‘Soooo good’: New restaurant opens in Boise’s planned ‘Chinatown’ mall. More are coming

Michael Deeds
·2 min read

A new restaurant debuted recently on the West Bench in Boise, signaling progress at the developing Idaho Asian Plaza.

Diners definitely approve.

Peking Tokyo Asian Bistro & Sushi Bar is open at 3027 N. Cole Road. It serves a large variety of moderately priced dishes for lunch and dinner. The food ranges from Chinese and Japanese to Thai.

Peking Tokyo rates a perfect 5.0 out of 5.0 on Google. A dozen reviewers praise attributes such as portion sizes, service, restaurant decor, and in multiple cases, sushi quality.

“Definitely found our new Chinese place!!” a Local Guide wrote on Google. “Finally someplace that knows how to make real Mongolian beef!”

There’s only one review on Yelp so far: 4.0 out of 5.0 stars. “Overall, worth the visit, and would come again, but would stick with the sushi ...” that review advises.

Located on the southwest corner of Cole and Ustick Roads, Idaho Asian Plaza was envisioned as Boise’s Chinatown — a vibrant shopping destination filled with international businesses. The plaza has been coming to fruition slowly over a number of years.

Peking Tokyo Asian Bistro & Sushi is open for business at the Idaho Asian Plaza.
Peking Tokyo Asian Bistro & Sushi is open for business at the Idaho Asian Plaza.

Peking Tokyo is the first of a handful restaurants planned. Utah-based co-owner Steve Lin is aiming for an end-of-year launch for Ombu Korean BBQ, 3023 N. Cole Road. And Hot Pot, 3035 N. Cole Road, is planned in March 2024, Lin said in a spring phone interview. Lin did not respond to messages requesting an update on the restaurants last week.

Taste of Nigeria African Cuisine also is eyeing Idaho Asian Plaza — in a spot at 3031 N. Cole Road, according to previous Idaho Statesman reporting.

But for now? Peking Tokyo has the spotlight.

The sushi selection is huge. But there also are traditional Asian lunch and dinner platters such as General Tso’s Chicken ($9.79/$12.39) and Kung Pao Shrimp ($10.20/$12.59), along with Thai lunch options including Pad Thai ($10.59 chicken or vegetable, $11.59 shrimp or beef).

Interested Idaho diners can peruse the menu on the restaurant’s website, pekingtokyoasianbistro.com. Food is available for online orders, takeout and delivery, too.

Despite the menu’s hefty size — not always an encouraging sign for food quality — Peking Tokyo is off to a strong start, online reviewers say.

“Soooo good!” yet another Local Guide wrote in a Google review. “Really excited to finally have some excellent Chinese food in Boise! They definitely know their audience, because they have a really wide selection of Asian foods. They also label all of their sushi whether it has raw fish or not. Speaking of sushi, it was incredible!”

It’s the first thing anyone sees when driving into the Idaho Asian Plaza area off Cole Road just south of Ustick Road. The Friendship Gate was constructed with parts from imported from China.
It’s the first thing anyone sees when driving into the Idaho Asian Plaza area off Cole Road just south of Ustick Road. The Friendship Gate was constructed with parts from imported from China.