Houston is home to more than 1200+ restaurants centered on food from East or Southeast Asia, including James Beard Award winners. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or an exquisite dinner, there’s something for everyone in Houston’s vibrant Asian restaurant scene. From traditional Chinese cuisine to Japanese sushi bars and Korean BBQ joints, these eateries offer up delicious dishes from all over Asia.
With such a rich selection of Asian food in Houston, choosing the best is a moving target. This is Lodgeur’s list of great choices you may not find on all the other lists. It includes up-and-coming restaurants and established favorites.
Located in a renovated Church in the Heights neighborhood, Loro merges Texas bbq with Southeast Asian flavors. Founded by James Beard Award winning chefs Tyson Cole of Uchi and Aaron Franklin of Franklin Barbecue, Loro is a casual foodie heaven with a legendary happy hour menu.
The Malaysian curry chicken rice bowl, smoked beef brisket, green0curry hush puppies, and oak-grilled zucchini with cashew sambal are Lodgeur favorites. Due to the incredible variety of creative and delicious dishes, Loro is certainly one of the few barbecue restaurants where carnivores and vegetarians can both leave with a full stomach!
About half of the dishes are served tapas style, making it easy to taste and share a variety of flavors. The food comes out lightening fast and the frozen cocktails hit the spot every time. Indoor seating and covered picnic benches outside with fans. Loro works well for large groups and families.
Everything about J.A.M. Viet Kitchen is curated: the menu, the stoneware serving plates and bowls and the whole experience. One of Lodgeur’s favorite spots in Houston, J.A.M. is beloved for its pho, mango lemonade, tomato-pork meatballs with shallots, and caramelized shaking beef stir fried with bell peppers. J.A.M. serves up seasonal menus with modern Vietnamese food, like rice paper pizza with sausage, quail egg and dried shrimp.
Xiao Long Dumpling is an under-the-radar hit for those seeking authentic Chinese cuisine in a modern setting. The menu highlights generous portions of traditional dishes, with dumplings taking center stage. Their popular soup dumplings are filled with a flavorful broth and tender dumpling meat. Other favorites include chili oil wontons and Dan Dan noodles, all crafted with fresh ingredients.
The Texas love for barbecue includes barbecue from around the world. Siu Lap City serves up authentic Chinese BBQ in a no-frills atmosphere. Try the BBQ pork and fresh bok choi for a happy belly.
Step inside the mouth-watering world of PopFancy Dessert Bar, Houston’s most stylish spot for creative and delicious desserts and drinks. Celebrate your favorite fandoms in honor of Harry Potter, BTS, 1990s anime–just to name a few! With all its fandom attention to detail you’re sure to find something that resonates with you. Don’t forget to dress up too – guests of any age are welcome! Want easy access? Purchase tickets online so you can skip the line at entrance for only $1.
Kura Sushi restaurant in Houston is a playful dining experience. The menu features a variety of sushi, sashimi, and rolls starting at $3/plate. But it’s not just the food that makes Kura such an enjoyable place to eat – there’s also their famous conveyor belt system and robot waiters!
Get your ramen-fix satisfied at Jinya Ramen Bar in Houston! With over 20 toppings, you’re sure to find a flavor that tantalizes your taste buds. From the traditional miso and shoyu flavors to more daring combinations like spicy garlic tonkotsu or vegan ramen, this popular spot is guaranteed to please everyone’s palate!
The menu at B2J Suancai is pretty limited but the space has a comfortable, playful vibe. Most days, you should expect to order the signature tilapia soup. It comes in a Texas-sized bowl for sharing and you can choose the add-ins. We recommend adding in the tofu, black mushrooms and pickled cabbage. Afterward, head next door to PopFancy for a fun treat.
Spicy Girl offers mostly Szechuan dishes, along with Peking duck, and some Thai-style curries. Spicy Girl is known for its friendly, attentive service and generous portion sizes, so plan on taking home leftovers! Order the pan-fried soup dumplings as well; they’re a must-try.
Mai’s Restaurant in Houston is a popular Vietnamese restaurant that has drawn Anthony Bourdain on his visits to the city. Mai’s is known for its distinct flavors and fresh ingredients, as well as its environmental stewardship. Traditional dishes like pho and bun bo hue coexist with more modern creations like grilled pork banh mi sandwiches and shrimp summer rolls on the menu. Whether you want to try traditional Vietnamese cuisine or something new, Mai’s is sure to have something on the menu that will satisfy your taste buds!
For a delicious taste of Szechuan cuisine, look no further than Wanna Bao restaurant in Houston. Located Midtown, this modern Chinese restaurant is best known for its dumplings. The menu features is incredibly well labeled for gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, allergens, and seafood types – making it easy for all diners to find something they’ll love.
Midtown’s Fukuoka serves up consistently good sushi and ramen that won’t break the bank. The fried rice, yakisoba and ramen make Fukuoka a great choice for parties that have a mix of seafood lovers and avoiders.
For a taste of upscale Thai cuisine in Montrose, head to Makiin Thai. This inviting restaurant offers a modern take on traditional dishes, with options like wagyu beef pad thai and lobster green curry alongside innovative cocktails. Expect a luxurious ambiance with tableside presentations, making it a perfect choice for a special occasion.
Mala Sichuan has 5 Houston-area locations, and the Montrose location has the bougiest ambiance. Known for its housemade dumplings, Mala is a Houston institution for Sichuan homestlye and street food. Their maps tofu is on point.
Although Flippin’ Patties is known for its burgers and fries, Lodgeur’s favorite menu item is the chicken pup. The puet burger is also a solid choice, with akaushi beef, marinated pecan smoked pork butt, onions, and provolone. Daily specials are available during “Magic Hours”.
At The Rice Box, experience the power of visual allure fused with exquisite gastronomy. Drawing inspiration from the vibrant night markets of dynamic Asian metropolises, its neon-lit decor gives the restaurant a futuristic edge that distinguishes it in the Houston dining scene. The Rice Box reimagines Chinese-American classics, offering dishes like Kung Pao Chicken and General Tso’s, alongside Sesame Chicken and a variety of vegetarian delights including the acclaimed Salt & Pepper Tofu. It further extends its culinary prowess to street food, featuring delectable Sticky Sesame Balls and refreshing Thai Tea on tap. With its presence in four locations in Houston, The Rice Box ensures accessibility to its unique ambience and tantalizing food, making a glimpse of the future just around the corner, no matter where you are in the city.
Aga’s Restaurant & Catering is a hidden gem serving authentic Pakistani and North Indian cuisine. Known for its flavorful biryanis, tender kebabs, and rich curries, Aga’s offers a taste of South Asian comfort food at its finest. The restaurant’s warm, welcoming atmosphere makes it perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. One of Aga’s unique features is its BYOB policy, allowing guests to bring their favorite beverages to enjoy with their meal. This adds to the restaurant’s appeal for those looking to customize their dining experience or celebrate special occasions.
Don’t miss their signature dishes like the Chicken Tikka Masala, Goat Biryani, or the vegetarian-friendly Palak Paneer. The generous portions and reasonable prices make Aga’s a favorite among Houston’s food enthusiasts. The restaurant’s dedication to authentic flavors and traditional cooking methods ensures an unforgettable dining experience.
Roostar is a beloved Vietnamese fusion joint with a handful of locations, known for its banh mi sandwiches and rice bowls. The restaurant’s commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients shines through in every dish. Don’t miss their signature grilled pork banh mi or the lemongrass ribeye rice plate. The casual, welcoming atmosphere and quick service make it perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner. Roostar’s fusion approach to Vietnamese cuisine offers a contemporary twist on traditional flavors, appealing to both purists and those looking for something new.
Michelin-starred Musaafer offers a luxurious dining experience that showcases the diverse flavors of India. The restaurant’s opulent decor and innovative menu make it a standout in Houston’s culinary scene. Dishes are artfully presented and draw inspiration from various regions of India, offering a modern twist on traditional flavors. The extensive cocktail menu and attentive service further elevate the dining experience, making Musaafer an excellent choice for special occasions or those seeking a unique culinary journey. From the intricate plating to the carefully curated spice blends, every aspect of Musaafer is designed to transport diners on a gastronomic adventure through India.
Songkran Thai Kitchen offers an upscale dining experience featuring authentic Thai cuisine in Houston’s Uptown Park. Known for its robust and fresh flavors, Songkran delivers extraordinary tastes and textures in all their dishes, whether savory or sweet. The restaurant prides itself on using fresh ingredients like garlic, shrimp paste, Thai chilies, lemongrass, galangal, and coconut to create traditional Thai flavors.
Popular dishes include the wagyu braised short ribs with Thai herb sauce, green curry chicken, and pad thai. The restaurant also features a full bar with creative cocktails, including their popular lychee martinis. Songkran’s elegant ambiance makes it perfect for special occasions, with indoor and outdoor seating.
Find more with the Houston City Guide, check out the best patios in Midtown, or explore more restaurants in Houston.
