Leong's Asian Diner

10/06/2026

09/29/2026

Here's a trip down memory lane and interesting history along with it!

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This is the restaurant where Cashew Chicken with FRIED chicken originated (Springfield Style Cashew Chicken)

Then & Now: Leong’s Tea House, Springfield, Missouri (1965 & 2026)

For generations of Springfield residents, this building meant Chinese food, white tablecloths, hanging lanterns and one dish that would become so closely associated with the city that today it is known simply as Springfield-style cashew chicken.

David Leong first developed and served the Springfield-style cashew chicken at the Grove Supper Club in Springfield in 1963. He had experimented with Chinese dishes that would appeal to Ozarks diners, eventually settling on breaded, deep-fried chicken pieces covered with a brown oyster-based gravy and topped with cashews and green onions. Its popularity helped convince him to open Leong’s Tea House later that same year.

Leong’s Tea House opened at 1036 W. Sunshine Street in 1963, operated by David Leong and his brother Gee. David, a Chinese immigrant and U.S. Army World War II veteran, adapted Chinese cooking to the tastes of southwest Missouri. Fried chicken was already enormously popular here, so Leong combined breaded, fried chunks of chicken with a savory Chinese-style brown sauce, cashews and green onions. The creation became a sensation and helped make Springfield famous for its own distinctive style of cashew chicken.

But the restaurant’s story almost ended before it began.

Just before Leong’s was scheduled to open in November 1963, someone attacked the new restaurant with about 10 sticks of dynamite. The blast damaged the building, and the Chinese lion statues outside were stolen. The Leong family refused to be driven away. They repaired the damage, delayed the opening only briefly, and Leong’s Tea House was soon serving customers. The bombing was never solved.

Leong’s grew into a large, 350-seat restaurant and became a Springfield institution. Springfield-style cashew chicken spread to restaurants throughout the region and eventually far beyond Missouri. What began as David Leong’s attempt to bridge Chinese cooking with Ozarks tastes became one of Missouri’s most recognizable regional foods.

After more than three decades, Leong’s Tea House closed in 1997. But remarkably, the building survived.

In later years the old restaurant became a church. Today, in 2026, the building is vacant and being offered for sale. The current commercial listing describes the 1963 building as approximately 8,928 square feet, identifies it as the original home of Leong’s Restaurant, and says its most recent use was as a church.

So when you pass the now-quiet building at 1036 W. Sunshine, you’re looking at far more than an abandoned former restaurant.

You’re looking at the place where the Leong family overcame a dynamite attack, built one of Springfield’s best-known restaurants, and helped turn cashew chicken into a Missouri tradition.

Some buildings hold more history than their empty parking lots suggest.

09/07/2026

We are closed today for Labor Day.

We will "Cashew" tomorrow.

08/28/2026

We’re proud to be featured in this story about the history of Springfield-style cashew chicken and our family’s role in that legacy.

Thank you to My Family Travels for sharing our story

Taste the original Springfield-style cashew chicken at this Missouri restaurant, where a local culinary legend was born.

08/21/2026

Call us or visit in person to apply.

Address:
1540 W Republic Rd
Springfield, MO 65807

Phone: 417-887-7500

08/13/2026

Help us root on the Springfield Cashew Chickens!

Leong's closes at 4pm
Gates open at 6:05pm
Game begins at 7:05pm

08/12/2026

Join Leong’s Asian Diner at Route 66 Stadium tomorrow, Thursday, August 13, for a great night of baseball and a special giveaway!

The Leong’s Asian Diner Springfield Cashew Chickens Replica Jersey Giveaway is happening tomorrow, with only 2,000 jerseys available while supplies last. Come out early, enjoy the game, and make sure you’re there for your chance to take home this special jersey.

Bring your friends and family and join us at Route 66 Stadium for an exciting night at the ballpark. We’re looking forward to seeing everyone and sharing a great night of baseball with all of you.
Don’t miss the game, the giveaway, and all the fun.

We’ll see you at Route 66 Stadium!

07/23/2026

Leong's Kung Pao Chicken

Every bite is packed with the classic flavors you love hot from the wok and ready to enjoy!

Leong's Asian Diner
417-887-7500

07/13/2026

The original Springfield-style cashew chicken has been served at this family-run Missouri diner since the nineteen sixties.

07/04/2026

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