AAPI Month at Essex Market
Celebrate the Asian community who have enriched New York City’s food culture and traditions. Learn, cook and shop with AAPI-owned businesses at Essex Market as we recognize their contributions all year round.
featured vendors
New Star Fish Market
Opened in 1993, New Star Fish Market is the longest standing vendor at Essex Market. Jae Suh and his wife Hye Jung opened their first fish market in Connecticut, then relocated their business to the Lower East Side after their son Eric was born.
Eric now plays the many roles of owner, manager, and fishmonger at New Star Fish Market and is quick to say that Essex Market is like a second home to him.
Essex Farm
James Lee and his partner opened Essex Farm after moving to New York from South Korea in 1993. They have become a staple at the market and a go-to grocery in the neighborhood, offering a wide selection of fresh and organic produce, international goods, and every type of Bob’s Red Mill flour imaginable.
No matter what you might be looking for, Essex Farm will have it!
Ni Japanese Deli
Atsushi and Saori Numata were running a catering business in the East Village when their daughter was born. She developed so many allergies that she couldn’t eat traditional Japanese ingredients. This inspired the couple to create a menu focusing on vegan, gluten, and allergen-free recipes rooted in traditional Japanese cooking.
At Ni Japanese Deli Atsushi will delicately craft you a made to order bento box, onigiri or udon noodle soup. For the chef of the family, take home some Japanese cooking products to create your own delicacies.
Lower East Side Ice Cream Factory
The Lower East Side Ice Cream Factory is the Seid family’s 3rd location of the historic Chinatown Ice Cream Factory, established in 1978 on Bayard Street by Phillip Seid.
Christina, Phillip’s daughter, has been in the ice cream industry for over 25 years. A third-generation New Yorker who remembers her own grandmother shopping for groceries at the old Essex Market, she is excited to continue her family’s story at the newer location.
Zaab Burger
Zaab Burger was born out of a passion for blending traditional Thai flavors with the classic American burger. The team behind Zaab Burger aims to bring a taste of Thailand to New York City, using authentic spices and ingredients to create a unique culinary experience. Their menu features a variety of burgers infused with bold, zesty flavors, alongside a selection of sides and drinks that complement the Southeast Asian-inspired fare. Whether you're grabbing a quick bite or dining in, Zaab Burger promises a flavorful journey with every bite.