In 2019, the Chang family introduced Mama Chang to the world with its first location in Fairfax, Virginia. For the first time, diners discovered the women behind the Peter Chang empire—recipes passed down through generations, rooted in the home-style traditions of Hunan, Hubei, and Sichuan cooking. Dishes like scallion bubble pancakes, originally crafted by pastry chef Lisa Zhang, quickly became signatures beloved by locals and critics alike.
Now, six years later, Mama Chang is ready for its next chapter. This October 2025, we are proud to announce the grand opening of Mama Chang Philadelphia, bringing family traditions and treasured flavors to a new city.
A Family Story Told Through Food
From Ronger Wang, Peter Chang’s Mother
The foundation of Mama Chang begins with Peter Chang’s mother, Ronger Wang, who grew up as a farmer in Hubei Province. In a time when food was scarce and most harvests were handed over to the authorities, she relied on creativity to nourish her family. With tofu skin, leek, egg, and green pepper, she crafted what became known as the farmer’s stir-fry, a dish born from necessity but remembered for its comforting simplicity. Her “wrap of delicacies” dumplings, filled with peanuts, crispy rice, and pork and wrapped in mustard greens, remain a treasured holiday tradition that she has perfected for more than 70 years.
From Lisa Zhang, Peter Chang’s Wife
While Peter Chang is often recognized as the face of the restaurant empire, many of the most beloved dishes trace back to his wife, Lisa Zhang, a talented pastry chef in her own right. The famous scallion bubble pancake—fluffy, crisp, and unforgettable—was her creation. For years, Lisa worked quietly beside her husband, shaping menus and recipes. As daughter Lydia recalls:
“For the longest time, my mom was the secret weapon behind the Peter Chang empire. People had no idea she’s also a chef and she works alongside my dad.”
From Lydia Zhang, the Next Generation
Carrying this legacy forward is Lydia Zhang, Peter and Lisa’s daughter. Young, dynamic, and deeply committed to her family’s vision, Lydia oversees the restaurant group’s operations and has successfully expanded its reach across multiple states. With each new opening—including the highly anticipated Philadelphia location—she blends business acumen with cultural heritage, ensuring that Mama Chang continues to honor the women who built its foundation while introducing their stories and flavors to new communities.
What to Expect in Philadelphia
The Philadelphia location will bring these family treasures to a new audience, including:
- Green pepper pickled mustard pork, a Chang family dinner table favorite
- Stir-fried rice cake and homemade fish cake in bright red gravy
- Pork rib soup braised with lotus root
- Sesame shaobing (flaky sesame pastries)
- Crispy duck spring rolls with Peking duck flavors
- And, of course, the iconic scallion bubble pancakes
A Celebration of Women, Family, and Tradition
Mama Chang Philadelphia is not just a restaurant—it’s a tribute to the women whose work has always shaped the Chang family’s cooking. From Ronger Wang’s ingenuity in rural Hubei to Lisa Zhang’s creativity in the kitchen, and now Lydia Zhang’s leadership in bringing these traditions to new communities, their recipes, perseverance, and love for food are stepping fully into the spotlight.
📍 Grand Opening: October 2025, Philadelphia
We invite you to join us at Mama Chang, and experience the flavors—and the family—that have always been the secret behind Peter Chang’s success.
