Discover Authentic Indonesian Cuisine and Culture at Little Tokyo Hibachi and Bento Box in Spokane

Walking into Little Tokyo Hibachi and Bento Box, you might forget you’re in a strip mall on North Sullivan Road. Instead, the warm atmosphere, complete with Japanese lanterns and cherry blossoms, feels like a cozy noodle house in Los Angeles’ Little Tokyo.

Owners Ryan Suharyanto and Yonne Fitriastiti crafted this inviting space with a menu inspired by the rich flavors and comfort of Japanese cuisine. Ryan’s journey to restaurant ownership began years ago, working as a chef, server, and manager. He opened Hibachi Express in Indiana in 2015, but it struggled due to fierce competition.

After returning to Spokane and honing his skills at Fujiyama Japanese Steakhouse in Liberty Lake, where he became head chef, Ryan decided it was time to try again. He found a quaint spot between Little Caesars and GameStop, which used to be a ramen restaurant, making it perfect for his vision.

Little Tokyo opened on November 12. Yonne manages the front of the house with three staff members, while Ryan’s brother helps in the kitchen. Yonne also creates all the sauces, including the popular Yum Yum sauce and a special spicy sauce. They hope to bottle and sell these sauces at the restaurant soon.

The menu features an array of appetizers, hibachi meals, and bento boxes—traditional Japanese meals that include a protein, steamed rice, Kani salad, onigiri, and Gyoza, or Japanese dumplings. Ryan’s brother prepares 500 dumplings each week, ensuring fresh and flavorful bites.

Hibachi meals let you choose your protein—options include filet mignon or lobster tail—paired with steamed or chicken fried rice and vegetables. Ryan is particularly excited about introducing Indonesian dishes to the community, drawing inspiration from his childhood in Indonesia, where street vendors served fresh food.

The menu features beloved Indonesian dishes such as rendang, a beef stew with coconut milk and spices, and nasi goreng, or fried rice. One standout is mie tek tek, a noodle dish reminiscent of street food in Indonesia, often filled with spicy goodness but tailored to American tastes by serving spices on the side.

During a recent visit, we indulged in appetizers like takoyaki—batter balls filled with octopus and topped with bonito flakes. My husband couldn’t believe how delicious they were!
The Indonesian egg martabak was another highlight. This stuffed pancake was light yet satisfying, filled with ground beef, green onions, and tofu, and paired with a delightful tempura dipping sauce.

For his hibachi meal, my husband selected the “pick two” option with New York steak and shrimp, served with chicken fried rice and vegetables. The meal was smoky and generous, showcasing the signature hibachi flavor with tender shrimp and perfectly grilled steak.

The mie tek tek was a bestseller for good reason; the yakisoba noodles came topped with chicken, shrimp, and steak, all drizzled with sweet soy sauce and garnished with fresh green onions and cilantro. It was such a generous portion that I saved some for breakfast the next day!

Drinks include boba tea and sodas, with plans to add wine, beer, and sake soon. Ryan is thrilled with the community’s warm reception and dreams of expanding to North Spokane someday.

“We want to introduce what we can do and serve the community,” he said. “For now, we’re the first to bring Indonesian food to Spokane.”