaurant - Vietnamese street food and café

Artisan:

• Space Queen Studio

@spacequeenstudio - Handmade ceramic & concrete home goods that are hand sculpted, poured, painted, and sealed in house

• Mad Love Creative Co.

@madlovecreativeco - Playful and colourful illustrations

• Roncy Packs

@roncypacks - Handcrafted fanny packs and small goods using textile waste in Toronto

• Ginto Studio

@gintostudio - Handcrafted solid gold designs to commemorate, reclaim, and invest in your legacy

• QueenieXceramics

@queeniexceramics - Gorgeous ceramics and stoneware

• Artket Goods

@artketgoods - Unique and high-quality Asian-inspired scented candles

• Potato Doodles

@potatodoodles.to - Punny Asian-inspired greetings cards and stickers

• Ninang's Soft Alchemy

@soft.alchemy - All-natural lux soothing blends

• Casa Lovina

@casalovina - Affordable, meaningful jewelry, accessories and handbags you can feel good about. Handcrafted by artisans from Bali, Toronto and beyond

• Coven

@covensk - A jewelry line made for passionate individuals. Focuses on small-scale local production and environmentally sustainable practices

• Emmy Tran

@emmytran - A queer visual artist and painter who creates artwork that celebrates love, trauma, life, and healing in all shapes and forms.