AAPI MONTH
Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month is observed annually in May to celebrate the contributions that generations of AAPIs have made to American history, society, and culture in the United States. Asian/Pacific encompasses all of the Asian continent and the Pacific islands of Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia. This month, South Orange Downtown will highlight and celebrate the AAPI small business owners in our community.
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT
To honor AAPI month, we’re highlighting our AAPI businesses. We encourage you to patronize these businesses not only during May, but all year long! This is an easy and effective way to show your support!
LOCAL EVENTS
SOMA Celebrates AAPI Heritage Month May 2026 (multiple dates) South Orange & Maplewood, NJ Month-long, family-friendly celebration honoring AAPI cultures through film, festivals, arts, and community gatherings.
Kick things off this Sunday, May 3 (4:30–7:30 PM) with a free screening of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon at Box Office Cinemas in South Orange, featuring snacks and a live martial arts demonstration.
Full details and RSVP: http://www.somaccw.org/aapimonth
SUSHI MAKING WITH ARIYOSHI
ARIYOSHI japanese restaurant
Ariyoshi is located 56 W South Orange Ave. Serving delicious Japaneses cuisine in South Orange for the past 18 years. Join manager, April Lim and Chef Ming for a sushi making demonstration.
Ingredients:
Rice | Seaweed Paper | Sesame Seeds | Sliced Avocado | Crab Sticks | Shredded Cucumber | Wasabi | Pickled Ginger
Recipe:
Step 1: Place rice on top of of seaweed paper
Press rice down and push it to the front of seaweed slice
Step 2: Drizzle sesame seeds on top of rice
Step 3: Turn over seaweed paper so that the rice side is facing table
Step 4; Place crab sicks, avocado, and cucumber on top of seaweed
Step 5: Tightly roll over seaweed paper
Step 6: Press down with sushi mat (if applicable)
Step 7: Slice from center into 6 even pieces
Step 8: Place ginger and wasabi on side
Step 9: Enjoy!
Making Bubble Tea “Boba” with Chipoba
Chipoba
Chipoba is located at 50 South Orange Ave. Jenny, the owner of Chipoba makes the very popular drink, Boba aka “Bubble Tea”. If you haven’t tried it yet, check it out! There’s two types, either milk tea with flavors like matcha, coconut or honeydew or the fruit series with passion fruit, strawberry, or peach to name a few.