As the clock strikes 5 pm, customers arrive and are greeted by the hostess at Pig Heaven. The hostess escorts the guests to tables where the waiters quickly serve the new customers of the day. The atmosphere is exciting and lively with the chattering of the customers and the servers bustling about. Everyone who visits feels a sense of home here at Pig Heaven.
Pig Heaven is a Zagat rated Taiwanese restaurant most famously known for its spare ribs and Peking duck. David Keh originally owned the restaurant, first naming it L Szechuan East. In 1984, Keh retired and gave ownership of the restaurant to Nancy Lee and John Chiang who renamed the restaurant — Pig Heaven.
“The name Pig Heaven dawned from eating tons of pig in the restaurant to the point where you want to go to Heaven,” said Chef John Chiang.
Due to subway construction and expiration of lease in 2015, Pig Heaven was forced to close. The co-owners, Lee and Chiang, would continually pursue nearby restaurants to re-locate. With Pig Heaven now located on 81st street and third avenue, Chiang and Lee embarked to reimagine Asian cuisine in the community.
Pig Heaven has reinvented Chinese food to incorporate fine dining in Asian cuisine along with Chinese take-out.
“Everything is about the atmosphere and the satisfaction of the customers,” said Nancy Lee. “I want people to feel as if they were in their own homes eating. I want to give people the comfort and happiness while sitting at the dinner table with friends and family.”
The most commonly ordered items and signature dishes are spare ribs and Peking duck. With a special preparation, the meat is marinated and served on the spot when customers order. There are other menu items that serve as dim sum, which are popular as well.
Before the night ends, the happy customers with now filled stomachs leave with Nancy Lee thanking them for coming.
“Until next time,” says Nancy Lee. “Come back soon”.
Pig Heaven transcends beyond a local Chinese restaurant in Manhattan. Besides the scrumptious food served, customers are treated with kindness and compassion for the service and hospitality of the staff. Inside, Pig Heaven transforms into a home environment of warmth, belonging, and a sense of bliss with the service and cuisine. Come experience it for yourself.