d'bali Asian Bistro — Restaurant in Airway Heights

My husband and I live Asian food and is always on a hunt to find a spot. We thrive on finding restaurants that are more ‘Mom-n-Pop’ down-to-earth style versus franchise eateries.

We went for lunch and was greeted by what we later learned was the owner. We were served by a very nice employee who shared a conversation with us about how much Spokane has changed and the Yoke’s located across the street was the first of its kind l.

Much of the menu was in a transition stage meaning some of the menu items were not available. My husband and I found what we wanted and here are our thoughts:

Drinks Thai Iced Tea: you can never go wrong! It was just amount of sweet with just amount of taste:

Appetizers • Signature Chicken Wings: My husband loved them! He appreciated the savory sauce and flavor along with the crispness of the chicken. • Veggie Spring Rolls: You can never go wrong. I felt the ‘piece’ amount was confusing. On the menu, it is 8 pc. but in reality it was 4 spring rolls cut in halves

Entree • Nasi Goreng: This was a fried rice style meal which I included chicken with it. The dish is served with a runny egg on top, but opted with a scrambled egg. It wasn’t as scrambled as I would have liked, but the joined flavors was put together well. • Garlic Chicken: My husband is a deep, loyal liar when it comes to this type of dish! It was served a tad bit different that he’d expect but he liked the savory flavor and the pineapple touch to round off the taste.

Pros • Friendly staff • Knowledgeable with menu combo and/or slight changes to menu • Family-Friendly

Cons • A small fly around the table/establishment • Menu selections limited and not available

Overall It was a good experience, but some expediences could have made the time a bit more spectacular. It was a decent visit and trial...

Unfortunately I can’t give a review on the food because we walked in, were seated and decided to walk out due to how we were greeted. We arrived at 8:05pm with no one in the restaurant. They close at 9 but had reservation’s available online until 8:30 so we felt ok coming later at night. I used to be in food service and fully understand how frustrating it can be when people come in late to close. However, my sister and her partner were visiting and they heard great things about mama J and her restaurant so we raced there after work to arrive as soon as possible. When we walked in I told the host/server that there were four of us for dine in. The server responded with a sarcastic “perfect” and proceeded to tell us that “they haven’t been that busy and will now be stuck there for another hour, but it’s ok they have plenty to do.” She was covered in flour and had an attitude. I’m sure this may sound petty but were so let down by the unwelcome energy. I told the waitress we were leaving because of how unwelcoming she was and that now she’ll be able to go home. She followed us out of the restaurant to tell us she wasn’t trying to be rude. I understand finding good help is hard to come by these days but I felt the owner, who seems like a beloved fixture of Spokane should know her server essentially turned away customers and may want to focus on finding front of house staff that is kind, welcoming, and isn’t doing double duty cooking food in the kitchen. I’m sure the food and the owner are wonderful and that is why I’m leaving...

tl;dr MALAYSIAN APPROVED.

I'm not from Spokane but every time I land at the airport I find myself wanting to come here. Today was no different, it was my third time here and this warrants a review!

Bringing on the complex Southeast Asian flavors from over five countries is no small feat but "Mama" Jeannie Choi brought it. She brought her A-for Asia game all the way from there to - of all places: Spokane, WA.

At first I thought it was a little gimmicky: water is served in little Thai aluminum cups, rice in a weaved basket, and a menu that spans over five countries.

But no, this is not a pretentious place; Mama Jeannie Choi is brave and unapologetic about her style and her food. She serves every meal with banchan (Korean side dishes), even with non-Korean dishes like beef rendang. Yes. Why? She said because she's Korean, and Koreans gotta have banchan. And frankly because that's what she wants, and she can, so she did.

Doesn't that make it less authentic? Sure. The beef rendang doesn't look like what I had at home in Malaysia. But the flavors made me nod and agree "mhmm" as I took my first bite. It had the flavors and it was enough to make me come back and try other things. So yes, it's not an Indonesian or Thai restaurant, it's d'bali Asian Bistro, done Mama Jeannie Choi style.

Go try it, and try more, and try their dessert! it's...