Lan’s Kitchen (Inside Marathon) — Restaurant in Alafaya

I go there to see her. When I’m feeling down or I’m craving something to make me feel better, Donna and her food is the first thing I think of.

She works hard. Comes ready everyday to share her culture and recipes with us lucky enough to enjoy them.

There’s great value, I’ve never been left hungry afterwards.

Her flavors taste homemade. It’s like she came to my home and cooked it right there for me, it tastes so fresh.

The food is seasoned and balanced correctly. I order her crispy homemade pork dumplings every time I go, they’re always the perfect appetizer, and the sauce that comes with it is to die for. I then follow it up with one of her many great rice meals. I’ve tried most and they’ve all been delicious. She updates her menu with new items often so there’s always something to try no matter the craving. Try them all because each is unique, but if I had to choose some of my favorite go tos out of all the great ones they’d be : Shrimp and veggies rice meal, black black rice, Honey peanut chicken, kp chicken, crispy homemade pork dumplings, beef noodle soup, and her homemade cakes for dessert are the best way to end my meal (they’re not overly sweet which I appreciate). The drinks are delicious and refreshing.

Ever since I found her restaurant 7 months ago I average two visits a week there. I can’t remember the last time I’ve felt this comfortable going to a place so frequently and consistently being so happy and satisfied afterwards. She truly cares about her customers and always makes me feel like it’s my birthday whenever I go because of her...

EDIT: In response to the owners, I had the dumplings in my first order on July 5th. This review summarizes both experiences.

I'm adding a star because the owners are extremely nice and I like them. I wish them all the success and hope they continue to grow. They have tossed in a free dessert with both of my orders. I wish I could honestly give them a higher rating, but the food is what matters the most.

I've ordered here twice. I came back a second time to give them another chance because of how nice they are and maybe it was a fluke.

The food is a bit below average. I've ordered the crispy chicken meal twice and the meat is tough and super dry in both. Rice was mushy in the first meal. I did enjoy the level of heat in it though.

The teriyaki chicken has the looks and taste of a premade frozen chicken strip.

The dumplings flavor seemed off, it says homemade but I'm not entirely sure if they make them.

The beef with rice wasn't good and we didn't finish this dish.

The free dessert the first time wasn't good either. It was a strawberry shortcake, but it tasted like a "hostess snack cake". The second free desert of banana cream pie was actually good though, maybe because I haven't had it in years. I could definitely buy a...

Wow. Lan's kitchen exceeded all expectations & definitely lived up to the great reviews. Everything was packed with flavor & cooked to perfection. They also have a huge variety of fresh teas served in nice reusable cups, worth every penny & then some! It's inside the gas station & looks very unassuming but I promise, you will be pleasantly surprised. I really can't remember the last time I ate take out and thoroughly enjoyed every bite. What's even better is that Lan & her husband are so sweet and genuine, you can tell they put love into their food & business. Thank you for a wonderful experience