On a stretch of International Drive better known for tourist traps and chain fare, Moon Wok Kitchen & Lounge is trying to bring some real Cantonese firepower to the table. The new Cantonese-focused spot leans on veteran cooks to turn out dim sum, Cantonese barbecue and wok-fired entrees in a glossy, lounge-style dining room. Roast duck, char siu and broad ho fun noodles anchor the menu, with a kitchen that delivers pronounced wok hei and plenty of tableside theatrics. A full bar program and the team's decades of Cantonese experience give the place some extra credibility in a neighborhood where openings and closings never really stop.
Review highlights
Orlando Weekly praised the kitchen's wok work and singled out head cook Chan Chu, noting that Jerry Lau "is a stir fry master" and that the food carries strong wok hei. The review also called out Jackie Lau's dim sum, with siu mai and steamed chicken dumplings getting special mention. The critic quoted Lau saying, "I like to interact with customers and talk to them," a line the paper attributes to Jerry Lau and points to as part of the restaurant's charm.
Menu and what to order
According to Moon Wok Kitchen & Lounge, roast duck runs $34.95 for a half and $64.95 for a whole. Char siu roast pork and ribs are listed at roughly $10.95 to $11.95. The menu also highlights velvet corn soup at $7.50, Mongolian beef at $26.50 and pan-fried noodles with scallops, shrimp and squid at $25.95 among the standouts. Hours and a Resy reservation link are posted on the restaurant's site for anyone planning a visit.
Who is behind the kitchen
Moon Wok was launched by the team behind Twenty Pho Hour and brought in Jerry and Jackie Lau, the Cantonese cooks known for Kai Kai BBQ, to run the barbecue and dim sum programs. As reported by TastyChomps, the Lau couple left their Mills Market stall to join the I-Drive venture, bringing decades of Cantonese cooking experience to the tourist corridor. That pedigree is part of what drew Orlando Weekly's reviewer to see how their food would translate to a larger, lounge-style setting.
Service note
The front of house is still catching up to the kitchen. The review at Orlando Weekly flagged pacing issues, with several dishes landing on the table at once. Servers were also described as sometimes unfamiliar with Cantonese service details, such as offering red vinegar without being asked. The critic suggested that a few service tweaks could help the kitchen's strong flavors land more cleanly for diners, framing Moon Wok as solid on technique while still finding its rhythm as a new operation.
Bottom line for locals
Moon Wok is located at 11701 International Dr., Suite 300, and lists its hours and reservation details on its website. For now, its focus on Cantonese barbecue and dim sum makes it one of the few I-Drive spots serving that tradition with an experienced team at the stove. According to Moon Wok Kitchen & Lounge, it is open daily with extended weekend hours, and reservations can be made through Resy on the restaurant's site.
