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Bao buns and tea in Houston

A quiet afternoon pairing the chew of a bao bun with the slow pace of a tea service.

Based on 665 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
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Chinese restaurant

Contemporary Chinese restaurant with modern chic design and an oriental vibe offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere with spacious seating and visible kitchen action. Upbeat music complements the cozy setting, attracting both groups and intimate diners.

Wagyu beef bao stands out with its chewy, crispy bottom and finely ground, flavorful filling. The bao buns are delicate and pair well with dishes like Peking duck, making them a hearty and delicious choice.

Flower tea offers an excellent flavor and a lovely appearance. Jasmine tea pairs well with the food and stands out as excellent.

People are saying

"I loved the delicious, authentic Chinese food here."

"The Wagyu Beef Bao Buns were hearty and delicious."

"The tea here is excellent."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour offers great deals on drinks and appetizers.

2

Lunch specials provide a good value with generous portions.

3

The restaurant accepts credit cards and mobile payments.

02
Dumplings & Noodles image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small, clean space with traditional bamboo steamers and aesthetic decor creates a calm, relaxing atmosphere that feels casual yet upscale. Friendly staff add warmth, and reusable chopsticks reflect thoughtful details. The vibe suits solo diners or pairs seeking authentic Chinese flavors.

Handmade and fresh bao buns come in several varieties, all crafted with care. The pork bao buns stand out for their juicy filling and perfect balance, matching the quality of the signature dumplings.

Tea here features strong tea flavors like peach green tea and hand-shaken Brown Sugar Milk Tea with minimal sugar. The strawberry green tea stands out as a distinctive choice.

People are saying

"The soup dumplings here are divine, with a rich, flavorful broth."

"I tried the green tea and it was amazing."

"The soup dumplings here are so juicy, it's emotional."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials range from $12 to $16, including soup, an egg roll, and an entree.

2

There is a decent amount of parking available in front of the restaurant.

3

The restaurant offers a variety of vegetarian options on the menu.

03
Spicy Girl image 1
Sichuan restaurant

Small space filled with traditional Chinese vibes and multiple TVs creates a homey atmosphere with smooth jazz and 2000s classics playing. The place feels welcoming and comfortable, offering a late-night vibe that invites lingering.

Crispy bottom bao stands out with its melting flavors and satisfying texture. It pairs well with spicy chili and works as a filling meal option.

Hot mango tea pairs well with spicy dishes like pepper fish and cucumber salad. Honey ginger tea and Thai Tea offer sweetness and warming flavors alongside authentic Szechuan meals and bubble tea.

People are saying

"The food here is incredible, thanks to Ms. Kim's kindness."

"The Szechuan food here is so flavorful and exactly what I was looking for."

"Our server Kim was delightful and great at refilling our tea."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 11 AM to 5 PM every day, offering 50% off all alcohol.

2

During happy hour, beers are available for $2.

3

Spicy Girl has a parking garage available for customers.

04
Oi Juicy Dumpling & Ramen image 1
Dumpling restaurant

Space-themed decor with universe ceiling and music videos on a giant screen creates a lively, colorful atmosphere. The vibe is casual and upbeat, with karaoke music adding to the energy. Seating feels cozy but can be cramped due to table arrangement.

Fresh bao buns come in several varieties including BBQ Pork Buns and Juicy Pork Xiao Long Bao. The bao pairs well with sandwiches and the Sesame Ball adds a unique touch.

Fruit tea stands out as very refreshing and enjoyable. Milk tea with rose flavor tastes like a delicious rose Turkish delight. All teas served are consistently good.

People are saying

"The ramen here has a rich broth and a perfect crispy chicken cutlet."

"The fruit tea here is so refreshing and not too sweet."

"The bao buns here are so fresh and good."

Good to know

1

Karaoke nights are held on weekends starting at 9pm with a two-drink minimum.

2

The restaurant offers large portion sizes, suitable for sharing.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted; cash is also welcome.

05
Dumpling World - Clear Lake image 1
Chinese restaurant

Space feels clean and inviting with interesting lighting and a warm, home-like atmosphere. Energy is generally relaxing and welcoming, contrasting with the casual, unassuming exterior. The environment supports a unique dining experience that stands out among similar establishments.

Pork and shrimp bao come huge with a delicious soup on the side. BBQ Bao stands out with a unique flavor that differs from typical BBQ sauce versions.

Strawberry tea offers a delicious fruity flavor. Mango tea tastes naturally sweet without being overpowering. Thai iced tea adds a rich, creamy touch to the selection.

People are saying

"The soup dumplings here are filled with the best broth I've ever had."

"These pork dumplings are handmade and packed with good flavors."

"These handmade dumplings are the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

The restaurant accommodates customers with dairy and nut allergies.

2

A 20% service charge is automatically added to all dining bills.

3

Each item provided a large portion, making it worth the money.

06
Vietsubs & Boba Tea - Summerwood image 1

Small space with cozy, chill vibe and cute, well-decorated interiors. Offers authentic Vietnamese dishes with fresh ingredients and a variety of options. Busy during peak hours, it maintains a clean and welcoming atmosphere.

Pork belly and chicken baos come as small sandwiches with soft buns. The pork bao buns have a rich flavor that stands out. They pair well with sides like viet fries and crab rangoons.

Okinawa Milk Tea stands out with rich flavor and smooth texture. Fruit teas come with popping boba and fresh taste. Service includes thoughtful touches like adding boba for free when forgotten.

People are saying

"The Vietnamese Food pho broth has a remarkable depth of flavor."

"The strawberry boba tea here is so delicious."

"The pork belly bao buns were so damn good, I'll get them again."

Good to know

1

The shop is small, so expect limited seating during peak hours like lunch and dinner.

2

Prices are higher for Vietnamese food compared to other places in the area.

3

Online menus need to be updated to reflect current offerings.

07
Hi Trendy Dumpling image 1
Sichuan restaurant

Sichuan restaurant offers a modern vibe with authentic decor and a semi-transparent kitchen visible through a large viewing window. The atmosphere feels cozy and casual, attracting small groups for both quick lunches and date nights. Stylish booths and unique murals add to the inviting environment.

Pork bao come steamed or pan fried with juicy meat and a slight sweetness. Pan fried bao are easy to tear and have a delicious crispy exterior.

Hot tea offers a strong aroma and flavors that invite repeat visits. The green beans and ginger tea stands out as especially good, alongside a Thai tea with Boba that pairs well with snacks.

People are saying

"The dumplings here are juicy and packed with bold flavor."

"I thought the honey walnut shrimp tasted like carnival batter."

"The pan-fried bao buns were delicious and juicy."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended on weekends due to high demand.

2

Expect a waitlist during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

The restaurant offers a separate vegan menu for plant-based diners.

08
Silk Road Asian Tapas Bar image 1
Dim sum restaurant

Dim sum restaurant inside a hotel lobby offers an intimate, cozy atmosphere with clean, elegant design and live music. The space feels like a hidden gem with made-to-order dim sum that impresses with fresh, flavorful dishes. A trendy bar area complements the quiet, pleasant vibe without pretension.

Soft bao buns come filled with rich, sweet egg yolk in the lava bao. The Xiao Long bao stands out for its quality, surpassing other restaurants and frozen options.

People are saying

"The dim sum here is handmade and exceptionally high-quality."

"This dim sum is better than the best I've had in San Francisco or NYC."

"You have to try the crispy shrimp Cheung Fun; it's amazing."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is currently soft-opening, and tea is free for this month.

2

Expect longer wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

There is plenty of free parking available right outside the restaurant.

09
Ichiru Ramen & Sushi image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant offers a quiet and relaxing atmosphere with spacious seating including booths and a bar counter. Walls display The Great Wave of Hokusai paintings, adding an elegant touch. Sports channels and music play softly, creating a soothing environment for dining.

Pork baos come with tender and crispy pork katsu. Duck bao features generous portions of tender duck breasts. The bao selection stands out among a huge variety of menu items.

Sweet tea stands out with a true southern flavor and solid taste. Hot tea comes in a cup that sometimes has old food residue inside.

People are saying

"The ramen here is amazing with fresh ingredients and perfect broth."

"The sushi here is so fresh and delicious."

"The duck bao buns were so fresh with tender duck."

Good to know

1

Happy hour menu is available after 7 pm with discounted items.

2

The restaurant has ample free parking available for guests.

3

Lunch specials are not available on Sundays.

10
Trendy Dumpling image 1
Dumpling restaurant

Bustling open kitchen showcases fresh noodle and dumpling making, creating an engaging dining experience. Decor blends classic and modern styles with a cozy yet modern atmosphere that stays smooth even when packed. Space includes a party room for private gatherings and offers a separate vegan menu.

Crispy bao stands out with its slight crunch and moist, flavorful meat inside. The soup bao offers a unique taste hard to find elsewhere, while the Xiao long bao delivers great flavor and is highly praised.

Roasted Rice Tea comes in a good pot and tastes delightful. The honey ginger tea stands out as one of the best. The Thai tea offers a perfectly balanced flavor, while the green tea milk tea hits a middle ground between earthy and sweet.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic and incredibly flavorful."

"The crispy bottom bao buns have an unforgettable texture."

"Their honey ginger tea is one of the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

They have a separate vegan menu available upon request.

2

Expect a wait during peak lunch hours, especially on weekends.

3

Prices are reasonable with a good variety of dishes.

11
Spices 39 image 1
Chinese restaurant

Two-floor Chinese restaurant combines a cozy bar downstairs with an upstairs dining area that feels like a modern dojo. Atmosphere stays warm and inviting, with stylish decor and a quiet, charming vibe. Guests often enjoy authentic hot dishes and a welcoming, clean environment.

Bao buns feature a tender pork belly mound and small pork bites paired with vegetables. The Pork Soup Bao and signature pork bun offer rich, packed flavors that stand out.

Hot tea here stands out as better quality than usual. Jasmine tea is served per person, and iced tea comes with lunch specials like orange chicken.

People are saying

"The Chinese food here is delicious with fresh ingredients and bold flavors."

"The pork soup bao was a great way to start the meal."

"The atmosphere here is so nice, especially downstairs."

Good to know

1

Spices 39 offers half-price drinks after 8 PM, making it more appealing.

2

The restaurant is currently BYOB and has no corking fee.

3

Parking is an important consideration; the restaurant has a safe and convenient backyard parking lot.

12
Dough Zone Dumpling House Houston Uptown image 1

Second-floor dining space offers large glass windows with a city skyline view and a patio area. Atmosphere balances cozy and lively with fresh, clean, and inviting vibes. Seating feels close together, creating an intimate setting with both indoor and outdoor options.

Bao buns come juicy and delicious with a great selection including Q Baos and pork xiao long bao. The flavors stand out across the board, making the xiao long bao a must-try.

Passion fruit tea stands out for being refreshing and not too sweet, with boba adding a nice balance. Ube milk tea and sour plum juice also offer unique, enjoyable flavors that complement the meal.

People are saying

"The soup dumplings here are incredible and flavorful."

"The soup dumplings here are so good and a must-try."

"The passion fruit tea is refreshing and not too sweet."

Good to know

1

Almost all dishes are under $10.

2

Parking is easy with the attached parking garage.

3

The kitchen closes at 9:30 PM, so arrive early.

13
Takumi Sushi & Ramen image 1

Trendy spot with cozy decor and calming lo-fi music sets a comfortable, friendly atmosphere. Authentic ramen flavors stand out, often described as the best in the area. Small crowds create a quiet, relaxed dining experience.

Chashu pork bao features very tender meat and stands out for its flavor. The spicy karaage chicken bao offers a good kick, and the overall bao buns are consistently delicious.

Iced black tea tastes really good. Hot tea comes in small cups and costs about $2.50 per cup.

People are saying

"The ramen here is delicious, especially the curry ramen."

"The chashu pork bao buns were so tender and delicious."

"The ramen here is wonderful and the best I had."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, and there is usually no wait on Thursday evenings.

2

Prices for ramen range from $16 to $17, which may feel pricey for a casual meal.

3

Hot tea is served in small cups, costing $2.50 each.

14
Dough Zone Dumpling House image 1
Dumpling restaurant

Spacious, modern interior with soft music creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere suited for relaxed dining or dates. Self-ordering machines add a tech-friendly touch while the environment stays quiet and clean despite occasional heat issues.

Pan-fried buns have a crisp bottom and juicy filling with traditional pork and green onion flavors. Pork and crab Xiao long bao stand out for their juicy flavor and delicate texture, making them a popular choice.

Ube Milk Tea stands out as a phenomenal choice. The milk teas here, including Thai tea, offer a delicious finish to meals.

People are saying

"The food here is always fresh and flavorful."

"These bao buns are delicious and thoughtfully prepared."

"The soup dumplings here are amazing, especially the chicken."

Good to know

1

Parking is very limited, and finding a spot can be difficult.

2

The restaurant has late hours, closing at 9 PM.

3

The women's restroom door has been broken for several months.

15
Dough Zone Dumpling Houston Westchase image 1

Minimalistic, open-seating design creates a bright, clean, and modern space with a cozy yet contemporary vibe. Ambient music ranges from soft piano bar tunes to classical, contributing to a pleasant and inviting atmosphere. The place attracts those seeking quality dumplings and noodles in a relaxed setting without traveling far.

Bao buns come with a soft and fluffy texture and a crispy fried bottom that adds great contrast. The pork buns and chicken q-bao stand out for their flavor and texture.

Iced tea stands out with its refreshing flavor and is popular enough to get to go. The menu features Ube milk tea and passion fruit green tea as recommended choices.

People are saying

"The Chinese food here, especially the soup dumplings, is amazing."

"The iced tea was so good, I got one to go."

"The soup dumplings were savory and addictive."

Good to know

1

Expect longer wait times during weekends, especially for dinner.

2

Portion sizes are small, so consider ordering multiple dishes to share.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted; cash is also welcome.

16
Bao Bao Banh Mi image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Simple, mom-and-pop style Vietnamese spot with casual, clean atmosphere and beautiful plants. Ordering happens at the counter or online for quick pickup, making it a fast, grab-and-go lunch option. Menu features toasted bread banh mi and flavorful baos, with some vegan choices available.

Soft shell crab bao offers a hot and crispy bite. Braised pork belly and spicy pork baos stand out with rich flavors. Vegan options appear by ordering baos without mayo.

Jasmine milk tea stands out as very refreshing and well-made. Green Thai tea pairs well with the food and offers a cool, crisp taste.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be tasty and fast."

"The banh mi here is really good, especially the lemongrass pork."

"This Thai tea is so refreshing and the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

You can order ahead online for pickup, order takeout in person, or dine in.

2

It is best to order ahead to avoid waiting.

3

The prices are affordable.

17
Wanna Bao image 1
Chinese restaurant

Chinese restaurant offers a beautifully and elegantly designed interior that feels larger inside than outside. Atmosphere ranges from welcoming and comfortable to occasionally crowded and lively, with a clean and modern vibe. It attracts diners seeking authentic soup dumplings and a variety of flavorful dishes.

Bao buns feature a thin skin with a great meat-to-skin ratio, especially in the Xiao long baos. The crispy bottom pork bao stands out with its perfect crisp and rich flavor, while the duck and softshell crab baos offer excellent variety.

Hot Lychee Oolong tea comes in a cute teapot set for sharing. Options include tropical tea and sake, but sharing rules require upgrading the pot size for more people.

People are saying

"I thought the soup dumplings were especially yummy."

"The crispy bottom pork bao here is perfectly crisp and tasty."

"I found the soup dumplings to be the best I had in Houston."

Good to know

1

During peak times, expect delays in food service due to high customer volume.

2

Parking is available on-site, making it convenient for visitors.

3

Prices are considered high for the portion sizes offered.

18
88 DUMPLING HOUSE image 1

Open kitchen offers a clear view of chefs preparing food, complemented by TVs showing dumpling-making videos. Atmosphere feels quiet and clean but can be hot and stuffy inside, with occasional noise from nearby construction. Self-service sauce bar and ordering kiosks add convenience to the experience.

Bao buns come with bold, layered flavor and a crispy bottom. The Black Truffle Bao is rich and savory, while the Spicy Hot Pot Bao delivers just the right heat.

Black tea stands out as exceptionally good here. The bubble tea rivals that of dedicated shops, and green tea often comes as a complimentary addition.

People are saying

"These handmade dumplings are fresh, juicy, and delicious."

"The Thai boba tea was surprisingly good."

"These Bao Buns are packed with bold, layered flavor."

Good to know

1

A 10% service fee is added to every order, dine-in or take-out.

2

Expect a 30-minute wait time for entrees during busy hours.

3

The weekday lunch special is advertised at $12.99 but may cost $16 plus tips.

19
Fung's Kitchen image 1
Chinese restaurant

Large Chinese restaurant with traditional dim sum carts and oriental decor creates a lively yet professional atmosphere. Space includes two waiting rooms and a hot food bar, supporting both casual and banquet dining. Valet parking manages a busy lot, enhancing convenience.

Soft, tender char siu bao use bread instead of traditional dough, adding extra flavor and texture. Variety includes exclusive baos and favorites like lava custard buns and custard buns.

Tea comes refilled without asking and pairs well with the meal. The Guangdong morning tea feels authentic and complements the dim sum and tea snacks like char siu bao and lava custard buns.

People are saying

"I loved their authentic dim sum, especially the baked custard buns."

"The bao buns here are delicious and high quality."

"Our server kept our tea refilled without us even asking."

Good to know

1

Dim sum weekend hours are from 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

2

The dim sum carts only operate until 3:00 PM.

3

Parking is limited, and valet service is available.

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