ESEA small businesses to support
Lunar New Year is one of the biggest national holidays that many East and South East Asian (ESEA) countries and communities celebrate. It's the beginning of a new year based on lunar calendars or, informally but more widely, lunisolar calendars, and the date changes every year. This year, it falls on the 29th of January 2025.
You may have heard this being referred to as “Chinese New Year”, but many other countries outside of China celebrate, with each country and culture having their own traditions. Lunar New Year is generally used to be more inclusive when talking about more than one country/community of peoples' celebrations. However, it is appropriate to be specific when talking about individual communities and countries’ celebrations, such as Tết in Vietnam and Seollal in Korea.
We’ve partnered with the Asian Leadership Collective this festive season to curate a selection of East and Southeast Asian-owned businesses to support during this festive period. But of course, supporting small ESEA-owned businesses is something we should do all year round. Happy shopping!
MIDNIGHT PANTRY
Midnight Pantry offers a journey to Asia through delicious cookies. Founded by Ada, who honed her pastry skills in Paris and began baking in her family’s Hong Kong kitchen, the London-based brand crafts handcrafted treats infused with authentic Asian flavours. From Miso Brown Butter & Smoked Sea Salt to Thai Tea Tiramisu, there’s a cookie for everyone to enjoy.
The Ferm London
Founded by Rebecca Ghim, The Ferm tackles food waste through delicious kimchi and jangaji. Working with local companies, catering companies, and vendors to divert food waste, their goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote a circular economy. And with a variety of kimchi to choose from, your options for planet-friendly fermented foods are endless.
Tong Tong Shui Shui
Since January 2024, Tong Tong Shui Shui has been dedicated to bringing the authentic flavours of Hong Kong to the streets of London and beyond. Their menu includes a variety of traditional desserts and soups – all soothing and refreshing sweet delights that share the rich heritage and diverse flavours of Hong Kong.
INKJOYGRAPHY
May Chan, known as InkJoyGraphy, is a Chinese calligrapher with over 20 years of experience. Through InkJoyGraphy, she offers in-person and online workshops, custom artwork, brand activations, and personalised gifts that are also available through Etsy. May believes Chinese calligraphy isn’t just a hobby, but a way of life – something she advocates through her teachings.
Mothaiba Drink
Mothaiba distils bold, aromatic Asian botanicals into sustainably crafted spirits. Inspired by the nostalgic flavours of her Vietnamese childhood, founder Liliane Nguyen, a former interior designer, created Mothaiba for 'adventurous and inquisitive drinkers'. Signature serves like Pandan Tuxedo and Pandan Vodka capture the essence of Asia in every sip. Nguyen used British grain vodka redistilled by a small family distiller using fresh pandan leaves imported from Vietnam.
& Chai Soy Candles
& Chai is a Hertfordshire-based artisan brand crafting soy candles inspired by childhood nostalgia. Founded in 2020 by sisters Michelle and Louise, their vegan, cruelty-free, and fully recyclable candles reflect a strong commitment to sustainability. Signature scents include Brown Sugar Milk Tea, Egglet Waffle, and Night Market, with limited editions for Lunar New Year.
Toastedink
Toastedink is a British art brand on a mission to spread happiness worldwide. Known for its charming pins, puns, and cute stationery like greeting cards, prints and stickers, Toastedink’s bestsellers feature uplifting, empowering, and positive designs that bring joy to everyday life.
Juniper by the Sea ESEA Bookshop
Juniper By The Sea is the UK’s first East and South East Asian online bookshop, celebrating stories from globally recognised authors and emerging talent. Founder Zoe describes it as a “love letter” to the books, their writers, and the community and culture she proudly represents. Based in Manchester, London and online, Juniper By The Sea is a space to honour these stories and inspire a brighter future.
Tarsier Southeast Asian Spirit
Tarsier Spirit is an award-winning, Manchester-based small-batch gin distillery inspired by founders Sherwin and Tim’s travels across Southeast Asia. Crafted with bold notes of citrus, floral and spice, Tarsier Gin is named after the Philippine Tarsier, a small primate that reflects their vision: small batch, big flavour. Committed to conservation, Tarsier Spirit donates 10% of profits to protect these endangered creatures, raising awareness of their plight due to habitat loss and illegal pet trade. They also share their passion through masterclasses and collaborations.
