Jinxia Guo is the owner of Chinese Star Restaurant in the UAE and Hong Gourmet Hypermarket. JONATHAN YBERA/EXPAT MEDIA

"Call me Angela," says Jinxia Guo with a warm smile as we sit down for an exclusive chat at her sprawling new venture, Hong Gourmet Hypermarket in Dubai’s bustling Satwa district. "My Chinese name is hard to pronounce, so Angela is easier," she laughs. She tells Expat Media this is her first media interview. Dressed in a non-traditional crisp all-white outfit, she exudes calm confidence, but there’s nothing ordinary about her story—or her food. Angela hails from Liaoning province in China, where she grew up in a family that prized hard work, discipline, and the joy of good food shared with loved ones. She recalls helping in the family business, learning the value of perseverance and attentive customer care—lessons that would become the backbone of her entrepreneurial journey. In 2000, Angela moved to the UAE in search of new opportunities. "Dubai was full of possibilities," she recalls. "It was diverse, welcoming, and growing so fast. I knew I wanted to build my future here." Her first job? A humble position in a Chinese restaurant in Dubai, helping in the kitchen and assisting customers. "It was tough," she admits, "but it taught me everything, from managing people to understanding what customers really want. Those experiences fueled my dream of opening my own restaurant one day." That dream came true in 2006 with the opening of her first Chinese Star Restaurant in Sharjah. Angela’s vision was simple yet ambitious: authentic Chinese flavours served with warmth and care. The restaurant quickly gained a loyal following among both expats and locals, becoming the go-to spot for genuine Chinese dining in the emirates. As word spread, Angela’s business grew steadily. “We focused on quality food, good service, and customer trust,” she explains. “That’s what allowed us to open new branches.” Today, Chinese Star Restaurant has expanded into a multi-branch restaurant chain across the UAE, with her latest and largest branch at Al Ghurair Centre mall in Dubai, where diners can experience her signature dishes in a modern, vibrant setting. Despite the growth, Angela hasn’t forgotten the challenges. "Language and cultural differences were tough," she admits. "Financial pressure and competition were constant. But I’ve always believed in perseverance, honesty, and treating customers like family. Learning to connect with people from various nationalities strengthened my business and gave me confidence."

Rise of Hong Gourmet Hypermarket

Never one to stop dreaming, Angela recently took on her biggest venture yet: Hong Gourmet Hypermarket, a massive space that combines a restaurant with a supermarket stocked with authentic Asian ingredients. "After years in the restaurant business, I wanted to make it easier for people to buy quality products and share our culture through food," she explains. Hong Gourmet combines two of her passions: retail and food. The hypermarket in Dubai’s bustling Satwa district has quickly become a favorite among both expats and locals curious about exploring Asian flavors. The massive store features an Asian grocery section stocked with authentic ingredients, sauces, and snacks from across China and beyond, alongside an in-house restaurant serving fresh Chinese and Asian dishes. “Hong Gourmet is an extension of my passion for food,” Angela says proudly. “After many years in the restaurant business, I wanted to create a space where people could shop for authentic Asian products and also enjoy traditional meals in one place.” Quality and authenticity remain non-negotiable. Angela personally ensures her chefs stick to traditional recipes, use fresh ingredients, and maintain consistency. "Every dish must be cooked with passion," she says. "And we always listen to our customers. Their trust keeps us striving for better." Looking back on more than two decades in the UAE, Angela says the most rewarding part has been creating jobs, sharing her culture, and seeing loyal customers return again and again. "The UAE has truly become my second home," she says, smiling. "And food… food is love shared through every bite." PIA/Expat Media

Quick fire questions

One dish to try at least once at Chinese Star Our Sweet and Sour Chicken. Your favorite Chinese dish I love roast duck. Food that gets you through a busy day Fried rice makes its better. Your go-to comfort food after a long day Noodles with soup. Dish that instantly reminds you of China Dumplings remind me of home in China. Flavor that best describes your personality Savory. Most unusual food request you’ve ever received  Someone asked for spaghetti with Chinese sauce. Your favourite place in the UAE to unwind Beachside in Dubai Jumeirah or Dubai Marina. One ingredient you can’t live without Soy sauce! Chinese dish everyone in UAE should try at least once Hotpot. Finish this sentence: “Food is…” Food is love shared through every bite. This story also appears in the Expat Media Special Edition magazine
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