Houston’s 5 Best Chinese Restaurants for Every Craving and Budget

Tucked in Midtown’s lively Winbern strip, Spicy Girl has become Houston’s go-to destination for those who love a true Sichuan kick. 

Their menu reads like a love letter to spice — Spicy Boiled Beef, Sichuan-style Angus steak, Pork with Garlic Sauce, and their signature Beijing Duck 3 Ways.

Customers often rave about the bold, layered heat and late-night hours that stretch until 3 am, perfect for spontaneous cravings. The casual, modern interior creates a fun, bustling vibe that matches the food’s intensity.

While newcomers sometimes find the spice level intimidating, regulars swear it’s exactly what keeps them coming back. A few reviews mention wait times during weekends, but nearly everyone agrees it’s worth it once that first bite hits.

Phenomenal restaurant!

“Phenomenal restaurant! I can’t give enough praise to Spicy Girl, the food, atmosphere, and service are truly exceptional! Every dish is cooked to perfection. The atmosphere is warm and inviting. Our server, Kim, is always so kind, attentive, and genuinely friendly—she goes above and beyond to make sure we feel welcomed and cared for. From the moment we walk in to the moment we leave, the experience is consistently amazing. Spicy Girl is hands-down one of my favorite places to dine!” 

– Eliza Vich, Google Review 

Best Asian dining experience

“I visited this restaurant with two friends, and it was hands-down the best Asian dining experience we’ve ever had. The food was exceptional, authentic, flavorful, and perfectly spiced. But what truly set the evening apart was the incredible hospitality. The lady who served us made us feel like cherished guests in her own home. She surprised us with complimentary dumplings, kept our drinks full without us even asking, and checked on us throughout the meal with genuine warmth and care. It’s rare to find a place where the food and the service are both this outstanding. Highly recommended. Can’t wait to go back!” 

– Adam Klinkosz, Google Review

Blending flavors from Sichuan and Taiwan, Hu’s Cooking has earned a loyal following among Rice Village locals and university students. The restaurant’s modern design feels sleek yet cozy, creating a welcoming space that balances sophistication with comfort.

Signature dishes like tomato-and-egg stir-fry, chile-spiked offal, and fish soup reveal its bold, home-style roots. Customers often describe the food as “nostalgic yet fresh,” offering a refined twist on traditional comfort meals.

The staff receives constant praise for being attentive and warm, making every visit feel personal. The only downside? Parking can be tight, and peak-hour lines can form quickly.

Still, it’s a small inconvenience compared to the generous portions, beautiful plating, and rich, authentic flavors that make Hu’s Cooking one of Houston’s most talked-about Chinese fusion spots.

It was good

“Sizeable dishes. Like that online ordering allowed for less salt, less oil, extra spicy, etc options – that’s unique. Kung pao chicken extra spicy was hot with additional red and green chilies. A little on the sweeter side but made the way it is supposed to be – just chicken and peanuts – no extraneous veggies etc. Eggplant with string beans was very good with the beans wok-seared. Fish bites were tasty but also found a few dough-only pieces. Overall, it was good.” 

– Kiran Movva, Google Review 

Amazing!

“This place is amazing! This isn’t run off the mill Chinese food, this is as authentic as they come. If you want robust flavors, an intimate setting, and good prices, this is your place. You can also tell this is a good Chinese restaurant because the majority of the patrons were Chinese! I highly recommend this restaurant. Parking isn’t the best, though, so if you’re in a hurry, you can definitely get your order in.” 

– Alexander Denard, Google Review

Mala Sichuan Bistro is practically a Houston institution. Known for introducing many locals to the fiery, numbing “mala” flavor that defines Sichuan cuisine, it has expanded from a neighborhood gem into a citywide favorite.

The menu showcases classic dishes like Mapo Tofu, Dan Dan Noodles, and Water-Boiled Fish — all celebrated for their deep, aromatic spice. 

Inside, the atmosphere is lively yet polished, with quick, no-nonsense service that keeps things running smoothly. The restaurant’s popularity sometimes means a short wait, but that’s part of the charm for spic lovers seeking an authentic experience.

A few reviews caution that the heat can be intense for first-timers, yet everyone agrees the flavors are unforgettable. 

With consistently high marks for food quality and value, Mala Sichuan Bistro remains a must-visit for anyone craving bold, mouth-tingling satisfaction.

Amazing food and ambiance

“Amazing food and ambiance! I had the three pepper beaten duck; the Sichuan pepper flavor was super rich, and the meat was perfectly flavored. We had sweet and sour wontons and red chili oil dumplings, and both were great! Will definitely be back soon.” 

– Gerard Casas Saez, Google Review 

Can’t wait to return

“A group of coworkers and I dined here for lunch and asked the staff to pick a few of the most popular items. We tried the dry pot mixed vegetables, spicy and crispy chicken and several other dishes. They were all absolutely incredible, the spice levels are just right and all dishes are authentic. Can’t wait to return with family and friends another time.” 

– Melinda Mintz, Google Review

A modern Houston favorite, Duck N Bao captures the nostalgia of home-cooked Chinese meals and presents them with elegance. 

Founders Grace and Leo Xia pour their heritage into every detail, from the 48-hour prepared Peking duck to delicate handmade dumplings and vibrant Sichuan specialties. 

The atmosphere feels sleek and celebratory — the perfect blend of fine dining and comfort. Guests often rave about the duck’s crisp skin and melt-in-your-mouth texture, paired beautifully with house-made sauces.

The restaurant also features a full bar, offering playful cocktails and authentic Chinese spirits. On the downside, it can get pricey compared to other spots, and tables fill quickly, so reservations are a must.

Still, the culinary precision, friendly service, and creative presentation make Duck N Bao a standout destination for anyone who loves Chinese food done right.

Best place

“We dined here for the first time today. One of the best places for dumplings and bao. My new favorite! The wagyu beef pan-fried bao was out of this world! Can’t wait to go back.” 

– Aaron Gollehon, Google Review 

Highly recommend!

“Delicious spot for dim sum and Peking duck! The soup dumplings were flavorful, and the duck was crispy, juicy, and perfectly prepared. Friendly service and a stylish atmosphere highly recommend!” 

– Ada Alfaro, Google Review

At Café Ginger, Chinese and Japanese influences come together in a chic, inviting setting that’s as perfect for a relaxed dinner as it is for date night.

The restaurant’s signature dishes — salt-and-pepper prawns, soft-shell crab, and custom sushi rolls — show how well fusion can work when handled thoughtfully. 

Diners appreciated the balance between presentation and flavor, along with service that’s consistently attentive and polite. The ambiance feels upscale without being pretentious, offering just the right amount of elegance for special occasions.

Some guests who prefer strictly traditional Chinese fare might find the Japanese fusion approach less authentic, and prices lean toward the higher side. 

Still, with its well-curated menu and quality ingredients, Café Ginger has earned its reputation as one of Houston’s most polished Asian dining experiences.

Top-notch

“This food is so delicious. We had the mini Texas rolls for appetizers. Yum. I had the seafood fried rice and I was impressed in 2 ways. #1 The rice was not greasy or heavy at all. Light and flavorful. #2 The portion was big enough for me to get 2 meals and a snack out of. Flavor was there, value was there, and the service was top-notch. They had piano music playing which created this very upscale, classy atmosphere which my partner and I loved.” 

– Jonathan Mount, Google Review 

Absolutely delicious

“Securing a table was effortless, and the restaurant’s stylish interior immediately impressed. The service was exceptional—attentive without being intrusive. My drink was consistently refilled, and empty plates were promptly cleared, keeping the table tidy. Best of all, the food was fresh, flavorful, and absolutely delicious.” 

– Joseph Cerrillo, Google Review