Asian and Chinese food with a southern twist Fresh made

By Pam Windsor  

Whether it's lunch or dinner, dining out at W'lin's Asian Cuisine and Spirits is an experience unlike anywhere else. Locally owned and operated by Qing Lin, the menu features Asian and Chinese food with a Southern twist. Lin, who is from China, was a partner in another business for a while but decided to branch out on her own and opened W'lin in 2019.  

"She wanted to bring some of her own Americanized Chinese recipes," says Bob Dillion, a longtime friend and advisor. "She's taken the best of both worlds to create incredible taste and quality that doesn't exist anywhere else."  

With Lin's husband, Tony Wu, the head chef, the restaurant offers an expansive menu. There are various Pho Noodle Soups, chicken dishes such as Cashew Chicken, Curry Chicken, General Tso's Chicken, and beef dishes like Mongolian Beef and Beef with Broccoli. There is plenty of seafood, with King Pao Shrimp, and specialty Southern Style Seafood dishes featuring shrimp, snow crab, and crawfish. There are also egg rolls, Chinese dumplings, fried rice, and much more. There's definitely something for everyone with so many different dishes to choose from.  

"The Chicken Curry is absolutely amazing," Dillon says, noting one of his favorites. "It's not too overpowering; it has an amazing flavor and amazing mix. And everything is fresh. You bite into the broccoli (as with the Beef with Broccoli), and it has a crunch; it's not overcooked or mushy. Sometimes you go to other places for fresh vegetables, and they've been sitting around in a steam pot for hours."  

There are, however, some things that "are" cooked for an extra amount of time – when it adds to the quality.    

"The broth they use is simmered for 24 hours," Dillon says. "It's that type of work, making it the right way and not taking any shortcuts, that makes everything so good."  Gluten-free customers will be pleased to find a number of dishes specifically prepared to meet their dietary needs.   Carry-out or delivery through a service such as Doordash or Grubhub is also available.  

 W'lin's has an extensive drink list, from the flavored Bubble Teas popular with both kids and adults, to beer to signature cocktails like the Moscow Mule or W'lin's Lychee Mule or Japanese Sake.  "We're a come-in-and-relax after-work dinner spot," Dillon explains. "Come in, have your mixed drink, favorite cocktail, and enjoy dinner." 

 And for those looking for something sweet after the meal, there are donut balls or sesame balls available for dessert.  While people are initially drawn to W'lin's for the food and drinks, Dillon says it's Lin that has people coming back again and again due to her dedication to delivering the best customer service. She truly makes the restaurant shine.  

"Lin is the heart and soul of the business. She makes everybody feel special. If you want to come to a great restaurant, get great food and feel special, come to W'lin's.  

W'Lin's Asian Cuisine and Spirits is located at 2105 Wall Street #103, Springhill, TN 37174. It's directly behind O'Reilly Auto Parts.