North China Restaurant

North China Restaurant- A Restaurant by a Chef, for His Customers

Celebrity chefs open their own restaurants all the time. Often times, these chefs have been far removed from the rigors and demands of the daily preparation of food for a long time. It is rare for a chef to pull himself up from the kitchen to the head office- especially in the very same restaurant. North China Restaurant’s owner Albert Sung is just such a success story. His restaurant is a testament to his spirit, culinary gifts, and welcoming personality.

Since its opening in 1986, North China Restaurant has consistently served delicious Chinese food to local Washingtonians. The small dining room and its simple, understated décor allows the food to take center stage. But welcoming décor is not lacking at North China Restaurant. Fresh flowers and white starched tablecloths adorn every table. Lighting from spotlights creates a warm ambiance, leaving a positive impression on all the guests. The casual environment is inviting and friendly, even in the chilly winters of Edmonds, Washington. Of course, it’s always kept sparkling clean and strict codes of sanitation are followed, so diners can enjoy their food with confidence.

Name: North China Restaurant

Phone: 425-774-4310

Cuisine: Mixed Chinese

Capacity: About 65

Services: Dine-in, take-out

Signature Dish: General Tso’s Chicken

Drinks: Soda, beer, wine, liquor

Established: 1986

House Specialties: General Tso’s Chicken, Honey Pecan Prawns, and Stir-Fried Prawns with Greens, Pot stickers

The Food

While not adhering to any particular regional Chinese cuisine, the menu at North China is tailored to fit local American tastes. According to the owner, Albert Sung, this often means that the food is slightly less spicy than in traditional recipes. Best-selling dishes include General Tso’s Chicken, Honey Pecan Prawns, and Stir-Fried Prawns with Greens. The homemade pot stickers are also renowned for their crisp wrappings and flavorful fillings.

The restaurant also takes pride in its healthy cooking. While many restaurants seek to create specialty “healthy menu” items, most items at North China Restaurant are already healthy. There are many vegetable dishes to choose from, such as Peking Eggplant and Vegetable Delight. The food is freshly prepared with little salt and as little oil as possible, which is one of the secrets of the restaurant’s popularity. Steamed dishes are also available to customers who ask for them, and Sung admits that customers ask for them often.

The Owner

Few restaurant owners know their restaurant as well as Sung. Sung has the advantage of not only knowing what’s it like to run a highly-successful restaurant- he also knows what its like to work and cook in such a competitive establishment! Seventeen years ago, when Sung first started working at North China, he conjured up culinary magic in the kitchen, helping the restaurant develop a solid menu. Now he hands over the cooking to two chefs, who keep a steady stream of steaming dishes flowing from the kitchen on busy weekend evenings. The fact that one of the cooks has been with North China for over ten years has kept the dishes at a consistent level of taste and quality that customers know they can depend on. Sung’s own experience in the kitchen has helped to keep a strict focus on taste and consistency over the years. He is receptive to the demands of his chefs and also knows what customers like, leading to a union of culinary mastery that has garnered respect from his patrons. North China’s backbone is its loyal customers, who not only return with their business but help spread the good word to their friends. “In fact, some of our customers have been coming here for twenty years!” Sung reported. “They are like old friends.”

The Service

The level of service diners receive at North China is top-notch. Not only does Sung serve in a managerial role (and occasionally as a chef), but he also serves as the restaurant’s best ambassador. Occasionally Sung works as a host in the front of the restaurant along with his wife- a personal touch that shows his dedication to good service. The experienced servers take and fill orders quickly and efficiently, working together with the team in the kitchen. If customers have complaints, the servers listen carefully and do their best to solve the problem. Sung said that such sincere service is what sets apart his restaurant from others. Sung’s rapport with his customers is legendary and his personal dedication and history with the local community makes him many friends.

Although Sung admitted that the recent poor economy has affected the business of his restaurant, just as it has affected everyone, the future for North China seems optimistic, depending on an unbeatable combination of delicious food, a relaxing atmosphere, and attentive service. Rising from a humble chef to the owner of his own restaurant, Sung has endured worse than the demands of an economic downturn. By rolling up his sleeves and continuing to work for his customers, North China Restaurant can look forward to another seventeen years of service from its owner, chef and host – Albert Sung.