Wai Lam prefers to deal in bargains.

Now, along with husband Mike Wang, she prolongs this lifework by opening the couple’s second business in Bloomfield.

Wai Wai Chinese Cuisine opened doors on March 20, bringing a stylish feel and affordable Chinese dining to what Lam termed a “steady crowd for opening night”. Occupying the former Domino’s Pizzeria at 4717 Liberty Avenue, one door past Dollar Max—the couple’s other business endeavor—Wai Wai (pronounced "way way") provides new character to what Lam felt was an over-used ambiance in Chinese dining. The couple totally re-vamped the interior from the old business, utilized much more space for dining and used Lam’s decorative sense to provide a new tone to the eating experience.

“We were tired of the old look of traditional Chinese restaurants so we decided to try something new,” expressed Lam, who drew decorative inspiration from the couple’s travels around the globe and integrated it into the restaurant’s theme. “This feels better to me.”

While the new-look to old-tradition will certainly catch glances, it’s the prices that are sure to warrant eye-popping stares.

A dinner box, which combines four chosen selections from the regular menu in heaping volume, goes for only $7.75. The lunchtime equivalent, which is served cafeteria style until 3 p.m., costs a mere $5.75.

All-the-while dishing out traditional Chinese favorites without skimping by with a sub-par product.

“There are some Chinese restaurants where the employees won’t even eat the food,” admitted Lam, who’s spent 17-years working in the restaurant business. “That is not the case here. We make all the food from scratch and we all enjoy the food here.”

Bloomfield resident Joe Laskowski felt much the same way after completing his meal on opening night.

“I was very surprised by the portions,” admitted Laskowski. “I really liked the atmosphere and the food had a real nice flavor. I’m a huge fan of Chinese food and this place was very good.”

Bloomfield resident Joe Laskowski (left) and Michael Hartman enjoy their first meal at Wai Wai.

Wai Wai offers delivery (within a 10-mile radius) and take-out options daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays, remaining open later on weekends.