Once Upon a Time in the Middle East

About Once Upon a Time in the Middle East

Seeking a fresh start, chef Xu Fu travels to the Middle East to support his family and repay his debts. Alongside restaurant manager Ma Junsheng, he transforms the struggling Dragon Restaurant into a thriving business.

Once Upon a Time in the Middle East (2026) is a war film directed by Wen Muye. Shen Teng takes the lead as Xu Fu, Jiang Qiming as Ma Junsheng, Omar Sherif as Seif, and Aarif Rahman as Tony.

It runs 140 minutes and was released in August 2026. Written by Lang Qunli and Wei Zhong. Production companies include Alibaba Pictures Group and China Film Group Corporation.

Shelv files it under 2000s, chef, food, and iraq war. It scores 8.9 out of 10 from 58 TMDB voters and it carries a NR rating.

The Menu, Tony, and House of Spoils make useful companions to Once Upon a Time in the Middle East, all filed under culinary arts.