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Guide to Chinatown

Lunch spots for curry

A warm, spiced bowl of curry is the only thing that sounds right for lunch.

Based on 665 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Night Market Noodle image 1
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Ramen restaurant

Ramen restaurant with wooden izakaya style and warm yellow lighting creates a cozy, traditional atmosphere. Music adds to the chill, casual vibe while air conditioning balances the heat of spicy dishes. Seating includes long tables for medium-sized groups, supporting a relaxed dining experience.

Lunch offers a good deal with specials including certain noodle dishes and a small appetizer. The spot suits a short lunch or a casual meal with friends and fits a student budget well.

Spicy curry tonkotsu ramen stands out with its bold heat. The coconut curry noodles offer a tasty, unique twist, while the roti and curry noodles combine well for a satisfying meal.

People are saying

"I found the best ramen I had outside Japan."

"This Lunch Spot's ramen dishes were absolutely amazing."

"The coco-curry noodles were tasty and different."

Good to know

1

Not all restaurants near Chinatown accept credit cards, but this one does without restrictions.

2

I should not park at the plaza across the street because I will get towed.

3

Parking can be difficult here on a busy night, but I came at lunch and it wasn’t tough to find.

02
Sambal Chef image 1
Malaysian restaurant

Spacious dining area with Malaysian art and a homey vibe creates a calm, inviting atmosphere. The setting feels like a family-owned Asian restaurant with a cozy, nostalgic design. A private event room adds flexibility for larger gatherings.

Lunch here offers affordable prices lower than several other spots nearby. The lunch special provides great value, with dishes like char koay teow standing out.

Thick, rich curry sauces pair well with dishes like beef rendang and roti canai. The Singapore chilli crab and yong tau foo curry stand out, with fresh tofu made onsite and cucumber dips to balance the flavors.

People are saying

"The Malaysian food here is authentic and fantastically delicious."

"This Lunch Spot's generous portions are delicious and affordable."

"The curry here is delicious and the servings are generous."

Good to know

1

Parking can be busy due to multiple restaurants in the area.

2

The restaurant is BYOB, allowing guests to bring their own alcohol.

3

Lunch specials offer great value for the price.

03
Cutting Board image 1
Restaurant

Modern industrial style decor combines with warm lighting and darker furniture to create a clean, cozy atmosphere that feels like a blend of Europe and Asia. Background K-pop music adds a unique touch to the casual, inviting vibe. The environment encourages slowing down and enjoying the meal in an elegant yet understated setting.

Lunch features fresh dishes served during the soft opening. The spot offers a casual atmosphere suitable for midday meals.

Katsu curry stands out on the menu with a rich, satisfying flavor. The beef curry udon blends hearty curry with traditional udon taste without overpowering it. The curry pork katsu omurice adds a unique twist to classic dishes.

People are saying

"The sea urchin pasta here is rich and decadent."

"I loved the lobster roll at this Lunch Spot."

"I tried the Katsu curry here and it was the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is currently running soft opening promotions with special deals.

2

Spend $50 to earn a free steam lobster during the soft opening.

3

The menu features a unique fusion of Italian and Asian dishes.

04
Lao'd District image 1
Laotian restaurant

Modern space blends traditional flavor with stylish decor and warm lighting. Upbeat vibe features 90s R&B music and a high-tech QR code ordering system. Walls showcase murals mixing history, pop culture, and 80's video games, creating a unique atmosphere.

Lunch features a friendly vibe like visiting family and includes options like the lunch combo with crack belly and a lunch box special. Food tastes delicious and suits casual group visits.

Red curry features an aromatic blend of fresh herbs and pairs well with roti. Coconut curry offers a lighter, flavorful option. Sticky Basil Fried Rice and Thai Roti Canai complement the curry dishes nicely.

People are saying

"The food here was so amazing, it made me stop talking."

"The curry soup here is delicious and a HUGE portion."

"The lunch combo with crack belly is fantastic and crispy."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in a garage, but it can be challenging at peak times.

2

You order and pay by scanning a QR code at your table.

3

Bring a jacket as the restaurant can be quite cold inside.

05
Ishin Udon image 1
Udon noodle restaurant

Small space with Japanese-style decor and sectioned seating creates a cozy, warm atmosphere. Lighting and wooden furniture add to the inviting vibe suited for quiet meals or small groups. The place attracts those seeking authentic udon in a casual, comfortable setting.

Lunch offers super tasty food with no wait before the rush. Frequent visits show it works well for casual meetups and quick meals.

Japanese curry features perfect spice levels and pairs well with crispy katsu. Curry udon offers chewy noodles and a flavor close to what you'd find in Japan.

People are saying

"The curry udon here is piping hot and flavorful."

"The curry here is piping hot with a perfect spice level."

"This lunch spot's curry has an authentic Japanese flavor."

Good to know

1

Parking can be difficult to find on the weekend.

2

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

3

The restaurant can go from 2 customers to a line out the door very quickly.

06
Tamashi Ramen Sushi- China Town Bellaire image 1

Walls covered in One Piece anime art create an immersive, cozy atmosphere with soft lighting and peaceful Japanese music. The vibe is quiet and chill, appealing especially to anime fans. The space feels warm and inviting despite occasional heat inside.

Lunch features two bowls of ramen served in a setting where groups can enjoy meals together. The atmosphere feels contented and relaxed during midday visits.

Curry Tsukemen offers a deep, rich flavor with a fresh and flavorful profile. The curry ramen stands out with a unique taste that many prefer over miso ramen.

People are saying

"I found the ramen here to be very tasty and flavorful."

"The Curry Tsukemen here is so delicious and flavorful."

"The ramen here is delicious with a flavorful broth."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, but you need to sign in on their waitlist.

2

The restaurant is small, so expect longer wait times on busy weekends.

3

The menu states 'shrimp-based broth' but may contain pork; inquire if needed.

07
Thai Style Fast Food image 1
Thai restaurant

Medium-sized space with a vibe that recalls Bangkok's streets. Quiet during dinner hours, it serves mostly to-go orders with affordable prices and generous portions. Known for authentic Thai flavors and a convenient online ordering system, it suits quick, flavorful meals.

Affordable options under $10 make it easy to grab a quick lunch. Meals like red curry with chicken come with a small bowl of soup and a veggie roll, and dishes like pad Thai reheat well for later.

Panang and red curries stand out with full-bodied flavor and a slight sweetness followed by a milk kick. Options include chicken, shrimp, and combinations, often served with soup and veggie rolls.

People are saying

"The Thai food, especially the curries, is rich, creamy, and satisfying."

"I found the red curry chicken to be 10 out of 10."

"I loved their pad Thai, red curry, and yellow curry."

Good to know

1

Most meals are under $10, making it budget-friendly.

2

The portion sizes are generous, often enough for multiple people.

3

Online ordering is available for convenience.

08
PappaRich image 1
Malaysian restaurant

Malaysian restaurant offers authentic flavors with a quiet, relaxing atmosphere and clean, open space. The vibe is friendly and enjoyable, attracting those seeking genuine Southeast Asian cuisine. The setup is simple but appealing, focusing on food quality over decor.

Lunch features a special menu with options like Wat Tan Hor. Meals come with good variety and solid flavors.

Seafood curries feature bold, fragrant flavors with a creamy coconut broth and fresh seafood. The Beef Rendang and lamb Indian curry offer rich, savory options, while the Roti Canai pairs well with chicken curry sauce and Indian lentil dal.

People are saying

"The roti here is seriously delicious and comforting."

"The curry dishes here are rich, balanced, and amazing."

"This lunch spot has authentic Malaysian flavors and great variety."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in a small garage next door, making it convenient.

2

Prices are reasonable, with chicken satay skewers costing $15 for four.

3

Not all menu items are HALAL; confirm with the waiter before ordering.

09
Hong Kong's Cafe 香 港 茶 餐 廳 image 1
Hong Kong style fast food restaurant

Hong Kong style fast food restaurant offers authentic Hong Kong dishes with affordable prices and a cash-only policy. The space is small with typical Chinese decor and a casual, cafe-style atmosphere. It attracts those seeking genuine flavors rather than Americanized Chinese food.

Light meals and quick bites make this spot ideal for lunch. It offers a casual atmosphere suited for a midday break.

Curry fish balls appear on the menu but come with a bland broth and lack strong flavor. They serve alongside dishes like BBQ pork and Singapore noodles, but the curry itself does not stand out.

People are saying

"I loved the authentic Hong Kong cafe food here."

"The curry here tastes just like I remembered from Hong Kong."

"This lunch spot feels authentic and has been operating for years."

Good to know

1

The restaurant only accepts cash or Zelle as payment methods.

2

Expect to find authentic Hong Kong style breakfast options on the menu.

3

Prices are very affordable for the quality and portions.

10
Mikiya Wagyu Shabu House 味喜屋 | Houston image 1

Shabu-shabu restaurant offers an interactive cooking experience with all-you-can-eat A5 Wagyu displayed in a large fridge. The interior combines luxurious decor and a cozy, inviting atmosphere with warm lighting and a starry ceiling. Self-serve bars for sauces, vegetables, and desserts add a casual, family-friendly touch.

Lunch hours often bring a wait, especially on Sundays. Service includes personalized attention that can make occasions feel special. Dinner tends to be a more recommended time to visit.

People are saying

"The Wagyu here is so tender it melts in your mouth."

"The hot pot lunch spot has high-quality, fresh ingredients like A5 Wagyu."

"The Japanese A5 Wagyu melts in your mouth."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended on weekends due to high demand.

2

Expect a 45-minute wait during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

The set menu costs approximately $78 per person.

11
House of Bowls image 1
Cantonese restaurant

Dark, spacious interior with Hong Kong-style fast food vibes creates a cozy, unpretentious atmosphere. The place is always busy and noisy, filled with lively energy. It stands out for its authentic Cantonese experience and consistent popularity over decades.

Quick service and great taste stand out during busy lunch hours. Expect overcrowding on weekends, especially around midday.

Juicy, well balanced curry chicken comes with plenty of meat. Curry beef brisket over rice and spicy chicken with thick noodles offer rich flavors. Curry seafood udon adds a seafood twist to the curry options.

People are saying

"The beef chow fun here is amazing, especially dry style."

"The curry beef brisket is tender and flavorful."

"The black pepper beef pasta at this Lunch Spot has a strong flavor."

Good to know

1

Parking at House of Bowls can be very challenging during busy times.

2

Expect long wait times during weekend lunch hours.

3

Reservations are not accepted, so arrive early to avoid crowds.

12
Banana Leaf image 1
Malaysian restaurant

Small interior with a traditional Asian setting creates a cozy, slightly dark atmosphere. The place fills with family-style dining energy, attracting those who come hungry or with friends. Known for affordable prices and large portions, it offers a low-key spot for Malaysian dishes.

Generous portions come with the lunch special at fair prices. Tables are mostly available during weekday late lunch hours, and additional dishes like chicken curry can be bought to take home.

Thin, delicious curry sauce stands out, especially with the light Indian pancake and roti. Beef curry and rendang offer rich, authentic flavors, while curry chicken remains a family favorite.

People are saying

"The Roti Canai was buttery, crispy, flaky, and came with an amazing curry dip."

"This lunch spot's curry chicken was authentic and flavorful."

"I loved the curry chicken and beef rendang."

Good to know

1

Parking can be difficult in the shopping center.

2

The restaurant closes at 10:30pm, not 10pm.

3

The menu has changed recently, offering fewer items.

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Chinatown, Houston

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