The Top 5 Chinese Restaurants in Houston

China Garden was originally a Chinese food import business that turned into one of the most famous Chinese dining spots in Houston. 

They’re a family-owned business that’s been around since 1969. This makes them the oldest Chinese restaurant in the city.

What we like about China Garden Restaurant is that they serve hush puppies that can be refilled. This is great for those who arrive hungry and still need to wait for their food to be served.

Their location is pretty great as well as they’re found near the Toyota Center making them a prime spot for game day patrons, concert attendees, and those from out of town. 

They’ve also got quite a lot of parking slots so bringing your car is never a hassle. 

Keep in mind, however, that it can get quite busy during lunch and dinner time. Expect a little bit of wait but nothing too drastic as they have a rather large dining area.

They also do not have the biggest portion sizes, which is quite surprising for a Chinese restaurant. 

Despite that, they are quite known for their extra large housemade egg rolls and their heaping pile of fried rice. Visitors also come for their lemon chicken, Mongolian beef, and fried wontons.

If you’re thinking of calling ahead to get a reservation, you might want to think twice as they’re not the best at answering the phone. They also do not have the option for delivery.

Overall, if you’re looking for a great place to eat before you head on over to watch a game or a concert, China Garden Restaurant is a place you shouldn’t overlook.

Mein is a Chinese restaurant in Houston that’s only been around since 2015. What makes them different is that they serve Cantonese cuisine which is one of the eight cuisines offered in Chinese culinary traditions.

What we like about them is that they have a drive-through. If you’re simply passing by, you can choose this option. Unlike other Chinese restaurants, they also offer delivery and can be found on numerous delivery platforms.

They also offer quite a lot of vegan and vegetarian options. You can see which ones are vegan or vegetarian as these are marked on their menu.

They also have a large selection of food and they also have different specialty dishes. There’s a food option for everyone’s liking!

They’re also a bit more upscale than your typical Chinese restaurant and this is quite clear in their ambiance. Their restaurant design leans towards something more modern and industrial with their lovely murals on the wall.

Do take note that this place can get quite packed so try your best to come a little bit early. If you do end up going late, you can either call in for a reservation but do expect a little bit of waiting time.

You can also opt for their extremely convenient drive-through option or just order their food through a delivery app.

There have also been concerns about their service. Some customers have had to follow up on their orders multiple times as their servers attend to multiple customers simultaneously.

Overall, if you’re looking for a modern restaurant that offers a different side of Chinese cuisine, definitely give Mein a try.

Mala Sichuan Bistro was founded back in 2011 by a husband-and-wife duo. They’re known for serving Sichuan cuisine that’s popular for their “mala.”

Mala is a kind of flavor that’s specific to Sichuan. This is a kind of spice that’s potent with herbs and can become quite numbing.

What we like about Mala Sichuan Bistro is that they have private rooms for bigger groups or for those who want to celebrate a specific occasion.

They also offer a wide array of vegan and vegetarian options. We would definitely recommend the Funky Cold Noodles and the Dan Dan Noodles sans pork.

If you’re worried about the spiciness of their food, most customers say that their spice is at the perfect level. Although spice tolerance is subjective, many have said you can still happily enjoy their food despite the heat.

Some recommendations include their Crispy Spicy Chicken, Dan Dan Noodles, and Water Boiled Fish Fillet.

They’ve also got pretty large portion sizes, which is perfect for those coming in with big groups. This may be quite difficult, however, for those looking to try out multiple dishes.

The interior isn’t anything too fancy but it’s still a bit more modern and it definitely fits the ambiance of a casual dining place.

Do take note, however, that their parking space can get quite packed so try to go early to secure a spot.

Overall, if you’re looking to add a bit of spice to your typical dining experience, try to give Mala Sichuan Bistro a shot.

Ginger & Fork is a fairly new restaurant that opened back in March 2016. They take Chinese cuisine and add a modern twist to it.

This is a fine-dining Chinese restaurant serving Hong Kong and Cantonese cuisine. 

What we like about Ginger & Fork is that they have free private parking during lunchtime. They also switch to a valet service for dinner but it can get quite slow as there are a lot of cars coming in.

What’s also unique about them is that they serve craft cocktails. If you’re unsure of what to get, try out their Ginger Margarita but do take note that it’s got a spicy kick to it.

We also like how they’re accommodating to any dietary restrictions, which is quite rare for a Chinese restaurant as they’re known for serving large portions of a standardized recipe.

It’s quite unfortunate how they do not offer delivery so you’ll really need to come in to try their food or you can also try their curbside pickup option. 

Also take note that their food is on the pricier side, which is pretty much justified by their service, ambiance, and food. If you’re looking for big portion-sized Chinese fast food, this isn’t the place for you.

Also keep in mind that for groups over 5 people, you’ll need to call in advance for a reservation, or else they won’t be able to seat you. This is quite unfortunate, especially for those who just happen to pass by and are not aware of their reservation system.

Overall, we’re quite happy with this up leveled Chinese restaurant. This is definitely a great place for those who want to try a different approach to their favorite cuisine.

East Wall Restaurant can be found in Houston Chinatown. They’re known for serving authentic Cantonese cuisine.

What we like about them is that they offer vegan and vegetarian options. If you don’t know what to order, we recommend the Snow Pea Leaves and the Tofu with Vegetables.

They also follow the typical large serving sizes that you would expect from a Chinese restaurant. This is perfect for those in large groups. 

If you’re coming in with a smaller group, you could still benefit from their large portion sizes as they offer these at an affordable price. You get to eat good food upon dining in while still having enough takeaway.

The place can get quite crowded, especially during weekends or when there is a party. Despite this, customers were still impressed with how attentive the waiters are.

The waiters are able to serve your dishes in a timely manner and they also check on your table every now and then to see if you need anything. 

A lot of their staff are non-English speaking, but they’re still able to deliver on the service.

You can truly bet on East Wall to serve you authentic Hong Kong Cuisine. A few favorites include their Sweet & Sour Pork, Salt & Pepper Squid, and Orange Chicken.

However, if you’re making a visit to Chinatown, you definitely have to try their famous Peking Duck. It’s got crispy duck skin, tender meat, and the perfect cut size for each piece.

Since this place is located in a mall, parking is around 5 minutes away from the restaurant itself but overall, this is the place to go if you’re looking for authentic Chinese cuisine with big servings.