It’s Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! Here in Issaquah, this national observance reminds us to recognize the people who have enriched our history and continue to contribute to our success as a community.

According to the latest data, nearly a quarter of Issaquah residents are of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) descent. This population is one of many that make Issaquah rewardingly diverse.

Luckily for all of us, Issaquah is filled with several amazing restaurants, salons, shops, and other AAPI-owned small businesses that we can enjoy. Let’s take a closer look at a few located in the historic downtown area.

Midway down Front Street, we have Bukhara, a family-run Indian restaurant that since 2015 has enticed passersby with the aroma of flavorful recipes styled from the country’s northern region.

“We pride ourselves on serving truly authentic cuisine, using many of the same ingredients we’d find in India,” said owner Narinder Kumar, who is from the Indian state of Punjab. “Chicken tikka masala, tandoori platters, and lamb kabob are only a few of the delicious options on our menu.”

Bukhara is open for takeout, dine-in, and catering.

(Left photo – Tyler and his mom, Xuan Le. Tyler says his mom’s motto is: “If you want to be happy, then be.”)
(Right photo – –Bukhara’s window bears the art of a local window artist.)

Next to Bukhara is Glamour Lash and Nails. Owner Tyler Phan hails from a village in southern Vietnam called Tantru. Offering eyelash extensions, waxing, pedicures in massage chairs, and more, Glamour Lash and Nails is known for its emphasis on customer service.

“We love to take care of our clients and consider their unique needs as individuals,” Tyler said. “Our clients’ safety, comfort, and happiness are always top-of-mind.”

Craving Thai food? Walk a bit further south into Dollar Tree Plaza to find Khao San, a restaurant that’s been a beloved fixture in our community for nearly two years.

Co-owner Worakanya Pariyakanok shared some thoughts about her favorite dishes on the menu.

“Personally, I love our crispy garlic chicken and the nam khao tod, which is a crispy rice salad that’s difficult to find in the United States,” she said.“And our pad thai is terrific; it really makes me feel like I’m back in Thailand.”

Presently Khao San is doing to-go orders only and will resume dine-in service likely in August.

The places featured here are just some of the many AAPI-owned places in downtown Issaquah. Please join us through the month of May and beyond to support the business owners, public artists, and community leaders who add to the rich fabric of our neighborhood.

SUPPORT AAPI-Owned Restaurants & Merchant Services Downtown

Restaurants

  • Coconut Thai
  • Japan Ginger
  • Max’s World Cafe
  • KrawBar Restaurant
  • Sea town Foods
  • Bukhara Bar & Grill *
  • Macky’s Dim Sum
  • Umi Cafe
  • Khao San Thai Cuisine

Businesses

  • Experience Tea – global education through the lens of tea: Teas – With over 180 teas and herbals, Experience Tea is the ideal choice for finding your perfect cup of tea. Our teas are carefully sourced from knowledgeable importers, bringing us teas from around the world. The Studio has an extensive offering of white, green, oolong, black and pu’erh teas. Want to avoid caffeine?
  • GlamourLash & Nails Spa
  • Stylish Nails
  • Spa Chi*
  • Ming’s Zen Gallery – Discover the treasures of the Far East in the heart of historic Downtown Issaquah. Ming’s Zen Gallery invites visitors to explore 5,000 years of history, culture and tradition from the kingdoms of Japan, Korea, China,Burma, India, Nepal, Tibet & beyond. Ming’s is locally owned and staffed by the 3rd generation of internationally accredited historians, direct importers and certified art appraisers. We specialize in antique & vintage furniture and art, bronze & alabaster statues, Buddha, Tibetan singing bowls, screens & scrolls, rare maps & manuscripts, Japanese tansu and original woodblock prints, snuff bottles, netsuke, jade, amber, cloisonne, antique paintings & Peking glass. We also design our own collection of jewelry, created from antique jade amulets, rare pendants and exotic beads.

Click here for more information on these businesses.

DIA ED
Author: DIA ED

Historically Hip Downtown