Compared to Houston’s sprawling Chinatown or even Austin’s emerging scene, Katy doesn’t have endless options for authentic Chinese cuisine. But the craving for hand-pulled noodles and sizzling hot pots is real, so we’ve tracked down the spots where flavors transport you straight to Sichuan or Shanghai. (Mandarin lessons not included.) Scroll down for our top picks, from dumpling houses to banquet halls.
Jin Yuan Cafe
$ | (346) 594-1084 | WEBSITE
Jin Yuan Cafe’s authentic Shanghainese dining experience is a solid pick for a quick, satisfying meal, especially when you’re craving those consistently hot and fresh pork soup dumplings or pan-fried buns. The ordering process is easy and fast, which makes it perfect for a casual lunch break or a low-key dinner.
You can dive into their praised green scallion noodle, fried pork chop, or pork chop with rice cake without any fuss, and everything arrives steaming and delicious, just like their juicy Xiaolongbao and pan-fried dumplings.
CW Asian Cafe
$ | (281) 574-3330 | WEBSITE
As soon as you walk into this Katy cafe, you’ll be offered a sample of their boba tea. So welcoming. For $12-$15, you get a generous plate of kung pao chicken, crab Rangoon, and a choice of boba tea. The food here is (consistently) fresher than most spots, so you should eat right away, or you’ll miss the perfect crispiness.
Green Garden Restaurant
$ | (281) 828-8400 | WEBSITE
Head to this reliable Chinese restaurant in Katy for flavorful chicken & broccoli in brown sauce, comforting lo-mein, and a couple of crab rangoons. Open for years, this consistent spot feels as quiet as ever, and lets you enjoy a top-notch lunch menu at great value. The soup is a highlight, and the steamed rice could use a touch more attention. Don’t forget to appreciate the helpful and friendly staff.
Hong Kong Food Street
$$ | (832) 212-8128 | WEBSITE
How do you make enjoying some of the very best Chinese food in Katy an even better experience? Add a modern, bright dining room. The road to trying their famous fish sauce chicken isn’t exactly a quick one (waits can stretch up to thirty minutes during peak hours), but at least that gives you more than enough time to admire the sleek, welcoming atmosphere. Once you finally get a seat, enjoy some truly excellent wonton noodles with a side of truffle fried rice at your well-lit table.
San Eatery
$ | (281) 717-4134 | WEBSITE
San Eatery is a popular Chinese-Puerto Rican fusion spot in Katy. It’s a straightforward place, but the food is consistently tasty, and the servings are generous. Try the San Fried Rice or the Pollo enchilado, which features tender chicken in a vibrant sauce. This is a solid choice for an affordable takeout meal or casual dine-in experience.
Tiger Noodle House
$ | (832) 913-3938 | WEBSITE
Katy’s growing appetite for authentic Chinese cuisine has found a reliable home in this modern, clean establishment—and one of the best restaurants in the area—for those seeking generous portions and quick service. The menu showcases favorites like General Tso’s Chicken and Cashew Chicken, along with standout dim sum options including spicy wontons and xiao long bao.
At least there’s one choice you won’t have to ponder: whether to try the highly praised hot and sour soup or the unique spicy cucumbers salad first.
China Express
$ | (281) 858-9998 | WEBSITE
This Chinese spot in Katy probably isn’t the first restaurant that comes to mind when you’re looking for lightning-fast delivery—nor should it be, necessarily—but on weeknights, their delivery fee is completely waived (it’s normally $5). Time to start craving some General Tso’s chicken that’ll satisfy both your hunger and your craving for authentic New York-style flavor.
Loves Dumpling House 梁妈妈手工水饺
$ | (832) 921-7263 | WEBSITE
This hidden gem behind a gas station is known for its soup dumplings: a must-try with flavorful broth and tender, pillowy-soft wrappers that you should share with at least one other person. There’s a reasonable price point if you want to supplement the dumplings with a few sides like the pan-fried beef and onion dumplings or the Dan Dan Noodles. Keep in mind it’s nicely decorated and feels cozy.
Asian Chef
$ | (281) 578-3500 | WEBSITE
Asian Chef is made for takeout lovers. The Chinese spot in Katy specializes in quick, flavorful dishes like chicken wings, egg rolls, and fried dumplings, and lots of satisfying combo meals. The service is fast and friendly—so order online for even quicker pickup.
T Jin China Diner
$ | (281) 574-8999 | WEBSITE
This Chinese spot in Katy is in a convenient strip mall with plenty of parking, and it serves up reasonably priced, consistently good food with large portions served hot. Bring friends and an appetite for something comforting and familiar, then order a few more Orange Chicken and Crab Ragoons than seems reasonable.
L&L Chinese restaurant
$ | (281) 492-0430 | WEBSITE
L&L Chinese Restaurant is a casual neighborhood spot with cozy booths at every table, like a friendly gathering in your own dining room. Bring your appetite to enjoy all the delicious Chinese classics here. The most popular one is the Beef Pad Thai, with savory noodles and perfectly cooked beef.
Ten Seconds Yunnan Rice Noodle 十秒到雲南過橋米缐
$ | (281) 810-7777 | WEBSITE
At this Yunnan noodle spot in Katy, it takes no time at all for the rice noodles, mala Sichuan broth and other signature soups to arrive. That’s because the kitchen operates with brisk efficiency, which matches the dining room atmosphere—a clean, modern space with bright lighting and simple wooden tables. The quick pace makes it a great option for grabbing a satisfying meal with a friend or two at a communal table and a couple of bowls to share.
Steam Dumpling
$ | (806) 608-8806 | WEBSITE
Every surface at Steam Dumpling is covered in clean white tiles, polished steel, and steam baskets. And that’s one of the reasons why you come here. Another is the reasonable prices. As for the food, it gets the job done. You probably aren’t going to text all of your relatives to tell them about your meal, but you might text your friends a picture with several dozen perfect dumplings in the foreground.
Spicy House
$ | (346) 333-9940 | WEBSITE
If you can’t find a table at this cozy Sichuan spot in Katy, you’re likely looking at a short wait. It’s worth it for the spicy fish slides alone. And you can use that time wisely—send someone from your group to grab drinks at the convenience store down the street.
RaKuu
$ | (281) 721-4421 | WEBSITE
This modern Katy spot is the only place where you can sample Chinese, Vietnamese, and Japanese dishes under one roof, admire sleek Asian-inspired decor, and enjoy a relaxed date night atmosphere while anticipating your meal. RaKuu’s staff—who are welcoming and knowledgeable without being intrusive—serves dishes fresh to order, and though the menu covers multiple cuisines, you’ll find plenty to satisfy your table. Get the flavorful pho or chicken fried rice, and the fresh Shaggy Dog sushi roll.
Tan Tan Wok
$ | (281) 769-9966 | WEBSITE
This reliable, unpretentious Chinese spot in Katy—with generous portions and a crowd-pleasing menu of flavorful favorites—is a solid choice for family dinners and casual gatherings. The fact that it’s so affordable only makes us appreciate Tan Tan Wok more. Feast on the eggplant and chicken dishes here, and never overspend on mediocre takeout again.
Pei Wei Asian Kitchen
$ | (346) 443-2255 | WEBSITE
Not only does this Katy spot offer clearly labeled gluten-free options, but it’s also useful to know about if you’re a vegetarian or you’re watching what you eat. All of the dishes here are fresh and delicious, including a large variety of vegetarian options like rolls and rice with vegetables and some great hot honey chicken with fried rice that won’t send meat-eaters spiraling into despair.
Ling’s Restaurant
$ | (281) 347-1001 | WEBSITE
This Chinese restaurant is a convenient option for those in the area, known for its fast delivery and hot food. While service can be inconsistent at times, many customers have enjoyed friendly interactions with the staff, who are quick to correct mistakes. The restaurant is more casual and bustling than fancy, but thankfully still affordable. Get the special fried rice too—it makes a great meal.
Haidilao Hot Pot Katy
$$ | (832) 802-6666 | WEBSITE
Though this sprawling Katy hot pot spot is no longer strictly reservation-only, you can still book a table for every four people in your party without a wait time (it’s 45 minutes after that). We especially love the dancing noodles and the masago ball here, so plan to order accordingly.
Chef Han
$ | (832) 234-4634 | WEBSITE
At this Katy restaurant, you get a $15 meal packed with the flavors of Korea, and you sit in a bustling food court setting. Just as you would for any quick lunch, grab a seat at the counter. Located conveniently inside HMart, this local spot has no corkage fee, so stop by the grocery section if you’re headed there for steaming bowls of jajangmyeon with generous seafood jjamppong and standout orange chicken fried rice.