Lakeland

Chen’s Duck and Dumplings Opening in Lakeland

Handmade soup dumplings, roasted duck, noodles, and Chinese specialties will anchor the offerings at this restaurant.

Image from Chen’s Duck and Dumplings website

LAKELAND, FL — Chen’s Duck and Dumplings is targeting an end of April or early May opening at 5125 Florida Ave. S, Lakeland, FL 33813. The owner told Business Debut the restaurant will be a casual full-service concept centered on traditional Peking duck, soup dumplings and a broader menu of Chinese dishes.

What to Expect

The restaurant’s signature item will be its Peking duck, which is prepared over several hours, roasted, and sliced thin in traditional fashion. The chef was trained by Michelin-star award-winning Quanjude, a brand officially recognized and protected by the nation of China. The owner told Business Debut the team believes it is currently the only restaurant in the Tampa area specializing in this style of duck preparation.

Guests can also expect handmade soup dumplings, another major focus for the restaurant, made in-house by the chef. Chen’s Duck and Dumplings will have seating for about 150 guests and plans to offer a full bar.

Beyond duck and dumplings, the menu will include traditional Chinese dishes and noodles. The owner told Business Debut that items will include zha jiang noodles, Mongolian beef and Chengdu chicken.

The owner said the soup dumplings are a favorite menu item. The restaurant is positioning duck, Chinese dishes and soup dumplings as the main draw for Lakeland diners.

Images from Chen’s Duck and Dumplings website

Opening Timeline

Chen’s Duck and Dumplings is aiming to open by the end of April. The owner told Business Debut that an early May opening is also possible, with an exact date still to be announced.