Hong & MeiYan Continue delicious Tradition at Orient Cafe in The Dalles

Wok is hot as Hong Zhao adds his flavors to this Beef Broccoli dish at the Orient Cafe, 1222 W. Second St., The Dalles. This humble restaurant next to Peterson Cat goes big on taste and flames.

Hong Zhao and MeiYan Yan are continuing the 27-year tradition of freshly preparing and cooking a wide variety of Chinese dishes at the Orient Cafe in The Dalles.

MeiYan Yan and their new baby Kyle, the latest edition to their family.

The couple insists on the delivery of fresh vegetables and ingredients as food safety and quality are a top priority as they continue to honor their family which opened the restaurant in 1996.

Curry Potato Rice Bowl with Chicken

Their uncle, Sam Chen, who started the restaurant gave Hong and MeiYan the opportunity to take it over in 2020 when he retired. 

They are open six days a week. Tues- Sat 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Sun - Noon - 8:30 p.m.

They often spend their Monday off in Portland procuring the best ingredients for hand-prepped and wok-fired plates.

Won Ton Soup, Sweet & Sour Chicken, Kung Pao Beef, Szechuan Shrimp, Chow Mein and Chop Suey and, of course, well-priced combinations come with much love and from a flaming wok. Their menu is expansive.  

Both Hong and MeiYan grew up in the city of Taishan, China where Hong learned to cook and respect food from a young age.  Taishan calls itself the "First Home of the Overseas Chinese". An estimated half a million Chinese Americans are of Taishanese descent.

When asked what his favorite dish is to make, Hong quickly said “real Chinese food, everything on the menu. I do my best cooking.”

That Broccoli never had a chance against Hong and his delicious beef.

And MeiYan provides the smiles and service, offering menus, hot tea, soup and assistance to Hong as he plates the dishes.

Sweet & Sour Sauce completes this combo #8

The couple are excited to share their culture as much as learning about Oregon and the United States. 

Hong said they both received a foundation in English and U.S. Culture but have been actively adding to their knowledge since immigrating to the U.S. in 2010. 

Hong, 35 and MeiYan, 31, met on China’s National Day, Oct. 1,  after finishing school and they knew it was a match. In addition to a tasty and busy restaurant, the young couple also have two children, Ivan, 5 and Kyle, 10 months.

Sometimes they are at the restaurant. Stop by and say, hi, and don’t forget the Pot Stickers and Moo Goo Guy Pan - You know - tender chicken pieces and mushrooms with crisp vegetables such as carrots, water chestnuts, and snow peas all stir-fried together with a savory sauce. 

The Classic #3 - Fried Rice, Pork Chow Mein and Sweet & Sour Chicken

And if you can’t dine in, you can always order online and pickup.

Getting There

EZ to find at 1222 W. Second Street.

Just follow west 2nd Street past Autozone and Point S Tires and you will see it on the right in the square green building just east of Peterson Cat.