A set of sweet bean sauce, steamed pancakes and fresh vegetables to go with the meat. [Photo provided to China Daily]

The US outlet covers 1,700 square meters and will seat about 400 people on two floors, including on a large outdoor terrace on the second floor. The ground (first) floor serves only as the entrance to the second-floor dining room, which offers an a la carte menu. The third floor, with additional, but smaller, outdoor space, offers a prix fixe menu.

Dong Zhenxiang declares proudly that the restaurant has been able to bring in five of its own chefs.

"They are the core of the chef's team at our US restaurant. That's a breakthrough. In going abroad it's paramount for Da Dong to have our own chefs.

This is a far cry from many other Chinese restaurants, mostly located in the Chinatowns of the world, that recruit local chefs who are probably Chinese migrants and who are likely to be out of touch with authentic Chinese cuisine.

Diners in the New York outlet will taste the same dishes that Da Dong serves in its 14 restaurants in China.