May is Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and this year, I had the absolute joy of joining Yelp’s APIHM Community Experiences right here on the coast. Each weekend brought something new—whether it was creamy boba, bold Filipino coffee, or colorful fruit teas, all from local Asian-owned spots I was so proud to support.

Here’s a little look back at the three incredible stops I made during this flavorful celebration.

Otto Tea Shoppe – Redondo Beach, CA

My first APIHM adventure brought me to Otto Tea Shoppe, a fresh face in Redondo’s boba scene. Tucked in the same plaza as Whole Foods and Gomachi Ramen, this cozy spot was the perfect place to kick off the month.

I went for their Twilight Taro—a blend of taro and milk with a swirl of ube and a topping of crushed Oreos. As someone who loves all three, this drink was everything. Each sip was rich, sweet, and totally satisfying. I also loved the soft, chewy boba that added that perfect texture. Definitely bookmarking this place for a return visit (I’ve got my eye on the Mango Snow next!).

Teofilo Coffee Co. – Carson, CA

As a Filipina, it meant so much to visit Teofilo Coffee Company, a Filipino-owned café that exclusively sources its beans from the Philippines. They roast locally in LA but their roots run deep—each cup connects directly to farmers and regions back home.

During the event, we were treated to a curated tasting of four distinct black coffees: Robusta, Benguet Arabica, Excelsa, and Liberica (aka Barako). My favorite was the Excelsa—smooth with just a hint of tangy tamarind. Between sips, we also sampled classic Filipino rice cakes like sapin sapin and kutsinta, which felt like such a thoughtful cultural touch. I left with a latte in hand and a full heart.

Avalon Cafe and Boba– Carson, CA

My third APIHM Yelp Community Experience brought me to Avalon Cafe and Boba—a cozy, cheerful spot bursting with personality. This charming café made the visit extra fun with its variety of drinks, an in-store photo booth, and the perfect chance for a Hello Kitty moment, of course!

Their drink menu had something for everyone—from espresso to matcha to fruity teas—but I went with the Pearly Dragon, a vibrant blend of green tea, dragon fruit, lychee, and boba. Every sip was fruity, floral, and super refreshing. And yes, I had to snap a pic in their adorable boba-themed photo booth—because what’s a boba run without a cute snapshot? 😉

These three spots weren’t just about great drinks—they were about culture, community, and connection. I’m so grateful to Yelp LA for organizing such a fun way to spotlight local Asian-owned businesses. Supporting them made this month extra meaningful—and extra delicious.

Until next time, I’ll be sipping local and smiling big.