Ahead of its Japan release, a Hong Kong premiere screening and Shen Teng fan event were held on September 8 at MOViE MOViE Pacific Place (House 5) in Admiralty, Hong Kong. The event was jointly organized by the ETEDA Global Guandan Mind Sports Alliance and the Hong Kong Oriental Guandan Club.

The Hong Kong premiere drew a full house. Representatives from the film industry, members of the media, film critics and other invited guests were among the first audiences to see the film, while actors, directors, producers and other members of the entertainment industry also attended to show their support.

The film tells the story of Xu Fu, a Chinese chef who travels to the Middle East and takes charge of the kitchen at the local “Dragon Restaurant.” Against the backdrop of war and conflict, he uses the simple act of preparing and sharing meals to comfort those around him and protect a group of orphaned children.

Through food and the everyday act of sitting down for a meal, the film explores compassion, responsibility and the preciousness of peace.

Shen Teng Delivers a Powerful and Nuanced Performance

Shen Teng gives a deeply layered portrayal of Xu Fu, bringing both emotional depth and humanity to the character.

Rather than relying on overt dramatic expression, Shen captures the complex inner world of an ordinary man caught in extraordinary circumstances. Through subtle expressions, gestures and carefully controlled emotion, he gives the character a convincing sense of everyday humanity and emotional weight.

His performance allows Xu Fu to emerge not simply as a cinematic hero, but as a believable individual whose kindness, courage and determination are revealed through the smallest details of daily life.

Cheng Zirui, Deputy Director of the Cultural Industry Committee of the Hong Kong Belt and Road General Chamber of Commerce, commented:

“The film demonstrates the value of peace through something as simple and familiar as our daily meals. Its message resonates strongly with the values of Hong Kong people, who cherish peace and a happy, stable life.

“The Hong Kong film and cultural industries can also draw inspiration from outstanding Chinese films such as this one, using the art of cinema to showcase Hong Kong’s cultural soft power while exploring innovative approaches to cross-cultural storytelling.”

Fu Shanping, Chairman of the ETEDA Global Guandan Mind Sports Alliance, said:

“The idea of ‘eating well’ portrayed in the film is more than an ordinary part of everyday life. It represents a firm belief in peace.

“Hong Kong is internationally renowned as a city of great food. We hope audiences will visit cinemas and experience the film for themselves, discovering the kindness and sense of responsibility behind everyday life, as well as the warmth and human connection that food culture can convey.”

Cheng Dongfang, President of the Hong Kong Oriental Guandan Club, described the film as one of the most memorable he had seen in recent years.

“The contrast between the flames of war and the warmth of everyday life is deeply moving. I was particularly touched by the film’s sincere portrayal of food as a source of comfort and human connection.

“Ordinary people are unwillingly drawn into war, yet even in desperate circumstances, their humanity continues to shine. That is what stayed with me most after watching the film.”

The premiere was also attended by delegations from the Shenzhen Guandan Club led by President Zhang, the Malaysian Guandan Club led by President Gao, and the Australian Guandan Club led by President Wang. Members of the Guandan associations of Southwestern University of Finance and Economics and Peking University also joined the screening and shared their impressions of the film.

Against the devastation of war, Welcome to the Dragon Restaurant focuses on something remarkably simple: preparing a meal and sharing it with others.

Through the universal language of food, the film portrays kindness, responsibility and human dignity, while reminding audiences of the value of peace and the power of ordinary people to bring warmth and hope to one another even in the most difficult circumstances.

Welcome to the Dragon Restaurant is scheduled to open in Japan on September 18.