Khailing, like many other participating chefs, has always been fluent in the language of food. As a first-generation Chinese-American woman, she finds her natural talents fall within the realms of people, storytelling, and food. Her grandparents and parents immigrated in the 80s and opened up a variety of restaurant concepts in rural Ohio; some of which include Chinese buffets, Asian take-out, and American steakhouses. Physically growing up in restaurants, Khailing found the industry calling her just a few years after graduating college with a degree in Chemical Engineering.
Now owner of Sum Bar, Greenville’s first dim sum restaurant and bar, Khailing is on a mission to showcase the Asian-American experience via the popular dining experience. Leaning on traditional dim sum recipes and techniques, Sum Bar will also highlight unique cocktail creations that infuse the new and old. But dim sum lovers will rejoice to see a menu filled with Siu Mai (shrimp + pork dumplings), Char Siu (Chinese bbq pork), homemade Bao Buns, Sesame Balls, Egg Tarts, and more. Some of the recipes have been passed down, while others have been tediously tested and perfected with friends and family. Expected opening date of Sum Bar is yet to be determined, but with an end of 2022 goal.
“Dim Sum is the definition of comfort for me. The memory of an hour drive to Saturday brunch with my family combined with the savory and sweet small plates makes dim sum incredibly special to me. And now I get the chance to share it with Greenville.” – Khailing Neoh