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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in Chinatown, Houston

Cheap eats

Made for those who believe the most satisfying meals are found in unpretentious spots that respect a budget.

Based on 604 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
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Taiwanese restaurant

Taiwanese restaurant offers authentic Taiwanese flavors with a diverse menu including oyster omelet and braised minced pork. The atmosphere feels like an old university cafeteria, cozy but outdated and basic. Self-service stations and quick hot table format support a casual dining experience.

Authentic Taiwanese flavors shine through a wide variety of dishes, including seafood with mushrooms and veggies that deliver a strong umami taste. Meals come at reasonable prices and include lunch boxes that suit all ages.

Prices stay low while the food remains delicious. Meals offer great value without sacrificing taste.

People are saying

"The Taiwanese food here is so authentic, it reminds me of home."

"The Taiwanese food here is so authentic and delicious."

"I found the food here to be cheap and delicious."

Good to know

1

The lunch bento is a great value at $8.00.

2

Portions are generous, often enough for two people to share.

3

The menu features a wide variety of authentic Taiwanese dishes.

02
Iwa Ya image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant offers affordable sushi with complimentary self-serve soups including miso and corn. Atmosphere feels homey and low key, reminiscent of old-style Taiwanese eateries. Space accommodates large crowds with simple decor and friendly energy.

Food comes out fast, usually within 10-15 minutes. Portions are generous and prices stay reasonable while the quality remains solid.

Bento boxes offer a great variety at a very cheap price. Sashimi comes fresh and affordable, focusing on simple, good sushi without extra flares.

People are saying

"You can get free, unlimited refills of the miso and red bean soup."

"The food here is a great value for the price."

"I found the sushi and sashimi to be good and affordable."

Good to know

1

Cash payments receive a 10% discount, so bring cash for savings.

2

Parking is ample and usually not an issue for diners.

3

Expect large portions at very reasonable prices.

03
Midnight Kabob and Seafood image 1

Restaurant offers karaoke entertainment with a lively party atmosphere and multiple TVs showing different shows. The vibe ranges from laid-back and relaxing with hip hop and rap music to buzzing with grilled meat and seafood aromas. Diners enjoy a family-friendly setting where chatting and laughter create a harmonious mood.

Food features authentic flavors and a secret sauce that stands out. Service is fast and the overall experience includes delicious, well-prepared dishes with great prices.

Drinks stay cheap here, especially beers during the 9 pm happy hour where prices drop to $2.50 or $3. Prices remain relatively low compared to other spots in town.

People are saying

"The seafood here is super fresh and delicious."

"The food here is delicious and flavorful."

"The beers are cheap during happy hour."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 9pm to 1am with cheap beer options.

2

Prices for beer during happy hour are only $12 for any kind.

3

The restaurant is open late until 1am for night owls.

04
King Bakery image 1

Old-style bakery with handwritten menus and dilapidated furniture creates a traditional Hong Kong neighborhood vibe. Atmosphere feels rundown but authentic, with locals gathering for coffee and bread. Only cash payments accepted, and bread like pineapple bun and char siu bao stands out for freshness and flavor.

Food stays very good here with low pricing that holds steady despite food trends and price hikes.

Pricing stays consistently low with pastries under $2. Everything feels surprisingly cheap compared to other spots.

People are saying

"This bakery's Hong Kong-style bread, like the pineapple bun, is so good."

"The food here tastes nostalgic and authentic, like Hong Kong."

"The pineapple buns are warm, fluffy, and crispy."

Good to know

1

King Bakery is a cash-only bakery, so bring cash for purchases.

2

Egg tarts are ready at 9:30 AM daily; arrive early to avoid sold out items.

3

Parking can be busy, but there's a garage next door.

05
Hokkaido image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese-themed space offers a cozy, authentic atmosphere with a relaxed, lowkey vibe and no blaring music. Complimentary self-serve miso soup and hot tea add to the casual dining experience. Sushi and other dishes come at affordable prices with good value for money.

Offers authentic Japanese food with affordable prices and fast service even during busy times. Dining in includes free miso soup.

Offers cheap eats with good quality hand rolls. Sushi is adequate for the price and serves its purpose well.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is so fresh and tasty."

"The food here is delicious and always fresh."

"I found the sushi to be cheap but good quality."

Good to know

1

During lunchtime, they offer a lunchbox special.

2

Expect wait times of over 30 minutes on Friday nights.

3

They provide complimentary miso soup and tea with meals.

06
Star Snow Ice & Teriyaki image 1
Taiwanese restaurant

Crowded space with loud atmosphere and self-service setup creates a fast-paced dining experience. Affordable prices and large portions attract many seeking quick, satisfying Taiwanese dishes. The restaurant feels old but stands out for its budget-friendly teriyaki and shaved ice offerings.

Food offers authentic Taiwanese flavors with incredible portion sizes at affordable prices. Drinks like boba and tea complement the meals well, making it a solid choice for quick or dine-in options.

Prices stay really cheap while portions stay large and food remains authentic Taiwanese. The place draws crowds for its good, cheap eats.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and the portions are large."

"I found the food to be good and cheap with incredible portions."

"I loved the milk teas and fruit teas loaded with real fruits."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait time of about 15 minutes during busy periods.

2

The prices are very reasonable for the portion sizes offered.

3

Star Snow Ice & Teriyaki does not accept Discover cards.

07
Alan's Deli image 1
Cantonese restaurant

Cafeteria-style counter offers quick service with generous portions at affordable prices. The space is clean and quiet, designed for takeout with no seating available. Lines often form during lunch and dinner, reflecting its popularity for budget-friendly meals.

Food here is consistently delicious and fresh, with a satisfying range of comfort dishes. Prices stay reasonable, offering generous portions for the cost.

Lunch offers insane portion sizes at a cheap cost. Suitable for broke college students or workers needing a quick, affordable meal.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be really delicious and fresh."

"This lunch spot's duck is so juicy and flavorful."

"The food here is cheap and the portions are insane."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is to go only and has no frills.

2

Expect long lines during peak hours, especially for lunch.

3

Parking is notoriously bad due to shared spaces with other restaurants.

08
Six Ping image 1
Chinese bakery

Small bakery offers authentic Taiwanese bread with soft, fluffy milk bread and unique animal-shaped pastries. Atmosphere resembles typical Asian bakeries with a clean, well-maintained space. Prices stay affordable, and baked goods include light, fluffy pandan and taro cakes with balanced sweetness.

Food offers consistently good quality and reliable service. Some bakery items like the macarons show little flavor difference, mainly varying in color.

Lots of cheap desserts stand out here. Prices stay low even with a good amount of goodies offered.

People are saying

"I always went here for birthday cakes."

"I found lots of good, cheap desserts here."

"The food here is really good."

Good to know

1

They do not accept Amex cards.

2

There is a $5 minimum on all card purchases.

3

Most items cost $2.50, and credit cards are accepted.

09
Tao Rice Roll image 1
Taiwanese restaurant

Small space with about six tables creates a compact seating area designed mainly for takeout. Ambiance feels like a busy Taipei alleyway with a slightly chaotic vibe and minimal, clean decor. Crowds peak on weekends, and ordering ahead helps avoid delays due to limited staff and a hidden online order system.

Food comes out hot and fresh with a focus on authentic Taiwanese breakfast cuisine. The menu consistently delivers high-quality, freshly made dishes that satisfy every time.

Prices stay affordable overall, making it a cheap option. Some items feel less cheap considering their price.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be very tasty and authentic."

"I loved their rice rolls for a tasty breakfast."

"I thought the portion size was not large for how cheap it was."

Good to know

1

The restaurant gets very crowded on weekends, so expect longer wait times.

2

Parking at Tao Rice Roll is difficult; consider alternative options.

3

Reservations are not accepted; order ahead to avoid long waits.

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Chinatown, Houston

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