we are a beverage and dessert all natural syrup business that celebrates the cultural heritage behind each flavor
It is the beloved purple yam of the Philippines — vivid, velvety and gently sweet. More than just an ingredient, it’s a taste of nostalgia for many Filipinos. You’ll find it in comfort desserts like ube halaya, halo-halo, and other festive pastries that celebrate home and heritage.
It is often called the “vanilla of Southeast Asia,” known for its aroma that’s both floral and cozy. Its vibrant green leaves bring color and warmth to desserts like buko pandan (coconut and pandan jelly), pandan chiffon cake, and dadar gulung (pandan crêpes).
It may be tiny, but they carry centuries of flavor and tradition across Asia. Once toasted, their deep nuttiness becomes bold, earthy, and quietly comforting. From Chinese tang yuan (glutinous rice balls) to Japanese goma dango (sesame rice balls) to Korean dasik (pressed tea cookies), black sesame transforms simple sweets into something rich, grounding, and unforgettable.
Photo Credit: Anny Nguyen (@annytakesphotos)
Our Upcoming Events〉
Discover where we’ll be popping up next! Join us at local markets and community events to sample our syrups, shop in person, and connect with the hi raya! team.
Our Testimonials
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![A woman with shoulder-length brown hair, sitting against a plain beige background, resting her chin on her hand, smiling softly.]()
Jenika Gonzales
Cleveland Creative
I’ve had the pleasure of tasting, testing, and now fully enjoying hi raya! syrups. From the moment the idea was first shared with me to seeing what it has become today, it brings me so much joy and pride — to witness such a thoughtful representation of flavor and culture. Each syrup not only beautifully captures the essence of the Filipino diaspora and broader AAPI flavors, but they also look stunning and taste even better.
I used a few of the syrups during a matcha pop-up I hosted, and they were such a hit! They’re perfectly balanced; never too sweet or overpowering — enhancing flavors while maintaining their own distinct character. I’m so excited that something like this exists and can’t wait to see hi raya! continue to grow and expand its incredible lineup of flavors.
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![A smiling man with a beard and short hair, wearing a light pink suit jacket, a white shirt, and a patterned tie, standing in front of a dark background with large purple chalkboard drawings.]()
Anthony Winfield
Small Business Specialist, US Bank
I first met Rhea a few months ago and was immediately drawn to her energy and passion. During our conversation, I learned that she owns hi raya!, an all-natural coffee syrup brand inspired by culture appreciation.
As an avid coffee drinker, I couldn’t wait to try it—and I’m thrilled to say it exceeded my expectations! The syrup’s vibrant colors and rich, smooth flavors truly elevate every cup. If you’re looking to add an amazing, natural twist to your coffee, I highly recommend giving hi raya! a try. You won’t be disappointed!
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![A woman with long black hair smiling, wearing a black top and layered gold necklaces, standing in front of black balloons.]()
Brittni Hardie
Program Coordinator, Project Community Capital
I tried hi raya! for the first time at the Cleveland Pitch Competition and their ube in coffee was incredible. The flavor was smooth, rich, and perfectly balanced. It was not too sweet and had a clean ube taste that blended beautifully with the coffee. It was so good that I kept thinking about it after the event.
The team was very welcoming and clearly passionate about their products. Their setup was beautiful and every detail showed care and intention. hi raya! truly stood out at the competition and I look forward to supporting them again.
I highly recommend trying their ube coffee. It is unforgettable!
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![A woman with long brown hair, wearing glasses and a beige blazer, holding a silver Apple MacBook, standing against a textured beige wall.]()
Jing Lauengco
Executive Entrepreneur Coach
Yum! I had a chance to experience the delightful and delicious hi raya! at a female entrepreneur networking event that I recently hosted.
Everyone loved ALL of the flavors! My absolute fave? Her Ube! #obsessed
Rhea Doria has brought our homeland and culture to life through her thoughtful and intentional collection. Seeing her playful modern brand and signature design always brings a smile, too! It’s inspiring to see Rhea share her dream and passion as a fierce Filipina female founder. All of the momentum and joyful moments of connection sparked from her hard work and entrepreneurial spirit is truly inspiring. Definitely a must-have! And the perfect hostess gift!
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![A smiling man with curly hair and glasses wearing a dark green sweatshirt with a Starflyer Brewing Co. logo, featuring a bee and hops, in Canton, Ohio.]()
Ethan Comfort
Co-Founder & CFO, Starflyer Brewing Company
I’ve known Rhea for a few years now and am so excited to watch her business grow! Her dedication to unique yet simple flavors which highlight distinct cultural heritages is so amazing and makes her stand out in this area.
hi raya! is a perfect reflection of Rhea and her generous, sweet, and lively nature, displaying flavors that are bold, complex, and unique.
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![A woman with shoulder-length black hair wearing a white shirt and small earrings, smiling in front of a brick wall background.]()
Mikki Bernarte
Owner, Makihalo
I absolutely love supporting local businesses, and hi raya! has quickly become one of my favorites! Her natural syrups taste so fresh and pure. You can really tell they’re made with real ingredients and none of the artificial additives you find in most store-bought brands. I’ve used them in my coffee, and even in dessert recipes, and every flavor has been incredible. You can taste the care, creativity, and craftsmanship in every bottle. It’s so inspiring to see a local startup like hi raya! bringing such high-quality, all-natural products to our community.
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![A young woman with short black hair, wearing a white shirt and black tie, against a plain light background.]()
Thao Nguyen
Illustrator & Designer
As a local creative, I love seeing brands like hi raya! bring so much heart and culture into Cleveland’s small business scene. Their syrups are so thoughtfully made — you can really taste the care that goes into each flavor. My personal favorite is using the black sesame syrup with my matcha.
Beyond the product, Rhea’s passion and community-minded energy are truly inspiring.
