The 5 Best Taiwanese Restaurants in Houston Worth the Food Coma

Tainan Bistro may not have fancy décor or Instagram-worthy plating, but it’s all about comfort food that tastes like home.

What makes this spot even better is the variety. The menu is packed with choices: noodle, rice bowls, bento boxes, sizzling steak plates, and street snacks. Even vegetarians will find clearly marked options to enjoy.

Everything is cooked fresh and served with care. The fried chicken comes out hot and crispy, the soups taste homemade. 

While a few flavors may not be exactly like what you’d find in Taiwan, the quality is always consistent—and that’s what keeps people returning again and again.

The restaurant itself is simple and cozy. It’s not fancy, but it’s clean and welcoming with plenty of seating. 

The service is also a highlight. The owner is warm and generous, often greeting guests with a smile and sometimes offering free samples of homemade dishes. 

And let’s not forget the value. The prices are more than fair, especially given the generous portions. A single bento box or rice bowl can easily fill you up, and even the specialty plates are affordable.

A reminder of childhood

“Tainan bistro is a hidden gem! As a Taiwanese, this place totally reminds me of my childhood. You cannot beat how affordable this place is. The quality resembles home cooked meals and truly was so delicious. Portion was great.” 

Garrett Lo | Google Review

True Taiwanese-style food, reminiscent of home

“The food made me miss home. The chicken was so juicy, and the eggs were excellent. It was true Taiwanese-style food, and my girlfriend and I had a very satisfying lunch.”

Joshua | Google Review 

If you’re craving true Taiwanese flavors in Houston, San Dong Noodle House is a spot that never disappoints. Tucked within Chinatown, this humble restaurant has served steaming noodles and handmade dumplings for decades. 

You won’t find fancy décor or picture-perfect plates here. Instead, you get big portions, homestyle cooking, and a vibe that feels like a neighborhood restaurant in Taiwan. 

Despite the name, the menu goes well beyond noodles. Dumplings, rice bowls, soups, buns, and snacks make it easy to find a full meal or just grab something quick.

The food feels homemade and comforting. Noodles are made in-house, dumplings are crisp and juicy, and portions are generous. While fried items can be hit or miss, most dishes are fresh and flavorful, which keeps regulars coming back.

Service can be quick, and English may be limited, but the staff is efficient and the focus is clearly on the food.

Prices are another reason people love this place. Most meals are under $10–$15, and the portions are large enough to share or take home. 

Great food, great price
“My old stumping ground. It’s in a new place (to me) and did not disappoint. Great dumplings, beef noodles, pot stickers, and pickled cucumbers. Also great price!”

M L | Google Review

A loyal customer for more than 20 years
“The beef noodle soup is the best! Good amount of beef, pickled vegetables, vegetables. The chive pork dumplings are also very delicious. Juicy and very flavorful! I have been coming to this place for probably more than 20 years.”

Wendy Hou | Google Review

If you’re craving warm Taiwanese hot pot and snacks in Houston, Tasty Point is a great place to go. 

Hot pot is the reason many customers flock to this spot. The dishes taste fresh and authentic, while others note that the flavors are milder than in Taiwan (still great for those trying it for the first time). Each hot pot comes with a drink, and portions are big.  

The menu has plenty of other choices, from popcorn chicken and skewers to rice bowls and desserts. Vegetarians will have plenty to choose from too. 

The food is served hot and full of flavor. Vegetables are crisp, meats are tender, and fried dishes are crunchy without being greasy. The broth can be a bit salty for some, but overall the quality is solid. 

The restaurant itself is small but clean, with friendly staff, warm lighting, and fun music. Service is usually fast, and the team is helpful, even for big groups and families.

Meals usually cost between $10 and $20 per person, since the seafood dishes can be quite expensive, so it may not be the most affordable option for some. Automatic gratuity for big groups can catch some by surprise as well. 

Authentic Taiwanese-style hot pot
“This is an authentic Taiwanese-style hot pot spot — the hot pot dishes are highly recommended and come in generous portions.“

Kari Tseng | Google Review

Accommodating staff, food exceeds expectations
“I invited a total of 10 people to come here together, most of whom hadn’t had Taiwanese food or hot pot. I called Tasty Point about it and also showed up 15 minutes early. The staff was extremely nice and accommodating. They aren’t a place that takes reservations so I was very appreciative of this. Everyone was happy with their food. Big success! The popcorn chicken and the extremely long fries were amazing, much exceeding my expectations.”

Jasmine | Google Review 

For big portions, fair prices, and authentic Taiwanese flavors, Star Snow Ice & Teriyaki in Bellaire’s Chinatown is a solid choice. This casual spot is a go-to for locals and visitors looking for noodle soups, fried chicken, or shaved ice desserts.

The setup is simple: order from a kiosk or tablet, grab your drinks and utensils, and wait for your food. It’s quick and efficient, though it can get hectic when the place fills up (which it often does).

The food shines here. Dishes like beef noodle soup, braised pork rice, and spicy chicken nuggets bring familiar, comforting flavors, with generous portions that keep people coming back. 

Favorites such as the fried pork chop rice and papaya milkshake also stand out. 

Variety is another strength, as the menu includes dumplings, fresh juices, milk teas, and shaved ice with customizable toppings. 

Freshness also plays a big role in what makes the food enjoyable. The fruit-based drinks and shaved ice taste refreshing. While some toppings lean a bit artificial, the food overall is consistent and satisfying. 

Best of all, the value is hard to beat. Most meals run $8–$12, portions are generous, and desserts and drinks are priced just right.

Great food, highly recommended

“We’ve had dinner here in the past and the food was great. You can order on a tablet or in person. The place is busy but moves fast. We came back for dessert this time and it didn’t disappoint. Very delicious and would be recommended to others.” 

Armando G | Google Review

Will return many times

This is the third time I have come to eat here and the experience is always great. Delicious food at a fairly cheap price makes me very satisfied. I always order a beverage when I come here since it is very good. Will return many times.

Anatolia Tran | Google Review

Coco’s Cafe is a family-run spot that has served homestyle dishes, bubble tea, and shaved ice for years and is a favorite for locals and families.

The beef noodle soup is considered by many as the best in town. Other favorites include crispy chicken bites, pork chop rice, curry fried rice, tofu bowls, taro cake, and shaved ice desserts. They even serve harder-to-find dishes like intestine vermicelli.

The menu is wide and varied. You’ll find rice plates, noodle soups, fried rice, small dishes, vegetarian options, desserts, and drinks. For dessert, they serve tofu pudding with ginger syrup and shaved ice with toppings. 

Meals are fresh and generous without being oily or salty. While some wish the shaved ice had more toppings, the overall quality is excellent.

The cafe itself is cozy and welcoming. It’s simple, but clean and comfortable. The family running it is warm and friendly, and service is fast. Parking is easy too, with plenty of free spaces.

Finally, prices are hard to beat. Most dishes cost under $11, and portions are so big that many people take food home. Drinks and desserts are also affordable, so you can try a variety without overspending.

Authentic Taiwanese food with great prices and portions 

“A great Taiwanese café with all the dishes you would like from Taiwan. The prices are great with generous portions. I would like them to include stinky tofu and the oyster omelet but I understand why those 2 dishes are not very common in the area. Overall a great place for breakfast and lunch.”

Jay Yin | Google Review

Offers hard-to-find Taiwanese dishes 

“Been here a few times and it was great every time. The food was great and remains consistent every time I dine here. They have some Taiwanese specialty dishes here that very few other places serve. Price wise it is cheaper compared to other few similar places. I recommend giving this place a try if you like Taiwanese cuisine.”

Ken Cao | Google Review