Celebrated chef Peter Chang, a James Beard Award semifinalist, has expanded his culinary footprint in Arlington, Virginia, with the grand opening of NiHao. This modern Chinese dining concept, in partnership with his daughter Lydia Chang, is now welcoming guests at 1550 Crystal Drive in National Landing. NiHao promises an all-day experience centered around shareable plates of Sichuan cuisine, showcasing Chang’s renowned mastery of peppers and spices. This marks Peter Chang’s second venture in Arlington, complementing the already established Baltimore location under the same name, and involves collaboration with acclaimed chef Erik Bruner-Yang as a partner in this exciting new restaurant.
Peter Chang’s Culinary Expertise: From Wuhan to Arlington
Peter Chang’s journey to becoming a celebrated chef is rooted in Wuhan, China, his birthplace. His culinary path deepened when he moved to Chengdu, the heart of Sichuan province, to immerse himself in the art of classical Chinese cooking. It was in Chengdu that Peter Chang cultivated his deep appreciation for the defining elements of Sichuan cuisine: the fiery Sichuan peppercorns, vibrant chilies, and the tangy complexity of pickled vegetables. These foundational flavors became the cornerstone of his cooking philosophy – transforming simple ingredients into extraordinary dishes.
Nearly three decades ago, Peter Chang’s culinary journey brought him to Washington D.C., initially serving as the chef for the Chinese ambassador to the United States. This marked the beginning of his impressive restaurant empire. Diners eagerly seek out his establishments for signature dishes like the crispy Dry-Fried Cauliflower, innovative seafood creations, dishes infused with the numbing and spicy ‘mala’ flavor, and the comforting Wuhan Sesame Noodles, a nostalgic nod to his hometown. Crucially, his wife Lisa Chang, a talented Chinese pastry chef, has been an integral part of his success. Her signature Bubble Pancake dessert became a defining element, significantly contributing to the popularity and recognition of their restaurants. Lisa is not only his culinary partner but also his steadfast partner in life.
Lydia Chang: A Driving Force in the Peter Chang Restaurant Group
Lydia Chang, Peter’s daughter, plays a vital role as the business partner and co-owner of the Peter Chang Restaurant Group. Born in Hubei province, Lydia was immersed in the rich tapestry of flavors and exotic ingredients that characterized her parents’ culinary world from a young age. Over the past decade, Lydia’s business acumen has been instrumental in the remarkable expansion of the Peter Chang Restaurant Group, growing from five to over fifteen restaurants. Her focus has been pivotal in the success of key establishments including Chang Chang, the group’s flagship in Washington D.C., Mama Chang, Q by Peter Chang, and now, NiHao Arlington.
NiHao Arlington’s Menu: A Modern Take on Sichuan Flavors
NiHao Arlington distinguishes itself from its Baltimore counterpart with a menu emphasizing dim sum and small, shareable plates. These dishes boldly embrace spice and vibrant, authentic flavors, true to the Sichuan culinary tradition. Menu highlights include the comforting Clay Pot Noodle Soup, featuring Amish chicken sourced through Chang’s partnership with a farm in Ovid, NY, highlighting his commitment to quality ingredients. For those seeking authentic Sichuan experiences, the “Husband and Wife” Tripe & Tendon Slices offer a flavorful combination of sliced beef offal with crushed peanuts, sesame seeds, and chili oil.
The menu also presents creative fusion dishes like Mala Pork Ribs & Fries and Guangdong Beef with red dry chili pepper & onion, blending familiar and exciting flavors. Vegetarian options are equally compelling, such as the classic Mapo Tofu, rich with broadbean paste, soy chili, and black bean sauce, and the Farmer’s Stir Fry, a vibrant mix of eggs, tofu skin, jalapenos, green peppers, and Chinese celery. Dim sum lovers will appreciate NiHao’s assortment of steamed and pan-fried dumplings, including Peter Chang’s Signature Shrimp & Chive Dumplings and delicate Shanghai Soup Dumplings.
To complement the cuisine, NiHao offers a curated beverage program. They feature Lunar hard seltzer, a beverage company owned by Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, using real fruit juice and Asian-inspired ingredients. Guests can also enjoy local beers, a selection of wines by the glass, Baijiu, and signature cocktails named after iconic Chinese films. Cocktail examples include the “A Chinese Odyssey” with Green Peppercorn, Ming River Baiju, Tequila, & Lime, and “You Are the Apple of My Eye” with Sochu, Plum Wine, Campari, & Ginger. For dessert, the menu includes traditional Glutinous Sticky Rice Cakes with brown sugar, providing a sweet and satisfying end to the meal.
NiHao Arlington: Welcoming Guests in National Landing
NiHao Arlington operates from Monday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The restaurant’s name, NiHao, is a common Chinese greeting, a friendly “hello” that often leads to the question, “Have you eaten yet?”. This name reflects the restaurant’s ethos – connecting people through food, drink, and conversation. While Chinese cuisine has evolved in presentation and style over recent decades, the essence of connection and welcome embodied in “NiHao” remains constant. NiHao Arlington is located at 1550 Crystal Drive, Ste F, Arlington, VA, 22202, inviting diners to experience Peter Chang’s exceptional Sichuan cuisine in a modern and welcoming setting in National Landing.
