Once Upon a Time in the Middle East (2026)
Kernel Score: 90% · 40 ratings · Rated NR
Genres: Drama, War
Released: 2026-08-08
Runtime: 140 minutes
Overview
Xu Fu travels to the Middle East to work as a chef in a Chinese restaurant to pay off family debts, where he meets floor manager Ma Junsheng. Their Dragon Restaurant rises to fame, attracting crowds with authentic‑tasting Chinese food. But war breaks out, and local conditions take a drastic turn for the worse. No one can remain unaffected. What lies ahead for them? And how will the Dragon Restaurant hold on amid the war?
Movies like Once Upon a Time in the Middle East
If you liked Once Upon a Time in the Middle East, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Devotion (2022) — 77%
- Megan Leavey (2017) — 82%
- Estômago: A Gastronomic Story (2007) — 87%
- Official Secrets (2019) — 83%
- Delicious (2021) — 73%
- Taking Chance (2009) — 80%
- Airlift (2016) — 79%
- Sweet Bean (2015) — 83%
Director
Wen Muye
Cast
- Shen Teng as Xu Fu
- Jiang Qiming as Ma Junsheng
- Omar Sherif as Seif
- Aarif Rahman as Tony
- Sherif Sabry as Zayd
- Ahmed Salim as Ali
- Faruk Muhammad as Jamal
- Russell Shealy as Morgan
- Naira Al-Qasim as Lina
- Karma Hazim as Susu
Once Upon a Time in the Middle East FAQ
Is Once Upon a Time in the Middle East good?
Once Upon a Time in the Middle East has a 90% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 40 audience ratings.
What is Once Upon a Time in the Middle East rated?
Once Upon a Time in the Middle East is rated NR.
What movies are like Once Upon a Time in the Middle East?
If you liked Once Upon a Time in the Middle East, try Devotion, Megan Leavey, Estômago: A Gastronomic Story and Official Secrets.