11 BIPOC-Owned Businesses to Visit This Summer in Penticton

*This guide was written in collaboration with Thuy Bui of Soe Cafe.

Whether you’re looking for a cool coffee shop or a mom-and-pop restaurant to get a taste of the South Okanagan, the valley is home to a vibrant community of BIPOC-owned businesses.

Here are 11 to visit in Penticton—this summer, and year-round.

Lisa’s Flowers

Lisa's been growing flowers on Lower Bench Road in Penticton for many years. She creates bouquets that feature a variety of blooms, including wildflowers, dahlias, and peonies, all grown in her garden. You can find Lisa at the Penticton Farmer's Market on Saturdays, or if you need flowers during the week, stop by her flower stand for fresh bouquets available daily.

The stand operates on an honour system, so be sure to bring cash.

H&L Dumpling House

Tucked away in Penticton's Cherrylane Shopping Center, H & L Dumpling House offers a taste of Shanghai’s food streets. Originally a dumpling truck, H&L is known for its handcrafted dumplings, noodles, and bao buns, all made with produce from their own farm in Okanagan Falls. Whether you're in the market for classic shrimp dumplings or a bowl of wonton soup, this spot is a must-visit.

Sushi Genki

Owned and operated by Tomoe Noguchi and Kazuo Noguchi since 2012, Sushi Genki is a favourite among Penticton locals. The menu includes appetizers, nigiri, sashimi, maki, and hot entrees, with sake by the glass and Japanese beer.

If you're visiting for the weekend, make it your Friday night stop as they are closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

Kojo

Hospitality is at the core of this sushi spot just blocks away from Skaha Lake. Founded in 2016, Sushi Kojo brings Japanese-fusion cuisine to Penticton, offering a selection of sushi rolls, ramen, and even sushi burritos served with their to-die-for Kizuna sauces.

Eat in and try a flight of their sake made next door.

Soe Cafe

Soe, a listening space in Penticton, offers a sleeker aesthetic than the average coffee shop. The 15-seat cafe by day and wine bar by night was designed to ensure great acoustic treatment while you enjoy specialty coffees, seasonal small plates and low-intervention, natural wines.

Owners Ryan and Thuy’s vision was to create a warm, intimate space full of curated art and records.

Koya

Located beside Okanagan Lake Beach, Koya is known for its sushi burritos. Rolling up 12 variations, Koya offers everything from the classic Chicken Karaage burrito, which made the list of the best dishes we ate in the Okanagan in 2023, to fish options like the Koya burrito, made with wild sockeye salmon, spicy tuna, and prawn tempura.

They also just launched their Japanese food trailer, Maku, which can be found at the Penticton Community Market every Saturday and in Gyro Park on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Lachi

Owned by Surinder and Jaswinder Grewal, Lachi serves flavour-packed staples they had become accustomed to growing up in the Punjab region of India. Get the lamb curry or chicken vindaloo, and don’t miss the channa samosas served with mildly spiced chickpeas, and topped with chutney, onions and homemade yogurt.

Kin & Folk

One of the newer restaurants in Penticton, Kin & Folk is focused on bringing the community together to connect, celebrate and indulge over a menu created with Asian flavours and expertly crafted cocktails.

Owned by chefs and restauranteurs Zachary Chan, Dani Windrum, Mack Davis, and Gabriella Chan, Kin & Folk’s bold flavours, bright atmosphere and bustling patio make it one you don’t want to miss.

Ashoka Indian Cuisine

Located in downtown Penticton, Ashoka is an excellent takeaway option for lunch or dinner in the park. The lunch specials are the best in the city and so are the flavours. The menu features an extensive assortment of breads, main dishes, desserts, and drinks.

If you're looking for tried-and-true Indian food in the South Okanagan, Ashoka is it.

Mr. Marks Caribbean Foods

With two locations in Penticton, Mr. Mark makes Caribbean food and specialty jerk and hot sauces. His in-house specialties include Jamaican patties, jerk chicken, and curried goat, among others, and his iconic sauces, like the Jamaica 911, are loved by locals.

If you’re spending the day at Skaha Lake, stop by Mr. Marks for lunch from Wednesday through Sunday.

Global Grocers

This grocery store has two outposts—one in Oliver and one in Penticton and carries a lot of international products from India, Mexico, Thailand, Italy, Spain and more. Co-owners Riz and Deepak Gaba bring in sought-after items like Spanish Chorizo, Popping Boba Pearls, and Fanta.

Global Grocers is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week.

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The businesses we have spotlighted here are only some of the MANY incredible BIPOC-owned companies in the Penticton to get on your radar.