iWok, an Asian fast-casual restaurant, is opening four locations across the Houston metro this year.

The gist

Using a robotic chef system, iWok serves fresh entrees, rice dishes and wok-seared bowls in minutes, according to a Jan. 16 news release from the restaurant.

The system was developed to cook each order individually, the release states, and replicates the exact cooking techniques of Culinary Director Chef J.D. Yang.

"Traditional wok cooking requires years of training and produces incredible results, but it's been difficult to scale without compromising quality," said Michael Ma, chief executive officer of iWok. "We built iWok to preserve authentic technique and replicate chef-perfected recipes while making made-to-order possible and consistent across multiple locations."

How it works

Although the brand incorporates robotic technology, human employees prep the fresh ingredients and plate dishes before serving customers.

Once staff members wash and portion ingredients into separate containers to refrigerate them, the automated system retrieves and delivers the items to a preheated wok.

On the menu

Made with fresh vegetables, proteins and house-made sauces, iWok’s menu features dishes such as Kung Pao Chicken, Mapo Tofu, Mongolian Beef and Umami Wok Shrimp.

The release states each restaurant will offer regional variations in the menu, with the Houston locations set to serve Double Down Bacon, a twice-cooked pork belly dish, and Dragon Pepper Chicken, a fusion of Chongqing and northern-style heat.

Additionally, the new locations will have a robotic boba tea machine with flavors such as berry and mango.