Inside My Table #82 | Restaurant listings
Eating Up Chinatown
Houston has the largest Chinese population in the South, so it only makes sense that Chinatown would be such a big attraction to both locals and visitors. There are many stores and services worth exploring along Bellaire Boulevard, but let’s be honest: We’re in it for the food. Although there are many new restaurants as of late, many of the older ones still deserve a visit, so this list includes both, as well as supermarkets.
ARIRANG KOREAN RESTAURANT, 9715 Bellaire Blvd. at Corporate, 713-988-2088. At dinner, order set combinations of meat platters including marinated ribs, beef (watch out for offal cuts), pork and shrimp to cook yourself on the table-top grill. The grills aren’t on during the lunch hour; instead there are inexpensive bento boxes with meat, tempura and kimchee. $-$$
CRAWFISH & BEIGNETS, 11201 #A-05 Bellaire Blvd. at Boone, 281-498-5044. Located in the Hong Kong City Mall in the food court, Crawfish & Beignets is actually almost next door to another less-recommended crawfish stand. (Be sure you go to the right one.) Although it seems like an unusual addition to a Chinese mall, people of all nationalities order a few pounds of crawfish and $1.50 domestics to enjoy in groups. $
DON CAFE SANDWICH, 9300 Bellaire Blvd at Ranchester, 713-777-9500. This location seemed blighted before Don Cafe Sandwich moved in after a series of failed ventures (like the cantaloupe-colored karaoke bar). This is arguably the best place to get a Vietnamese sandwich with the crusty baguette, shredded carrots, slices of jalapeno and choice of meat. Many customers take Don’s up on their deal for one free sandwich for every five purchased. $
GOLDEN FOODS SUPERMARKET, 9896 Bellaire at Beltway 8, 713-772-7882. For those who are thinking of trying their hand at Asian cooking, the best beginning is to get ingredients from the source. Exotic and inexpensive products can be found here, and a fresh fish counter as well as a barbecue stand make this new grocery store a good alternative to the usual neighborhood standbys. $
JANGKUM TOFU HOUSE, 9888 Bellaire Blvd. at Beltway 8, 713-773-2229. The specialty at this Korean restaurant is the tofu soup—spicy and, if you like, filled with seafood or meat. Also try the seafood pancake, a fluffy and savory delight improved by the dipping sauce. The atmosphere is casual, and pleasant, and the waitstaff is especially helpful when it comes to navigating the menu. $
JUICE BOX, 9889 Bellaire Blvd #109 at Beltway 8, 713-484-8085. This juice bar is popular with teenagers, couples and the occasional health-conscious eater looking for a daily fruit serving. The milk shaved ice—ice topped with condensed milk, ice cream and choice of fruit—is the most interesting and popular item on the menu, if also among the more fattening. $
KIM SON, 10603 Bellaire Blvd. at Turtlewood Dr., 281-575-0140. Kim Son on Bellaire is not yet as highly regarded as its Stafford location, but locals hope that will change as the gargantuan restaurant hits its stride. Dim sum is served daily, although pushcarts are used only on weekends. A fair to good seafood buffet is also available, and the building exterior is definitely something to gawk at. $-$$
LEE’S SANDWICHES, 11210 Bellaire Blvd. at Boone, 281-933-9988. Many people are drawn in by the flashy attractions of this new Vietnamese sandwich shop—a San Jose, Calif.-based chain—but few seem to actually purchase a sandwich. Instead, locals mingle with friends over the deliciously creamy iced coffee. $
LUCKY POT, 9888 Bellaire Blvd at Beltway 8, 713-995-9982. Lucky Pot is one of the many busy new restaurants in Sterling Plaza. It serves up Chinese hot pot, pancakes and noodle soups. Come here for a simple, authentic meal, especially satisfying in cold weather. $
OCEAN PALACE, 11215 Bellaire Blvd. at Boone, 281-988-8898. Ocean Palace is very busy on weekends, but it’s also one of the few places that allow you to choose from the dim sum cart rather than a menu during the weekdays. It has the added bonus of being attached to the Hong Kong City Mall, which makes shopping for anything from groceries to Asian DVDs to a manicure a snap. $
SAN DONG NOODLE HOUSE, 9938 Bellaire Blvd. at Beltway 8, 713-271-3945. Otherwise known as Santong Snacks, San Dong moved to better digs this past year. This restaurant serves simple noodle soups and, for some Houstonians, holds the title of Best Dumplings. While you can have a meal for around $4, San Dong is cash only. You can also buy a package of frozen dumplings made in-store for later consumption. $
SINH SINH, 9788 Bellaire Blvd. at Corporate, 713-541-2888. Because Sinh Sinh is open until 3 am on weekends, it is a popular stop for chefs and students. A glassed-in counter sits at the back where glistening ducks and barbequed pork hangs from hooks. Order by the pound or as part of your sit-down meal, but only until 4 pm everyday. Warning: Many grumble about poor service here. $-$$
TAN DO RESTAURANT, 9398 Bellaire Blvd. at Ranchester, 713-988-9908. Although the decor is getting on in age, the Cantonese-style food at Tan Do is some of the best. Try the Peking duck and order the lettuce wraps when deciding what to do with the rest of your fowl. Kitschy Chinese music videos that sometimes play are a debatable bonus. $-$$
TAYDO RESTAURANT, 11201 Bellaire Blvd. at Boone, 281-988-8939. Located in Hong Kong City Mall, Taydo serves both Chinese and Vietnamese dishes, but the latter are the more expertly prepared. The soft-shell crab with a cold watercress, tomato and onion salad is the best. The waitstaff isn’t the most attentive, but diners may get a show during one of the frequent wedding receptions that take place here. $-$$
