Celebrating Arlington’s Asian American and Pacific Islander Businesses

Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month celebrated annually in May, pays tribute to the achievements of generations of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who have shaped United States history and enriched our culture.

Celebrate AAPI heritage and culture this month and all year by supporting these AAPI-owned Arlington businesses enhancing the vibrancy and diversity of our local economy and community.

1. Ballston

2. Clarendon

3. Columbia Pike

4. Langston Boulevard

  • The Asia Halal Supermarket, a well-known spot for halal meat, also sells fresh produce and Bangladeshi goods.
  • Head farther east on Langston Boulevard and you’ll find the Philippine Oriental Market and Deli, a locally owned and operated one-stop-shop for Filipino and Asian grocery items, turo-turo style hot food, baked goods, and catering.
  • Sushi Zen offers a delicious meal to each person that walks through its doors. The Japanese character for Zen means "dining table" and represents a time for family and friends to share a meal, discuss the day’s happenings, and enjoy their time together in a warm family atmosphere - this is exactly what you will find at Sushi Zen.
  • Peter Chang is nestled in the Lee Harrison Shopping Centre. Chef Peter Chang brings his Szechuan cuisine to Langston Boulevard. The restaurant offers excellent selections and an environment fit for gatherings of both family and friends. Duck in a Stone Pot, Chicken with Onion & Chili and Dry-Fried Eggplant are just a few of the delicious options diners can find at Peter Chang. See today why these full-flavored dishes have taken diners by storm, earning the praise of New York Times and Washington Post reviewers.
  • Maneki Neko Express was founded in 2002 by best friends Futoshi “Tao” Takazato and Kanya “Fai” Thonprasert, Maneki Neko is a family-oriented place filled with delicious and authentic Japanese cuisine. The restaurant prides itself in being a welcoming environment for all who step through the door, always excited to see regulars and meet new visitors. Stop by for a delicious, memorable meal and some great company.
  • Chill Zone has a unique philosophy – taking it back to basics. They pride themselves on bringing high-quality, organic, and traditional foods to their customers each and every day. It is the perfect place for friends and family to stop by for satisfying cuisine, delicious coffee, and a fun, relaxing environment.
  • KH Art Framing is a family-owned business open since 1986, KH Art & Framing is an excellent place to get art framed, pick out a new wall color, or find advice on ways to spruce up your home. The business provides consistent high-quality Custom Framing, Digital Photo Processing, and Art Consulting services for their clients.
  • Other favorite AAPI businesses on Langston Boulevard: India A1 Grocery and Minerva Express, Khun Yai Thai, Tuna-Sushi.

5. National Landing

6. Rosslyn

7. Shirlington

  • At T.H.A.I., dine on sophisticated new dishes inspired by the owner’s grandmother, Old World recipes, and Thai street food, crafted with fresh local produce and meat.
  • Consider a trip to Ichiban, which serves a mix of traditional Japanese and Chinese delights, including tempura, gyoza, sashimi and nigiri, and fresh, innovative sushi rolls.
  • Another favorite Asian restaurant in Shirlington: Aroma Indian Cuisine

8. AAPI Tech Companies

Many of the leaders of Arlington’s successful tech companies are of Asian American or Pacific Islander heritage. Here are a few:

  • Subsystem Technologies, Inc. is a federal government contractor and leading provider of engineering and technical services nationwide.
  • Fu Associates, Ltd. is a minority-owned company with deep knowledge of federal programs. They specialize in IT solutions, website development, and data analytics.
  • VerticalApps is an IT services company providing Agile application development, data services, and intelligent automation to federal government clients.
  • Syneren Technologies Corporation serves the project needs of government and commercial customers and specializes in operating, maintaining, and modernizing applications and IT systems for the federal government.

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