Famous Chinese restaurant chain in Budapest might face closures amid visa restrictions
Master Wang, owner of a popular Chinese restaurant chain in Budapest, is facing serious challenges heading into fall 2025 as inflationary pressure and a shortage of chefs—exacerbated by Hungary’s immigration policies—threaten the future of his establishments, according to recent reports.
In January, the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing halted the issuance of work permits for Chinese nationals, effectively preventing Wang from bringing skilled Chinese chefs to Hungary. As a result, several of his chefs have already left in recent months, and now he is unable to replace them, reports 24.hu.
Master Wang may be forced to close several locations this fall
The Budapest-based master chef emphasizes that it is nearly impossible to find qualified Chinese chefs—let alone master chefs—on the local job market. This reality puts immense pressure on the remaining staff, who are already doing everything they can to maintain the high standards of the restaurants.
Nevertheless, Wang has been forced to suspend two major projects originally planned for 2025, and he is seriously considering closing one or two restaurants this fall and winter in order to give the remaining locations a chance to stay afloat. If the visa situation does not improve, more closures could follow in 2026.
Inflation also poses a significant challenge for the business, especially in the wake of economic hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in recent years. Wang has dedicated over three decades to preserving authentic Chinese flavors in Hungary, but the current labor shortage and economic climate pose a serious threat to that mission.
Master Chef calls for urgent action
Wang is urging authorities, including the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing and the leadership of the capital, to engage in social and political dialogue to find workable solutions. He stresses that the current immigration policy is extremely strict, significantly hindering the recruitment of skilled labor—a growing problem that affects a major segment of Hungary’s hospitality sector.
As of fall 2025, Wang’s restaurant chain faces an uncertain future shaped by chef shortages, visa restrictions, and inflationary burdens, all of which make it increasingly difficult to keep the restaurants open. The implications extend beyond his business to the broader landscape of Hungarian culinary diversity.
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