Number One Chinese Restaurant Summary
Lillian Li

Number One Chinese Restaurant Overview

Number One Chinese Restaurant is a novel by Lillian Li. The story centers on a Chinese restaurant in Rockville, Maryland, and the lives of people connected to it. Jimmy, who runs the restaurant, aspires to open his own restaurant. He contacts a powerful but morally dubious man called Uncle Pang to help him with his ambitions. Jimmy’s actions lead to strife and conflict within his family, and some of the restaurant’s employees become caught up in the drama as well. The novel explores themes of family, love, morality, adversity, and ambition.