Is there a drink or dish on your menu that carries a personal memory or piece of your heritage with it? What's the story behind it?

"One of the most personal drinks on our menu is our authentic Vietnamese drip coffee (Mori Coffee / Mori Latte). When I was growing up, I used to wake up early in the morning to the sound of coffee slowly dripping and the smell filling the house. I always knew my dad was getting ready for work. That smell and sound became a big part of my childhood memories. For me, Vietnamese coffee is more than just a drink. It represents comfort, family, culture, and connection to our roots. That’s why serving authentic Vietnamese coffee at Mori Cafe is so important to me. I hope every Vietnamese customer who tastes it can feel a little sense of home and nostalgia, just like I do."

What does it mean to you to share your culture through drink and food and be part of this community during AAPI Heritage Month?

"Being able to share my culture through drinks and food means a lot to me because food and coffee carry so many memories, traditions, and emotions. Vietnamese coffee culture is something I grew up with, and sharing those flavors feels like sharing a piece of home and childhood with the community.

During AAPI Heritage Month, it feels especially meaningful to celebrate where we come from and introduce people to authentic flavors and traditions that may be new to them. I love seeing both Vietnamese customers reconnect with familiar tastes and customers from different backgrounds discovering something new for the first time. For me, Mori Cafe is not just about serving drinks, it’s about creating connection, conversation, and a space where people from all backgrounds feel welcomed."

Authentic Japanese cuisine rooted in tradition

Gilbert location open since 2024 | shimogamoaz.com

What inspired you to open your restaurant and what vision did you have for the experience you wanted to create?

Mika: "Our original location in Chandler was founded by my parents in 2003, with the goal of introducing truly authentic Japanese flavors to a market where those options were limited at the time. My husband (executive chef) and I returned from Japan in 2019 and became more involved in the business, especially during COVID. During that period, we adapted our menu and operations to stay relevant, which allowed us to grow despite the challenges.

Today, our vision is to create an experience rooted in authentic Japanese tradition while thoughtfully evolving to meet the expectations of our guests here in the U.S."

What do you hope customers learn or experience about your culture when they dine with you?

"What’s often available in the current market can feel like a replication of Japanese cuisine without a deep understanding behind it. Our approach is shaped by our own background—we were raised and built our professional careers in Japan, which informs how we source ingredients, develop flavors, and approach technique. At the same time, we’re mindful of the American palate and how to make that experience approachable.

In larger metropolitan cities, we’re seeing a growing demand for more refined and authentic dining experiences, and we would love to see the Arizona market continue to evolve in that direction. We hope to contribute to that growth by offering something that stays true to traditional standards while resonating with our local community."

Is there a flavor, dish, or tradition you think is often misunderstood or underrepresented that you love sharing with guests?

"Sushi is often the first thing people associate with Japanese cuisine, but the range of flavors and techniques extends far beyond it—especially regarding cooked dishes. One example is yakitori, which we offer at our Gilbert location. We brought in a traditional yakitori grill from Japan and built our menu based on the flavor profiles and techniques found in authentic yakitori restaurants. We also operate a yakitori restaurant in Japan, and we’re intentional about ensuring what we serve here reflects that same standard.

Even within sushi, some elements are often misunderstood. Silver-skinned fish, such as kohada, iwashi and aji, are the highlight of traditional sushi but are sometimes avoided due to a perception of “fishiness,” which often stems from improper handling. When prepared correctly, these fish are delicate, clean, and full of depth.

Through both our sushi and cooked dishes, we aim to introduce guests to a more complete and accurate experience of Japanese cuisine."

What has your experience been like serving the Gilbert community?

"It has been very rewarding. We often hear from guests who feel they’ve experienced a different level of Japanese cuisine for the first time. Some guests even tell us that after visiting Japan, they struggled to find something comparable in the Valley until they found us. Being able to create that connection and sense of discovery is something we value deeply."

Authentic Thai flavors inspired by family recipes

Open Since October 2019 | cafedebangkokus.com

How has your background shaped who you are today?

"My Thai upbringing, Southern Thai heritage, and strong family values shaped my passion for hospitality, authenticity, hard work, and caring for others. My family’s cooking traditions inspired the foundation of Cafe de Bangkok and continue to influence everything we do today."

How do you maintain authenticity in your cooking and what has that commitment meant for the restaurant?

"Cafe de Bangkok in Gilbert is proudly honored with the prestigious Thai SELECT Certification (comparable to the MICHELIN Guide in Thai version) from the Royal Thai Government since 2023.

The Thai SELECT seal is awarded by the Department of International Trade Promotion under the Ministry of Commerce (MOC) to restaurants that preserve authentic Thai flavors while maintaining exceptional international quality standards.

We are deeply honored to continue our Thai SELECT recognition for the 2026–2029 term following the official visit and confirmation by Mr. Niwat Hansaward, Executive Director of the Thai Trade Center Los Angeles, during his visit to Arizona on February 4, 2026.

This recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to delivering genuine Thai cuisine inspired by Mom’s cherished recipes and Southern Thai heritage every day."

What are some of your most popular or signature dishes and what makes them special?

"Some of our most popular dishes include Tom Kha Soup, Khao Soi (Curry Noodle), Thai Boat Noodles, Larb Chicken Wings, Thai Crab Meat Omelette, Southern Thai Crab Meat Curry, Pad Sataw (Stir-fried Bitter Bean with Shrimp & Ground Pork), Crying Tiger Beef, and Pad Mee Korat.

What makes them special is our commitment to authentic Thai flavors, traditional cooking techniques, fresh herbs, and regional recipes rarely found outside Thailand."

What has your experience been like serving the Gilbert community?

"Serving the Gilbert community has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Since opening in October 2019, we have been grateful for the strong support from local families, loyal customers, and visitors who appreciate authentic Thai cuisine and culture. It has been meaningful to see our restaurant become part of the community."

What message would you share with younger AAPI generations?

"I encourage younger AAPI generations to be proud of their heritage and cultural identity. Stay connected to your roots, work hard, remain humble, and never be afraid to share your culture with others. Your background is a strength that makes you unique."

Korean-inspired desserts and drinks

Open Since October 2022 | frostails.com

What inspired you to open FROSTAiLS and what vision did you have for the experience you wanted to create?

"Being a Korean American who has been in Arizona since 2003, I wanted to bring some culture to Gilbert where I resided for almost 20 years. I wanted to bring authenticity yet in a very welcoming way like you’re family here."

What are some of your most popular or signature desserts and drinks and what makes them special?

"Mango Bingsu, Pineapple Grape Bingsu, Banana Coffee, Green Grape-Ade.

What makes them special is that those items, as well as everything else created at FROSTAiLS, are so unique yet so healthy."

What do you hope customers learn or experience about your culture when they visit?

"My intention is to bring a little bit of the Korean culture to Gilbert without having to fly across the world. With that in mind, I hope customers learn something new and/or experience something out of this world, literally."

What has been one of the biggest challenges and rewards of running a food business?

"The biggest challenge has been getting people to walk in versus staring outside looking in. Once people get the courage to walk in, they are blown away with our offerings."

What are your hopes for FROSTAiLS in the next few years?

"I hope FROSTAiLS becomes a staple of Gilbert to further expand into other cities/towns to introduce our many different types of creations."

How has your background shaped who you are today?

“My background has allowed me to understand different vantage points in life, which has increased my overall ability to empathize with others”

What’s a value or lesson passed down in your family that guides you? 

“My family stressed the value of respect at an early age. With all the negativity in society, it is my personal mission to be a positive influence on others by always being respectful.”