... Read moreHey foodies! I recently spent a delightful afternoon diving deep into the culinary wonders of Chinatown Houston, and let me tell you, it was an adventure for the taste buds! I wanted to share a bit more about my experience and why some dishes really stood out (or didn't!).
First up, the Spicy TanTan ramen. With its rich orange broth and generous toppings of sliced pork, ground meat, corn, bean sprouts, green onions, a perfectly soft-boiled egg, and those fiery red chili threads, it definitely packed a punch. While delicious and warming, I rated it a 7/10 because I've had slightly more complex broths elsewhere. Still, it's a solid choice if you love a good spicy kick!
Next, the Gyu Donburi. This bowl, filled with rice, sliced beef, onions, green onions, and a beautiful halved soft-boiled egg with a runny yolk, was a bit of a letdown for me, hence the 4/10. The beef felt a little dry and lacked the depth of flavor I was hoping for. It might just be personal preference, but I’d probably skip this one next time.
Now, for some unique desserts! The Altubae soft-serve ice cream cone was an experience. The vibrant swirls of purple ube and orange Thai tea flavors were visually stunning, topped with those adorable small banana-shaped cookies. It was refreshing and distinct, though perhaps not a flavor combination for everyone, which is why it landed at a 6/10 for me.
But the real star of the show was undoubtedly the egg tart! A perfect 9/10. That golden-brown, flaky pastry crust giving way to a creamy yellow custard filling was pure bliss. Each bite was heavenly – a must-try for anyone visiting! And close behind was the chocolate Swiss roll, elegantly dusted with cocoa powder and revealing a lovely white cream swirl inside. It was light, fluffy, and a fantastic 8/10 treat.
I also tried the side dishes: a creamy potato salad and some refreshing sliced cucumber pickles. They were good palate cleansers, decent at 6/10, but didn't steal the show. The charcoal pineapple and vanilla swirl soft-serve, topped with chopped nuts, was another adventurous dessert. It was interesting, but the charcoal flavor was a bit subtle for me, making it a 6/10.
If you're planning your own food adventure in Chinatown Houston, here are a few tips:
Go with friends: This way you can order more dishes and share, getting a wider taste of what's available without getting too full too fast!
Don't be afraid to try new things: There are so many unique flavors and dishes beyond the usual. That Altubae ice cream is a great example!
Look for busy spots: A bustling restaurant or bakery usually indicates good food.
Save room for dessert: Chinatown Houston has an incredible array of pastries, bubble teas, and unique ice creams. The egg tarts are just the beginning!
Overall, my Chinatown Houston food crawl was a fantastic way to explore new tastes and find some new favorites. Happy eating!