String lights dance across the pink petals of Japanese cherry blossoms, greeting you as you swing open the door to Little Tokyo. The air is rich with the aroma of sizzling meat and vegetables being cooked along with the smell of soy sauce and subtly sweet rice. The posters brighten the space featuring Kanji and Japanese products. As your eyes adjust to the neon LED lights hanging on the walls, you’re welcomed into a warm, inviting environment that blends culture and aesthetics seamlessly.
Opened on Nov.12, 2024. Little Tokyo is a hidden gem that can be found in the Sullivan plaza located in Spokane Valley. Japanese Owner, Ryan Suharyanto, revels in the success of their business. As well as the other owner, his Indonesian wife, Yonne Fitriastiti, whom he claims taught him some of the best skills he’s picked up.
“I am most proud of this restaurant because we can serve customers with the skills of both me and my wife,” Suharyanto said. “Introduce both of our cultures. That’s why we offer hibachi and bento boxes, an international food. That’s why we tried to create a little Tokyo.”
With a grin he repeats, “It’s little Tokyo here.”
The inspiration that pierces through the mind of Suharyanto and Fitriastiti comes from life experience and traveling across the globe.
“Well I have been to Yokohama, Japan,” Suharyanto said. “A lot of this was inspired when I went there for example the display kiosk, where you can quickly grab things like onigiri and drinks. The decorations are also more of a Japanese vibe.”
This restaurant buzzes with the sound of conversation while meals are being prepared. A table top is connected to an open kitchen where you can sit, making each meal enjoyable for the eyes and taste buds.
“I can cook Indonesian recipes while Ryan can cook Japanese recipes,” said Fitriastiti. “The most popular food my customers eat here is Mie Tek Tek which is Indonesian. Hibachi as well since it is from Japan most people are familiar with it. Indonesia doesn’t get much recognition so the people don’t know about Mie Tek Tek.”
Hibachi refers to a style of Japanese cooking where food is prepared on a hot, flat, grill. The word hibachi means, “fire bowl.”
Fitriastiti, who is responsible for preparing the restaurant’s sauces, plays a key role in shaping the restaurant’s unique flavors.
“My Japanese sauces include yum yum sauce and teriyaki,” said Fitriastiti. “As for Indonesian, the Mie Tek Tek pairs well with a sweet sauce consisting of ketchup and mayonnaise, we also have sambal sauce which is flavored with spicy chile, salt and scallions.”
Standing out by offering Indonesian and hibachi cuisine which has never been accessible to the community, Suharyanto and Fitriastiti challenge that with food that speaks for itself.
Samantha Vivia, a recent customer who shares her dine-in experience.
“If you’re in Spokane and craving authentic Indonesian flavors, this place is an absolute gem,” said Vivia. “The Mie Tek Tek is a must-try, packed with savory goodness and just the right amount of spice. It’s a perfect balance of rich noodles and tender meat, with an amazing depth of flavor that’ll transport you straight to Indonesia.”
When asking the owners about their own food preferences and who does the cooking at home, as a married couple both working as chefs, Fitriastiti gave a playful response.
“Me. It’s me!,” said Fitriastiti. “I always cook Indonesian because of the culture. Ryan is always eating American food, like steak or something simple, though I cook. I tend to eat sambal, steamed rice, and marinated chicken. A food we both enjoy eating is bakso, my favorite.”
