MAY IS ASIAN HERITAGE MONTH

In honour of Asian Heritage Month, BONAFIDE is proud to spotlight a collection of products created by Asian-Canadian entrepreneurs and allies that we collaborate, admire and champion. Each one reflects creativity, cultural connection and the bold pursuit of turning dreams into reality.

As a second-generation Filipino-Canadian in public relations, I carry deep pride in the work I do, especially when connecting with Asian-Canadian entrepreneurs who are building, creating and giving back with a great deal of heart and hustle. Their impact is often quiet but powerful, rooted in gratitude and driven by purpose. It’s been an honour to witness their stories unfold and help to amplify them across the country. 

BONAFIDE’s promise has been to show up, speak up and celebrate (or showcase) Asian-Canadian talent, not just for Asian Heritage Month but throughout the year. We’ve done this by supporting the inaugural INDÁY Filipino Chef Exchange in Vancouver/Calgary and taking part in the largest-ever “Kamayan” industry staff meal at Cook’s Camp in Pemberton. We also had the privilege to dine at Asian-owned gems including Mineral, Som Tum Jinda, PAI, BB’s, and Alma in Toronto; JunJun, Mui Mui, and Junior in Montreal; and even across the pond at Double Dragon in Paris and DONIA in London.

Please join me in celebrating and uplifting these Asian-Canadian entrepreneurs in your community and beyond. 

xx Jessie

FU’S REPAIR SHOP x JACEK CHOCOLATE COUTURE
Joy of Asia – Bonbon Collection
Mina Hideshima, Chef Winnie Chen, J-Lynne Carlos 
Edmonton, AB
@fus_repair_shop  @jacekchocolate

Chef Winnie Chen of award-winning Fu’s Repair Shop in collaboration with JACEK Chocolate Couture proudly presents the JOY OF ASIA Bonbon Collection—a limited edition release of handcrafted chocolates celebrating Asian heritage, artistry, and culinary innovation. Each box features custom packaging with artwork by Emily Chu, paying homage to traditional Asian ceramics while evoking the personality of each flavour. 10% of proceeds from the collection will be donated to the Togather Chinatown Arts Festival.

CLUCK N CLEAVER
Cluckin’ Honey Mustard
Nicole & Francine Gomes
Calgary, AB
@cluckncleaver

Nicole and Francine Gomes, the sister duo behind Calgary’s Cluck N Cleaver, are serving up a fresh take on Southern comfort food with their all-natural, made-from-scratch menu. Known as the spot to find the city’s best fried and rotisserie chicken, Cluck & Cleaver is rooted in simple ingredients and honest cooking. Chef Nicole (who you may recognize from Top Chef Canada and Iron Chef Gauntlet!) infuses each dish full of flavour – making this local fave a go-to for fresh, hot, feel-good eats.

UBE Marshmallows
Jason & Ailynn Wong
Edmonton, AB
@yelod_icecream

​Ailynn and Jason Wong, the visionary duo behind Edmonton’s Yelo’d Ice Cream + Bake Shoppe, have been delighting the community since 2018 with their handcrafted ice creams inspired by Filipino and Asian flavors. Their signature ube (purple yam) ice cream has become a local favourite, showcasing their commitment to unique, high-quality offerings. Expanding their culinary footprint, the Wongs introduced Sosyal Scoops, a mobile ice cream truck, in 2020, and most recently launched Little Bon Bon in Chinatown, further enriching Edmonton’s dessert scene.

HOLY DUCK CHILI OIL
CHILI LAVA Salted Egg Yolk Sauce
Louise Pang & Christopher Fung
Vancouver, BC
@holyduckchili

Louise Pang and her husband, Christopher Fung, are the culinary duo behind Holy Duck Chili, a bold Vancouver-born brand putting a rich, modern spin on a treasured family recipe. Since 2021, they’ve been handcrafting small batches of chili oil using Canadian duck fat and East Asian spices — creating a flavour bomb that’s deeply nostalgic, yet completely new. Their inventive take has landed them in New York Magazine’s “Best Gifts for Pantry Nerds” and on CBC’s radar. But Holy Duck is beyond being just a condiment — it’s a cultural experience. From throwing epic chili parties in Vancouver Chinatown to spotlighting Asian Canadian stories through food, Louise and Chris are on a mission to connect heritage with heat — one crispy spoonful at a time.

MINI KITCHEN 
Curry Masala Sauce
Damini & Renu Mohan
Edmonton, AB
@minikitchen.ca

Damini and Renu Mohan, founded Edmonton’s Mini Kitchen in 2012, transforming cherished family recipes into a celebrated line of Indian and fusion cuisine. Their commitment to quality and authenticity has led to expansion into multiple farmers’ markets and retail outlets across Alberta. Their entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to sharing home-style dishes have earned Mini Kitchen a loyal following and recognition in the local food scene.

CHRISTINA MAH
Cocktail Recipe feat. Holy Duck OG Chili Oil (or any
Klein & Harris
Calgary, AB
@klnharris

​Christina Mah, a distinguished Calgary mixologist, is co-owner and cocktail curator at KLEIN / HARRIS, where she crafts innovative, Canadian-inspired libations. Her creativity was showcased at Beakerhead’s Engineered Eats with a cocktail encased in ice, requiring patrons to crack it open with a mallet! Christina’s dedication has significantly enriched Calgary’s cocktail culture, earning her recognition among Canada’s top bartenders.

UMAMI KISSES
Creamy, citrusy, herbal, and kissed with umami. Southeast Asia meets the tiki bar—wearing a chef’s jacket.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ oz White Rum (your favorite)
• ½ tsp Holy Duck OG Canadian Duck Fat Oil
• ½ oz Sweetened Coconut Milk*
• ½ oz Fresh Lime Juice
• 1 tbsp Herb Mix (equal parts cilantro, basil, and mint, finely chiffonade)
• 3 oz Ginger Beer

*Sweetened Coconut Milk:
Mix 30% palm sugar to 70% coconut milk, gently heat to dissolve, and cool before using.

Instructions:

1. Add rum, Holy Duck OG Canadian Duck Fat Oil, sweetened coconut milk, lime juice, and herb mix to a shaker with ice.
2. Shake vigorously.
3. Fine strain into a Collins glass over fresh ice.
4. Top with ginger beer.
5. Garnish with a fresh bouquet of herbs.

LIANNE CHARLENE CREATIVE
Edmonton, AB
@liannecharlene.creative

Lianne Charlene Creative, led by Lianne Cawley, is an award-winning Edmonton design studio known for bold branding, packaging, and illustration. Recognized with a 2018 Applied Arts Award and a 2021 Community Votes Silver, the studio blends creativity with purpose. Through its initiative, The Branded Good, Lianne has donated nearly $30,000 to local charities, using design as a force for community impact.