Plot Summary: A Chef, a Restaurant and a City at War
Xu Fu is a Chinese cook with a family to provide for and debts to clear. He takes a job far from home in the Middle East of the 2000s, hoping for a new beginning. His workplace is the Dragon Restaurant, a struggling business run by manager Ma Junsheng. Together the two set about turning the failing kitchen into a place people want to visit, and its fortunes begin to rise.
The story is set against the backdrop of the Iraq War, and the conflict soon reaches the city around them. As the fighting spreads, the restaurant takes on a meaning far beyond business. It becomes a gathering point for local staff, neighbours and others whose lives have been upended. Xu Fu, who came only to earn a living, faces hard choices about how much he is willing to risk for the people who now depend on him.
The tagline, “Eat well, stay alive”, captures the film’s central idea. Cooking, sharing a meal and keeping a kitchen running become small acts of resistance and hope in a time of war.
What Makes It Notable
Director and writers: Wen Muye directs Once Upon a Time in the Middle East (original Chinese title: 欢迎来龙餐馆) and co-wrote the screenplay with Lang Qunli and Wei Zhong.
Cast: The cast mixes Chinese and Arab performers:
- Shen Teng as Xu Fu, the chef
- Jiang Qiming as Ma Junsheng, the restaurant manager
- Aarif Rahman as Tony
- Omar Sherif as Seif
- Sherif Sabry as Zayd
- Ahmed Salim as Ali
- Faruk Muhammad as Jamal
- Russell Shealy as Morgan
- Naira Al-Kasim as Lina
- Karma Hazim as Susu
Genre and origin: This is a Chinese war drama and period piece with food at its centre. Dialogue is spoken in Mandarin, Arabic and English. It was produced by Bad Monkey (Shanghai), Alibaba Pictures Group and China Film Group Corporation, among others. The runtime is 141 minutes.
Reviews and audience reception: On TMDB, users give the film an average of 8.9/10. That figure is based on only 54 votes, so it is an early snapshot rather than a settled verdict. Critics’ reviews are not summarised here.
Who Will Enjoy It
- Viewers drawn to war dramas that focus on civilians rather than the battlefield
- Fans of food-centred films where cooking and kitchens drive the story
- Audiences interested in Chinese cinema and stories of Chinese workers abroad
- Fans of Shen Teng, Jiang Qiming or Aarif Rahman
- Anyone who appreciates multilingual, cross-cultural stories set in the 2000s Middle East
Release Date & Where to Watch
The film’s worldwide release began on 8 August 2026. In the United States, it opened in a limited theatrical release on 9 October 2026 and is listed as Not Rated (NR).
No streaming or digital rental options are currently listed in the US. For now, cinemas are the way to see it. Check local theatre listings, since limited releases play on fewer screens. An official trailer is available.
Trailer
Cast
Shen Tengas Xu FuSee credits →
Jiang Qimingas Ma JunshengSee credits →
Omar Sherifas SeifSee credits →
Aarif Rahmanas Tony
Sherif Sabryas Zayd
Ahmed Salimas Ali
Faruk Muhammadas Jamal
Russell Shealyas Morgan
Photo: TMDB
FAQ
- When was Once Upon a Time in the Middle East released?
- The film's worldwide release began on 8 August 2026. In the US, it opened in limited cinemas on 9 October 2026.
- Where can I watch Once Upon a Time in the Middle East?
- In the US, it is currently showing in a limited theatrical release. No streaming platforms are listed yet.
- Who is in the cast of Once Upon a Time in the Middle East?
- Shen Teng plays chef Xu Fu and Jiang Qiming plays restaurant manager Ma Junsheng. The cast also includes Aarif Rahman, Omar Sherif, Sherif Sabry, Ahmed Salim, Naira Al-Kasim and Karma Hazim.
- How long is Once Upon a Time in the Middle East?
- The runtime is 141 minutes.
- What language is Once Upon a Time in the Middle East in?
- It is a Chinese production with dialogue in Mandarin, Arabic and English.
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