I went into *Welcome to Dragon Restaurant* expecting another Shen Teng comedy — and walked out with my eyes swollen from crying. It far exceeded every expectation; this is not a comedy at all, but one of the most powerful anti-war films I've ever seen. Director Wen Muye never relies on spectacle or bloodshed to condemn war. Instead, he exposes its cruelty through contrast: a humble Chinese kitchen planted in the…
Once Upon a Time in the Middle East (2026)
Xu Fu travels to the Middle East to work as a chef in a Chinese restaurant to pay off family debts, where he meets floor manager Ma Junsheng. Their Dragon Restaurant rises to fame, attracting crowds with authentic‑tasting Chinese food. But war breaks out, and local conditions take a drastic turn for the worse. No one can remain unaffected. What lies ahead for them? And how will the Dragon Restaurant hold on amid the war?
Top Cast
Shen Teng
Xu Fu
Jiang Qiming
Ma Junsheng
Omar Sherif
Seif
Aarif Rahman
Tony
Sherif Sabry
Zayd
Ahmed Salim
Ali
Faruk Muhammad
Jamal
Russell Shealy
Morgan
Naira Al-Qasim
Lina
Karma Hazim
Susu
Wei Qing
Xu's Mother
Zhang Xiwei
Xu Le
Yasmine Rahmy
Amina
Peter Daniel Adams
Sentry
Tanner Hagen
Joel Brady
Michael Koltes
Olwell
Reviews
FAQ about Once Upon a Time in the Middle East
What is Once Upon a Time in the Middle East about?
Xu Fu travels to the Middle East to work as a chef in a Chinese restaurant to pay off family debts, where he meets floor manager Ma Junsheng. Their Dragon Restaurant rises to fame, attracting crowds with authentic‑tasting Chinese food. But war breaks out, and local conditions…
When was Once Upon a Time in the Middle East released?
Once Upon a Time in the Middle East was released in 2026.
What genres does Once Upon a Time in the Middle East belong to?
Once Upon a Time in the Middle East is categorised as Drama, War.
Who stars in Once Upon a Time in the Middle East?
The cast of Once Upon a Time in the Middle East includes Shen Teng, Jiang Qiming, Omar Sherif, Aarif Rahman, Sherif Sabry.