After nearly three years of operating as a takeout-only restaurant, Facing East has made a notable return to downtown Bellevue. The beloved Taiwanese eatery, which first captured the hearts of local diners in 2006 with its authentic cuisine, opened its doors at the Brio Apartments last Friday, marking a new chapter in its culinary journey.
Facing East began as a family-run establishment dedicated to bringing traditional Taiwanese flavors to the Bellevue community. Founded by husband-and-wife team Yu-ling Wong and Gary Kuang, the restaurant quickly gained a loyal following for its commitment to authenticity and quality. When the restaurant transitioned to a takeout-only model on Bel-Red Road in December 2021, fans continued to support the business while hoping for a return to a full-service dining experience.
The restaurant’s journey reflects the resilience of family-owned businesses in the area. Since its inception, Facing East has maintained its focus on genuine Taiwanese cuisine, offering dishes rarely found in other Asian restaurants throughout the region. Their menu features specialties like pork belly buns, beef noodle soup, and the famous Taiwanese popcorn chicken that became customer favorites at their original location. Despite changing locations multiple times, the restaurant has preserved its culinary identity while adapting to challenges.
Wong and Kuang’s dedication to their culinary heritage has been unwavering throughout their restaurant’s evolution. Operating initially as a modest establishment in a strip mall, Facing East developed a reputation that extended far beyond Bellevue, attracting diners from across the Seattle metropolitan area. The move to the Brio Apartments signals not just a return to their downtown roots but an exciting change for this family business that has become an integral part of Bellevue’s diverse food scene.
The new Facing East location features an expanded yet focused menu that remains true to the restaurant’s Taiwanese roots. Signature dishes include their crispy oyster pancake, three-cup chicken, and salt-and-pepper pork chops, which regulars have missed during the restaurant’s transition period. Every dish is prepared using traditional methods and fresh ingredients, with many recipes passed down through generations of the owners’ families.
Last Friday’s grand opening drew crowds of longtime supporters and curious new diners eager to experience the restaurant’s renowned cuisine in its new setting. The timing couldn’t be better for downtown Bellevue’s dining scene, which has seen significant growth in recent years. With its authentic approach to Taiwanese cuisine, Facing East fills a unique niche in the area’s culinary landscape. The restaurant’s return as a full-service establishment not only enriches the neighborhood’s dining options but also reinforces downtown Bellevue’s reputation as a destination for diverse, high-quality international cuisine.
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