Ancient Family Recipes and Old-Fashioned Hospitality

To the typical visitor, the water fountain at the entrance to the Cheng-Du Restaurant in Stoughton (Mass.) is a welcoming and relaxing part of the Chinese décor.

To owner Tina Tang, the fountain and its carefully chosen location literally flows with meaning. “We use Feng Shui throughout the restaurant to harmonize our business,” Tina smiles. “The fountain symbolizes success and wealth, and the water’s continuous movement and flow symbolizes financial success.” (Feng Shui is a Chinese philosophical system of harmonizing everyone with the surrounding environment. It dates back at least 6,000 years.)

Tina, who was born in Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, grew up in a large family: her father was a policeman and her mother stayed busy raising six children. She reminisces, “I didn’t plan on coming to the U.S., but I got married in 1984 and I followed my late husband to Boston in 1986. His family had emigrated from Taiwan in 1977. My mother and one of my brothers later moved here in 2001.” Tina’s 28 year-old daughter is a Business Analyst in healthcare IT.

Tina says, “My late husband and I followed the American dream. We wanted our own business, so after working at his parents’ restaurant for numerous years (the first Cheng-Du opened in 1979 in Mansfield), we decided to open our own place in Stoughton in 1996.” The name is significant: Cheng-Du, the capitol of Szechuan Province, has a reputation for world-renowned cuisine. Cheng-Du is also where the panda bear originated and is home to the Cheng-Du Giant Panda Breeding Center, a popular tourist attraction devoted to protecting the once-endangered species.

Szechuan or Mandarin? Recipes that date back centuries

To differentiate Cheng-Du from other Chinese restaurants in the area, Tina and her husband decided to be the first to specialize in Szechuan and Mandarin cuisine. She describes the differences: “Szechuan cuisine is characterized by spices, peppercorns, chili peppers, and garlic. Mandarin cuisine consists of dark sauces, like soy sauce, sesame paste, sesame oil, and tends to be on the sweet and sour side, not spicy like Szechuan food. Take your pick or mix and match!”

“What really sets us apart,” Tina says with a characteristic twinkle in her eyes, “are the many authentic dishes we make using ingredients inspired by my husband’s family recipes dating back centuries. For example, our General Gau’s Chicken and our Kung Pao dishes came from my mother-in-law, though we had to make a few tweaks to the spice level since Szechuan food is traditionally very spicy and not many people can handle it.”

Tina, who greets many customers by their first names, adds, “From the beginning, our goal has been to create dishes with a traditional, homemade taste. We wanted to introduce Americans to authentic Szechuan/ Mandarin cuisine, but at the same time, create food that was appealing to everyone. We use the freshest ingredients and flavors that reflect the dishes we cooked at home and found comfort in. We cook for customers the same way we cook for our family. We want our guests to be comfortable here. We treat everyone like family.” There’s also a brisk takeout business.

One Trip Advisor reviewer wrote, “This is our go-to Chinese restaurant - with so many options for Chinese/Asian in the area, we always end up doing Cheng-Du.” The restaurant has received high marks from restaurant reviewers at NECN and the Phantom Gourmet. A reporter wrote, “Cheng-Du may be one of the best Chinese restaurants south of Boston. The food is satisfying and the folks who run the place are very nice.”

There’s always something ‘Du-ing’

In addition to culinary delights and specials – including the popular all-you-can-eat Monday-Saturday Lunch Buffet -- Tina likes to stir things up with weeknight entertainment such as Trivia Tuesday, Wednesday night Line Dancing (free lessons), Acoustic Thursday, and Karaoke Friday/Saturday, plus Sports Sunday programs displayed on new 75” HD screens. Patrons can win gift cards by posting reviews on social media sites, submitting electronic photos of their family enjoying Cheng-Du delicacies, or simply by ‘liking’ the restaurant on Facebook. There’s a full bar and lottery and Keno are available.

A long-time supporter of local causes, Tina is establishing a scholarship award to be presented to a graduating Stoughton High School senior who plans to continue his or her education in the field of culinary arts or hospitality. She is also offering a 10% discount to customers who show their YMCA membership card.

Tina and her team’s commitment to quality and service has earned Cheng-Du a loyal following, attracting old and new customers from near and far. “We love to provide excellent service and hospitality so that customers feel welcome, like they are a part of our family. We always aim to make your visit a memorable experience.”

By Stanley Hurwitz / stanhurwitz@gmail.com

Cheng-Du is located at 657 Washington St. (Rte. 138), Stoughton, Mass. -- (781) 341-9888 / www.chengdustoughton.com / Facebook: www.facebook.com/chengduofstoughton

Hours:

Sun. -- 11:30 am – 10:00 pm

Mon-Thur. -- 11:30 am – 10:30 pm

Fri - Sat.-- 11:30 am – Midnight