Meet Chef Ling Qi Wu: The Story Behind Austin’s Premier Chinese Restaurant Ling Kitchen
In the vibrant culinary landscape of Austin, Texas, where barbecue and Tex-Mex reign supreme, one chef has carved out a niche for elevated Chinese cuisine that’s as intimate as it is unforgettable. Chef Ling Qi Wu, a Fuzhou native with a passion for dim sum and family-inspired flavors, is the force behind Ling Kitchen. This exclusive tasting menu spot isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a personal invitation into her world of childhood memories, bold innovations, and heartfelt storytelling. If you’re searching for the best Chinese restaurant in Austin or craving an intimate chef’s table experience, Ling Kitchen delivers a multi-course journey that lingers long after the last bite.
As Austin’s food scene continues to evolve, Chef Wu’s rise from New York’s bustling Chinatown kitchens to owning multiple acclaimed spots has made her a local legend. In this deep dive, we’ll uncover her inspiring story, the magic behind Ling Kitchen, and why it’s the ultimate spot for Chinese tasting menu Austin enthusiasts.
From Fuzhou Roots to Austin’s Dim Sum Queen
Born in Fuzhou City in China’s Fujian Province, Ling Qi Wu’s love affair with food began in her grandmother’s kitchen. Surrounded by the aromas of steaming bamboo baskets and sizzling woks, young Ling learned the art of dim sum—the delicate dumplings, buns, and tarts that form the backbone of Cantonese brunch culture. “You need to be a baker, a butcher, you need to know how to cook in a wok—there are just so many skills you have to possess to be good at this,” Chef Wu once shared, highlighting the multifaceted mastery required for her craft.
Immigrating to the United States in 1999, Wu first landed in New York City, where she immersed herself in the high-energy world of Chinatown restaurants. For over a decade, she honed her skills under legendary Chinese chefs, mastering traditional techniques while experimenting with bold flavors. It was here that she met her husband, Jimmy Ng, a fellow culinary enthusiast who had attended college in Austin. When Jimmy returned to Texas, Ling followed—trading the concrete jungle for the “small town” vibe of Austin, which she initially knew only from cowboy stereotypes. “What’s Texas? People riding horses?” she quipped. But Austin quickly won her over, becoming the foundation for her family and flourishing career.
Building an Empire: Chef Wu’s Trailblazing Restaurants in Austin
Ling Qi Wu didn’t just adapt to Austin’s food scene—she transformed it. After arriving in Texas, she spent 15 years at beloved local spots like Chinatown on Graystone and Bee Caves Road, building a loyal following with her impeccable soup dumplings and creative dim sum. In 2015, she joined forces with Wu Chow as its opening dim sum chef, where her innovative takes on classics created a stir and earned her a devoted fanbase.
Emboldened by her success, Chef Wu launched her first solo venture in 2018: Lin Asian Bar in Clarksville. This cozy dim sum haven quickly became a neighborhood favorite, drawing high-profile praise—even a visit from Martha Stewart herself. Just two years later, in 2020, she unveiled Qi Austin: Modern Asian Kitchen downtown on West Sixth Street. Qi elevated her cuisine with upscale Chinese dishes infused with Southeast Asian influences, landing it on lists of Austin’s best new restaurants.
Her empire didn’t stop there. In 2023, Ling Wu Asian Restaurant opened in the Lantana Place development, offering artful dim sum, soul-warming soup dumplings, and daring plates like Sichuan peppercorn alligator and Peking duck with foie gras paste. Later that year, Ling Wu at the Grove followed in the Rosedale neighborhood, blending Beijing-inspired roots with trendy outdoor seating and signature cocktails like the Electric Buzz. Each spot reflects Wu’s commitment to healthier cooking, cultural fusion, and community—proving her status as Austin’s “Queen of Dim Sum.”
But amid this expansion, Ling Kitchen emerged as her most personal project yet, opening in late 2022 on Research Boulevard in North Austin’s Wooten neighborhood. It’s not a traditional restaurant; it’s a chef’s table experience designed for those seeking something truly special.
Inside Ling Kitchen: A Dinner Party in the Heart of the Kitchen
Step into Ling Kitchen, and you’re not just a diner—you’re a guest at Chef Wu’s family table. Limited to one seating per evening for about 20 people, this dinner party-style venue seats guests around a communal counter right in the prep kitchen. At $150 per person (plus drinks), the multi-course Chinese tasting menu is a reservation-only affair, open just a few nights a week to maintain its intimate allure.
What sets Ling Kitchen apart? It’s the storytelling. Each course kicks off with the resonant chime of a gong, followed by Chef Wu sharing the backstory—drawing from her Fuzhou upbringing, New York apprenticeship, and Austin adventures. The menu evolves weekly but always spotlights elevated Chinese and pan-Asian dishes using seasonal vegetables, seafood, and meats.
Presented on Chef Wu’s favorite dinnerware, the meal feels like a warm gathering of friends. Wine, beer, and liquors are available a la carte, but the real buzz comes from the connections forged over shared plates. No kids under 12, and special dietary requests are limited, ensuring focus on the core experience.
A Legacy of Mentorship and Community
Beyond the plates, Ling Qi Wu’s story is one of resilience and giving back. After losing her mother, Holly, to illness, Wu channeled grief into gratitude. Her daughters now lead the upcoming Holly Wu restaurant, a nonprofit-focused spot honoring their grandmother’s journey and thanking Austin’s community for support during tough times. Wu’s mentorship in Austin’s interconnected Asian chef network—where colleagues have crossed paths for years—fosters a new generation of bold, flavor-forward talent.
Her accolades speak volumes: Named Best Chef in Austin by The Austin Chronicle readers in 2023, featured in the MICHELIN Guide, and celebrated by Eater Austin as a trailblazer. In a city once underrepresented in Asian cuisine, Wu’s five restaurants (and counting) have redefined what’s possible, blending tradition with Texas flair.
Why Ling Kitchen is Austin’s Must-Try Chinese Gem
In an era of fast-casual eats, Ling Kitchen reminds us why food is about connection. Whether you’re a dim sum devotee or a newcomer to elevated Chinese cuisine Austin, this chef’s table offers an unparalleled escape. It’s more than a meal—it’s a celebration of one woman’s journey from Fuzhou hearths to Austin’s heart.
Ready to book your spot? Head to lingkitchen.com for reservations. For everyday cravings, explore Chef Wu’s other outposts like Lin Asian Bar, Qi, and Ling Wu.