Jasmine Yuen showcases her “Chut Thai” on a bamboo blanket. “My mother is Thai and my father is Chinese, but he was born and raised in New York.” Nguyen strongly feels engulfed into her Thai culture because her mother made sure to keep her cultural roots alive within their family. (Sydney Welch / Xpress Magazine)

A traditional Thai outfit includes a necklace, bracelets, shoulder side jewel string, belt, and earrings. “This outfit means a lot to me because I grew embodying my Thai culture whether it be Thai dancing, music, or language,” said Yuen. (Sydney Welch / Xpress Magazine)

“I am very grateful to be a part of the Thai community, since it is scarce and unique to Southeast Asian countries in the Bay Area,” she said. “I am proud to be Thai and Chinese and I am proud to be Asian American. (Sydney Welch / Xpress Magazine)

Jasmine Yuen, wears a traditional Thai outfit called “Chut Thai”. It means “Thai Outfit” and can be worn by men, women, and children. Yuen said that Chut Thai for women usually consists of a pha nung or a pha chung hang, a blouse, and a pha biang. (Sydney Welch / Xpress Magazine)

Jasmine Yuen, showcases her “Chut Thai” on a bamboo blanket. “My mother is Thai and my father is Chinese, but he was born and raised in New York.” Yuen strongly feels engulfed into her Thai culture because her mother made sure to keep her cultural roots alive within their family. (Sydney Welch / Xpress Magazine)

Sarah Naini, is half Korean and half Iranian. Her mother is from Seoul, South Korea and her father is from Tehran, Iran. (Sydney Welch / Xpress Magazine)

“In Korea, there is an annual Cherry Blossom Festival that my family and I brought traditional sweets, a purse & jewelry,” said Naini. (Sydney Welch / Xpress Magazine)

Iranian sweets are displayed in a decorative box along side an Iranian hand bag and a South Korean hand-held fan. “When I was younger and my grandparents would visit from Iran, they always brought a bag full of Iranian sweets because they knew they were my favorite. The candy reminds me of my grandparents who hold a special place in my heart,” said Naini. (Sydney Welch / Xpress Magazine)

Sarah Naini’s, culture is very important to her. Being in San Francisco has really helped her embrace her cultures. “I love the diversity and sense of community that surrounds me everyday,” said Naini. (Sydney Welch / Xpress Magazine)

Sarah Naini showcases her jewelry as she clutches a bag that was given to her by a cousin from Iran. “We both share a passion for fashion, and I love to represent my culture through colorful bags & jewelry,” said Naini. (Sydney Welch / Xpress Magazine)

Shaira Natividad was born in Manila, Philippines, but was raised in Nueva Ecija, Philippines and lived there for a total of eight years. (Sydney Welch / Xpress Magazine)

A Filipino dessert called “Halo-halo” is displayed on a table. Natividad said she was only exposed to Filipino cuisine for the first eight years of her life. “Lumpia was a must during my birthday parties and Halo-Halo during the humid summer days,” said Natividad. (Sydney Welch / Xpress Magazine)

Shaira Natividad moved to California in February 2008. She didn’t know how to form sentences in English, Natividad had a difficult time adjusting to the first couple of years. “I think I was lucky that I moved at eight years old, since it’s easier to pick up a language when you’re younger,” she said. “School definitely played a significant role in the improvement of my English and social skills.” (Sydney Welch / Xpress Magazine)