Orlando's Favorite Chinese Restaurant
The Walala Story
A bowl of noodles, a promise of love.
Walala didn’t start as a business idea. It started as a dream between a father and daughter—a quiet hope that somehow, through food, we could build something meaningful together.
My dad, Jay, is a true foodie. The kind who never settles for “good enough.” He’s spent his life tasting his way through China, always chasing that perfect bite. I grew up watching him fall in love with flavor, with craft, with the quiet joy of a well-made meal. And at the same time, I was falling in love with hospitality—with the joy of welcoming someone in, of making them feel cared for, seen, full.
We’re very different, my dad and I. He’s the quiet perfectionist, I’m the talkative host. But what we share is this: we both believe that food is a kind of love. A kind of ministry. And when we came to Orlando, we knew we didn’t just want to open a restaurant. We wanted to build a place that felt like home.
Why We Named It “Walala”
“Walala” is our little play on the French word voilà!—which means “there it is!” We loved that energy, that joy, that little spark of magic when something appears just right. To us, that’s what food can be. A moment. A surprise. A gift.
So Walala! Here it is—our heart on a plate.
The Noodles Are Only Half the Story
Yes, our Lanzhou-style hand-pulled noodles are a show. You’ll hear them slap, see them stretch, watch them dance in the kitchen window. But behind all that is something deeper: tradition, patience, and a whole lot of love.
We make everything the long way—our broths simmer for hours, our dumplings are folded by hand, and every dish carries with it a little piece of our story. My dad still tastes the soup every day before we open, just to make sure it’s right. Not fancy—just right.
And if you ask for more noodles? We’ll bring them. Always. Because we believe in generosity, in fullness—not just of bowls, but of spirit.
Our Journey, So Far
When we first opened in Orlando’s Chinatown Plaza, we had no idea what to expect. We were just hoping to share what we loved with others. To our surprise and deep gratitude, people came. Word spread. Soon, we were welcoming guests from all over the city—families, friends, curious newcomers, and loyal regulars who now feel like family.
Even the Michelin Guide came calling, which still feels like a dream. But what means more to us than any review is hearing someone say, “This reminds me of home,” or “I feel better after eating here.”
That’s the whole point. That’s everything.
More Than a Meal
For us, Walala isn’t just a restaurant. It’s a promise. A promise between a father and daughter to do something beautiful together. A promise to serve with care, with joy, with heart.
We hope that when you walk through our doors, you feel it—that sense of welcome, of warmth, of being looked after. Whether you’re here for a quick lunch or a slow, laughter-filled dinner, we want you to leave feeling a little more full—in every way that matters.
Thank you for being part of this story.
With love,
Yafei & Jay
The Walala Family