01 Mar 2025 A fond so long to Uncle Wong

By Rita Halter Thomas

He who lives well, and leaves a positive lasting impression on everyone he encounters, has truly lived. That may not be an ancient proverb, but restaurant owner and chef Kangloong Wong has left his own lasting impression on the Conway community. After 32 years in Conway, he will move home to Malaysia in mid-March.

This two-booth restaurant, specializing in take-home orders, is located on the north end of a gas station on the corner of Prince Street and Morningside Drive. Entering the Oriental Kitchen, mouthwatering aromas hint at the amazing flavors to come. However, food isn’t the only reason it’s a favorite stop for Chinese takeout. It’s not even the ambiance. Nope. It’s Wong. He takes time to befriend his customers. Once friends, they soon become family to Wong.

“He’s so personable,” said Mike Hughes, a frequent patron. “He remembers your name, how you like [your food] cooked, and he just has an amazing memory. He’s so kind, always giving you extra. And he’s always smiling,” Hughes said.

It’s more than Wong recognizing the faces of his patrons or learning their names. It’s more than remembering their favorite entrée, or that they want white sauce instead of brown on their almond chicken.

“Wong has such empathy and love for all humankind. We’re all different races and ethnicities, and cultures, and he doesn’t see any of that. Our world needs more [people] like that, especially right now,” said Carla Gilbreath, a customer of Wong’s for many years.

“That’s just the way I was raised. Be kind to people no matter our differences,” Wong said.

Five minutes with Wong and one feels wrapped in the warm-fuzzy blanket of his personality, drawn in by his smile, lifted by his laughter, and engaged in captivating conversation. Warm, compassionate, genuine and generous are just a few words some have used to describe him. He’s even been referred to as “Uncle Wong” in comments on the restaurant’s social media page. 

After 32 years, Wong says it’s time to return home and spend time with his dad. “I only have one Daddy and he needs me,” he said of his 82-year-old father. “And I need him. He’s my hero. It’s my time to be there for him.”

Wong was 27 when his mom passed in 2000, losing her battle with brain cancer. “It was hard, but what choice do you have but to go on?” he said. Wise words, and a positive perspective.

Praising his parents, Wong expressed his gratitude for their blessing, support and the financial provision that afforded him the opportunity to come to the United States in 1993 to attend the University of Central Arkansas. “I had good parents. I love my parents. They were so good to me,” he said, patting his heart.

After graduating from UCA in 1996, Wong began working at China Town restaurant under Joseph Young. “I loved working with him. We get along good. Never a fight. He was my mentor, and like a father to me,” Wong said. In 2018, Young retired and sold the restaurant to Wong. Two short years later, the pandemic hit, negatively impacting business. In July 2020, after the lingering effects of COVID-19 put Wong in the hospital, he made the hard choice to close the restaurant. He eventually sold it in November 2020 and bought the Oriental Kitchen from his friend Diane Lee and her husband Dereck, owners from 1985-1999. Now a new, younger chef from Fort Smith will try to fill Wong’s shoes, in the kitchen anyway.

Many will miss Wong’s enthusiastic greetings, or those moments when he comes to the window to personally hand over an order, pausing briefly to chat despite the demands of rush hour takeout. Some will miss his encouraging touch on the shoulder, or the way he places his hand over his heart when he speaks about things or people particularly dear to him. Others will miss those endearing hugs and the way he calls out as they exit, “I love you. Be safe. I pray for you!” 

While someone else may twirl the tongs or rock the wok at Oriental Kitchen, it’s Wong’s genuine love of people that has left a lasting impression on this community. Perhaps we can aspire to his example and share the same kindness he has so freely given, Wong’s way.