Jali is inspired by the Chinese phrase jiā lǐ, meaning “at home,” where the best meals begin. Jali is a fast-casual Chinese kitchen inspired by the food my mom made me growing up.

After years in demanding corporate roles, I thought “eating healthy” meant ordering a salad or Mediterranean bowl. Over time, I realized I was missing the warmth (literally) and the flavors I grew up with in my mother’s kitchen.

Her cooking is nothing like the heavy, greasy takeout many people associate with Chinese food. Or the cold, depressing salads that are marketed as “healthy.” It’s light, aromatic, vegetable-forward, and incredibly flavorful: leafy greens stir-fried with garlic, lean proteins topped with ginger and scallions, simple ingredients prepared with care.

This is the food I grew up on. Now we’re bringing it out of our home and into yours.