China King Restaurant- Once You Are Here, You Are Home

Address: 5 S King St., Leesburg, VA 20175

Dining Concept: Hunan cuisine, Szechuan cuisine

House specialties: Kung Pao Chicken, Sour Spicy Soup, General Tso’s Chicken

Phone: 703-777-9831

Offers: dine-in, take-out, delivery   

Year of Establishment: 1989

In the hopes of building a better life, David and Waily Whang moved their family from Hong Kong to the United States in 1977. After moving to Reno, Nevada, Waily’s first job was working a keno table at the local casino while her husband David worked as a cook in another hotel-casino. Seven years later, the Whang family drove cross-country to relocate in Virginia.  David and Waily both worked in a Chinese restaurant until 1989, when they were finally able to purchase China King in Leesburg, Va.

There were many challenges in taking over the business. To help establish a larger customer base and entice skeptical consumers that may have been unimpressed with the old management, they posted a “New Management” sign. It took time to create a good reputation but as time went by, the Whang’s began to see the fruits of their labor. The menu offerings at China King consist mostly of popular Hunan and Szechuan dishes. They soon added regular lunch specials and dine-in dinner specials. A year later, they expanded by offering delivery service to local customers. As with any business, they have had their share of good and bad days. Waily gives credit to her faith in God for supporting her family when times were tough. However, working seven days a week, 80 to 90 hours collectively, began to take its toll. Waily and David decided to close the restaurant on Sundays to rest, attend church and make it a family day. 

After 12 years of running China King, Waily lost her husband David due to illness. With the help of her family and her extended family of loyal customers, she did not lose hope to continue on. 

“I will never forget the loving concern and thoughtfulness from so many people, people we knew well and even those we didn’t know,” said Waily. “Good food is the reason but the relationships are what make it special.” 

To illustrate, one diner wrote: “I discovered 'the King' while living in Reston, Va. back in 2000.  I then moved to Leesburg, where eating at this warm and friendly establishment became a weekly ritual. My sons, who live about an hour southeast of Leesburg, have been known to drive to this special little place for its wonderful food and warm, friendly service. I now live in Virginia Beach, almost 5 hours southeast, and whenever I’m in the immediate area for a visit, I do my best to make the trip out to enjoy my favorite dish here at China King. Last night, we all enjoyed a meal here in celebration of my youngest son’s graduation! It is amazing how they recall what he loves to order when they don't even see us on a weekly basis. Now that’s personal service. We love you guys!”

Another longtime customer of “the King” writes: “I have lived all over the East Coast, from Florida to Mass., and travelled all over the U.S. I am now living north of Baltimore, after living in Boston for six years. I drive three hours round-trip to have dinner with family and friends, always leaving with at least one order to go. All the ingredients are of the best quality and I highly recommend that anyone visit and taste for themselves. But the taste is not all that China King has to offer. It is nestled in the historic district of downtown Leesburg and has an intimately sized dining room that really heightens the experience. The staff is extremely friendly and they offer exceptional service. If you’ve ever eaten at the best restaurants of NYC, Boston, or LA’s Chinatowns, then this is a must.”

What began as a simple transaction of satisfying the customer's appetite has turned into a multitude of friendships with plenty of sharing, caring and good times over the years. The staff knows many of the regular patrons, and even calls them by their first names. Even if the server does not know you by your first name, he or she can most keenly match your face to your favorite order. Even people with the most finicky tastes that fall into the high-maintenance category are welcomed here. Whether you want your chicken with mixed vegetables steamed with sauce on the side or steamed and cooked with the sauce of your choice, your wish is their command. The staff at China King tries their best to customize to individual tastes. 

In Focus

When you step into China King, you will first notice the coziness of the dining room. With an elegantly remodeled dining area, the feeling of a calm and warm atmosphere is undeniable.   The tall backs of the booths allow for a more intimate setting. Table four is the premium table for diners with young children because it offers the added attraction of the goldfish aquarium.  China King is the place to take your friends, colleagues, date, spouse, young children and teenagers for a tasty meal at affordable prices. It is the epitome of family restaurant.

The most popular dishes include Kung Pao Chicken, General Tso’s Chicken and Meat Dumplings.  The Kung Pao Chicken receives many compliments mostly due to the special sauce. It is made with diced chicken, peanuts, chopped onions and dried peppers, stir-fried in a unique, flavorful sauce that has become a staple to many of the downtown business crowd for lunch. The General Tso’s chicken is made with tender white meat and a delicious sauce that has mouthwatering hints of ginger and garlic. Pan-fried or steamed, the meat dumplings are an all-around favorite. The juices that sink in with every bite make for a savory starter or even as a fulfilling meal. Traditional wonton, egg drop and hot and sour soups are all made fresh daily.  Though the menu has been fine-tuned for the American palate, it still offers the delicious and appetizing flavors of traditional Chinese cuisine. Egg foo yung is a real pleaser to those who may have been disappointed in the past. A fair selection of beer and wine are offered on the premises. China King suggests that you complement your spicy chicken dish with a glass of viognier. And for dessert, you may select a cool treat like the exotic mango sherbet or tasty green tea ice cream. 

Dine-in, carry-out and delivery services are offered six days a week, closing only on Sundays.  Lunch is served from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m, and dinner is served between 4 p.m. to close. There are daily lunch specials every day and dinner specials for the dining room only Monday through Thursday. Service is friendly and very efficient, and the dining room is kept clean and comfortable. On Friday and Saturday evenings, delivery service may take an extra 10 to 15 minutes more as these are their busiest days. 

Although China King is a part of the highly competitive restaurant industry, it is no surprise that it is still standing and still going strong. Great food at reasonable prices combined with great people in an inviting atmosphere is a true recipe for success. With the 20-year anniversary coming up in February, Waily certainly has something to celebrate.  

“Thanks to all the friends and loyal customers over the years and for the new customers yet to become part of the family here at China King,” said Waily.