Our story: Sichuan cuisine in Vienna since 1989

 

China Sichuan Restaurant by the Donaupark brings together the food of Sichuan and the story of a Viennese family. Since opening in 1989, our restaurant has brought cultures and generations together over a shared meal. The Urban family has continued this story since 1998.

 

1989: Bringing China and Vienna together through food

 

Our restaurant began as an initiative by Chinese diplomats in cooperation with the City of Vienna. Its location near the Vienna International Centre was a deliberate choice: Chinese visitors and diplomats should be able to enjoy the food of home while in Vienna. Chefs from Sichuan brought their skills and regional cooking traditions with them.

 

That idea also shaped the setting. Pagoda roofs, a Chinese garden and a pond gave the restaurant its distinctive character. This architecture and the location by the Donaupark remain part of the experience today.

 

1998: Chunah Urban-Chao takes over

​

Chunah Urban-Chao had been involved as an interpreter since the restaurant’s beginnings. In 1998, she took over the business. What had started as an international project became a family restaurant that she shaped over many years. Her experience working between Austria and China helped her bring guests, the kitchen team and different expectations together.

 

Her son Tim grew up with the restaurant. For our family, Chinese food and life in Vienna have always belonged together.

 

Helping shape Sichuan cuisine in Vienna

​

Our story extends beyond our own dining room. Chefs who had worked here later opened restaurants of their own. Chunah Urban-Chao also helped them with translations and dealings with the authorities. Sichuan became a starting point for other culinary journeys. Meanwhile, our guests grew more curious about regional specialities – a development explored in a detailed portrait published by the Austrian newspaper DER STANDARD in 2025.

 

2018: Recognition for a life in hospitality

​

On 1 October 2018, Chunah Urban-Chao received the Golden Badge of Honour from the WKO’s gastronomy trade group. The award recognised her contribution to Vienna’s restaurant scene and her role in bringing the Austrian and Chinese communities together.

 

Today: Family, regional cooking and a love of wine

 

Today, Tim Urban continues the family business. As host and qualified sommelier, he combines the restaurant’s history with his passion for wine. Our wine list features more than 300 selections, including Chinese wines. He will be happy to suggest a pairing for your meal.

 

Our kitchen remains rooted in Sichuan. The kitchen team comes from the province, and we source Sichuan pepper and other selected ingredients directly from there. The result is a wide range of flavours: alongside spicy specialities, we also offer mild dishes.

 

You will find us at Arbeiterstrandbadstraße 122, 1220 Vienna. Whether you are joining us for a meal for two, a family gathering or a celebration, we look forward to welcoming you.

 

Reserve a table · Menu · Frequently asked questions

 

Read more about our history (in German): Wien Museum · Lust & Leben · DER STANDARD · WKO 2018