Wan’s Reopens: A Heartfelt Return to Classic Chinese Cuisine in Fort Lauderdale

After a hiatus, Wan’s—an iconic restaurant in Fort Lauderdale—is back, much to the delight of the local community. This establishment, known for its rich history and family-oriented atmosphere, continues to serve the classic Chinese dishes that have made it a staple in the area.

The Legacy of Wan’s

Alex Kuk, a representative of Wan’s, shares the significance of the establishment to his family. “Wan’s is about my family’s legacy, from my great-grandfather to my grandfather. They named it Wan’s. It’s classic Chinese,” he states, highlighting the restaurant’s enduring heritage.

Timeless Dining Experience

Patrons will find that much of the charm of Wan’s lies in its nostalgic ambiance. “It’s the tablecloths, it’s the crispy noodles, it’s the fortune cookies at the end, it’s the families coming in on Sundays with their kids. The combinations are back with my grandma’s combo plates,” Alex explains, emphasizing the warmth associated with family gatherings over meals.

Culinary Tradition in the Kitchen

The culinary practices in Wan’s kitchen reflect a deep-rooted connection to Chinese cooking traditions. “It’s really a culinary art to use the wok, to get the breadth of the wok. This is the tradition of Chinese cooking,” says Alex, who underscores the expertise required for preparing their signature dishes.

Signature Dishes

Among the favorites are tender duck and fall-off-the-bone ribs, which highlight the restaurant’s commitment to texture and flavor. “The tenderness of the duck, the crispiness of the duck, the fall-off-the-bone ribs; it’s just about texture, taste. This is the tradition of my family and our cuisine,” Alex remarks.

A Community Favorite

Previously known as Christina Wan’s, the restaurant closed its doors for a time but has now reopened after responding to community demands. “It would mean, for me, to let that legacy go. My cousin and I decided it was too much of a priceless thing, that we just couldn’t let this go. The people loved it, people demanded it,” Alex notes, capturing the essence of community support that motivated the reopening.

Returning to Family Atmosphere

At Wan’s, customers are treated like family. “Customers are our friends and our family. We have dinner with them, we have birthdays with them. We go through a life cycle with these people who are now our family,” Alex describes, highlighting the strong bonds formed over the years.

Community Sentiment

Longtime patrons are thrilled about the revival of Wan’s. Alison Zerbe shares her excitement, stating, “I’m super happy, I’m super duper happy, I’m so excited. I’ve been coming here since I was in eighth grade. I love this place.”

Visit Wan’s

If you’re in Fort Lauderdale and craving a classic Chinese dining experience, Wan’s is ready to welcome you back: