Chef Billy Ngo, the mastermind behind the popular Kru Contemporary Japanese Cuisine, is working on a new concept paying tribute to the Chinese-Vietnamese cuisine he grew up on in his family’s Florin apartment. Chu Mai, located at 1829 17th St, is a passion project and Ngo’s tribute to his late mother. The restaurant originally hoped to open at the beginning of 2024 but has now delayed the opening to late Summer 2024.
The name Chu Mai is Ngo’s mother’s maiden name “Mai Chu” in reversal. The restaurant will predominantly focus on Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine with a splash of Cambodian, Korean, and Japanese flavors. Most menu items will have an innovative twist based on traditional recipes, tailored toward first and second-generation Asian-Americans. The restaurant will also feature a cocktail program full of contemporary Asian elements.
“The basic flavors are there, the authenticity is there, but it’s new and exciting enough for all the American-born Asians like us that are in their 30s or 40s and ate these kinds of foods growing up with their families,” Ngo said.
Ngo will oversee Chu Mai’s operation with business partners Michael Ng, Ngo’s opening general manager at Kodaiko, and Tyler Bond, chef/co-owner of Lemon Grass Restaurant.
