Hengry Lounge LA
Opened in 2024, Hengry Lounge LA is quickly turning heads and awakening local taste buds. But for owner Leo, Hengry is more than a restaurant—it’s the realization of a dream rooted in family, heritage, and resilience.
The story of Hengry begins in my hometown of Guiyang, in Guizhou, China,” Leo shares. “From 1991 to 1997, my family ran a very popular restaurant there. It all started with a tiny shop that served just one dish, Miao sour soup fish hotpot. At the time, no other restaurant was offering it, and it quickly became a local favorite.
That singular dish would go on to define not only the restaurant, but Leo’s life. In 1996, a visit from his great-great-uncle, a Chinese American living in Los Angeles, changed everything. Inspired by the family’s success, he urged Leo’s father to consider a move to the U.S. to create better opportunities for his two sons and future generations.
It was a tough decision,” Leo recalls, “but eventually, my father said yes. He left Guiyang at the end of 1996, and two years later, we sold the restaurant and joined him in Los Angeles.
Though they left their hometown behind, they brought something even more powerful with them: their recipes, traditions, and the spirit of Guizhou hospitality.
I grew up in that restaurant,” says Leo. “I watched my family work side by side, putting their hearts into every dish they served. Those memories are deeply rooted in my soul. When we came to Los Angeles, we didn’t just bring our luggage, we also brought our recipes, our traditions, and our love for Guizhou cuisine. Most recipes we use at Hengry come directly from those years in Guiyang.
Hengry isn’t just another Chinese restaurant. It’s a celebration of heritage, flavor, and artistry. Specializing in Guizhou cuisine, a regional style known for its sour, spicy, and umami-packed dishes, the restaurant presents each plate like a story. From sizzling stir-fries to slow-simmered broths, every dish reflects the family’s deep commitment to authenticity and innovation.
For a long time, I dreamed of opening a place in LA where I could share the food I grew up with and honor my family’s legacy,” Leo explains. “Hengry is that dream come true. It’s more than a restaurant; it’s a tribute to my roots, my family’s hard work, and the rich culinary culture of Guizhou. Seeing customers discover and fall in love with these flavors, many for the first time, is one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
Hengry’s space is as thoughtfully curated as the menu itself. With striking artwork, contemporary lighting, and sleek wooden tables, Hengry sets the stage for a dining experience that’s both elevated and inviting.
Today, we still serve Miao sour soup fish hotpot at Hengry; a recipe my family has treasured for over three decades. Every time I taste it, I’m transported back to where it all began. It feels just like yesterday.
Recommended Items
Chilled Spicy Chicken
A signature Guizhou dish. Tender poached chicken is served cold and dressed in a sauce made with chili oil, garlic, and Sichuan peppercorns.
Miao Sour Soup
A distinctive sour and spicy broth, traditionally made with fermented rice water and a variety of ingredients like tomatoes, chili peppers, garlic, and ginger.
Contact
(626) 761-8888
www.hellohengry.com