What’s good fam, I’m Hideki aka your cool uncle and I’m excited to be cookin up some good food and good vibes for y’all! Growing up I was blessed to live in a multi-generational, multi-ethnic (Japanese & Thai) household, and my mom and grandma would cook every day. Even though my mom is Thai, she would cook a lot of Japanese food while my grandma would cook Thai dishes to eat. Looking back, the comfort of having food we grew up eating and sharing it with the people whom we love is one of the purest forms of human connection we can have.

I’ve also seen how food can heal the soul. When my mom was hospitalized for seizures related to a brain tumor, it was at least 30-40 days before she could eat solid food again. As soon as the doctor said it was ok for her to eat anything, you could smell the curry and fish sauce down the hall from my my cousins and aunties haha. I truly believed the comfort of these home cooked meals helped my mom recover as much as she did, and the reason why I cook is because I hope to help heal people in the best way I know how. I have a Master’s degree in Counseling and my main hustle is as a college counselor; I have no formal kitchen experience, but I started cooking a little more seriously in 2017. I cook with the memory of the delicious things that I grew up eating as my guide, and I’m excited to share what I learn as I experiment with these flavors!

Yo! What's up! My name is Kris, but everyone calls me Z! Short for Zion.
I've been a DJ since 2007, a producer since 2012 and literally grew up in the kitchen.
My grandparents opened a Mexican restaurant in 1989 called “Los Frijolitos” in Hacienda Heights and almost everyone in my family had their first job there, Including yours truly. Funny thing is, I’ve been around cooking and food my whole life but it’s only been up till recently that I’ve taken a serious interest in it. Music has always been my main outlet of expression, however due to the pandemic and there being no gigs. It really allowed the space for me to get reintroduced and come to the realization of why I love cooking in the first place.

See, the shop has always been able to provide a sense of community and camaraderie, a place where you can pop in, grab a taco, talk with random strangers about life, current events, maybe even catch a game. That for me, is and always will be the best part. The “vibe”, if you will. I mean look don’t get me wrong good eats are good eats; however Music, Food and Good Company that’s the recipe for my holy trinity.

Hey everyone, Louis here! Pretty much born and raised in the San Gabriel valley, I’ve worked a few jobs in the restaurant service industry but I didn't really start cooking until I moved out a couple years ago (I make the fluffiest scrambled eggs you’ll ever have). As early as I can remember my dad was always in the kitchen making sure our whole family was well fed, from chilaquiles to his special New Years menudo. Growing up having countless BBQ’s at the house or family parties really showed me how food is able to bring people together. Having those experiences at a young age instilled in me the desire to share similar experiences with others.

When I'm not cooking most of my time is spent creating music or working on new DJ mixes. Both cooking and music have taught me some valuable lessons and skills. I’ve learned more about patience, readiness, planning, the importance of practice, and most importantly the value of staying continually humble. If there’s anything I’ve learned it’s that failures will happen.They are a huge part of the journey, and it's in those moments where we honestly learn the most.

Hello there, my name is Ryan! I grew up in the SF Bay Area and have always had a connection to delicious food. From an early age I’ve been fortunate enough to have the opportunity to travel often. During my travels I always look forward to eating the local cuisine and trying new dishes I’ve never heard of before. Over the years I’ve developed a diverse palette and at home try to cook some of these dishes myself. My inspiration in the kitchen comes from my mother’s home cooked meals. As a Filipino American immigrant she cooks classic dishes such as Adobo, Sinigang and Pancit but will also try new recipes. Whatever she cooks always turns out bomb because of the love and care she puts into it, which is what I aspire to do as well.

My experience in the food industry ranges from busser to line cook at places such as Yoshinoya, Cat Cora’s Kitchen and The Boiling Crab. While working in the restaurant has taught me valuable skills and lessons cooking for friends and family is where my true passion lies. Nothing else compares to the feeling I get from watching them enjoy a meal I prepared for them. Now as part of The Yaki Papis team I am excited to share that same passion with you and it is my hope that when you eat our food you feel like family.