Noodles in Houston, TX

“Wonderful menu, service and location. Highly recommended.“

“It was pretty good, bowl of pho was flavorful and oxtail bowl was huge for the price I would recommend them.“

“Tucked away off the beaten path in Houston, Quan Ba Ky is a no-frills Vietnamese restaurant that delivers traditional flavors at an unbeatable value. It’s the kind of place that feels like a homey, Mom-and-Pop operation—complete with worn tables, Vietnamese TV shows playing in the background, and a karaoke machine tucked away in the back. There's something undeniably charming about the unpretentious atmosphere, and honestly, what's not to like? It feels authentic, welcoming, and, most importantly, focused on the food.

We visited on an early Saturday evening, and initially, the place was quiet. But as we neared 6-7 PM, the dining room began to fill with a steady stream of Vietnamese patrons, always a good sign that the place is beloved by those who know best.

We started with a round of Viet Cajun-style crawfish—a seasonal treat when fresh, but since it was off-season, the crawfish were frozen. Still, they were flavorful, and you could tell they’d be even better if we’d hit them at peak season. The seasoning was on point, with just the right amount of spice and buttery richness, though the crawfish themselves weren’t as tender as they might have been if fresh. No complaints, though—it's clear the place does its best to provide a taste of a regional specialty even when it’s not in full swing.

The real standout, however, was the Bún Sườn soup. This dish has been getting attention on social media, and it absolutely lived up to the hype. The broth was rich and flavorful, the perfect balance of savory and umami, and it came packed with an assortment of seafood, noodles, and herbs that made every bite exciting. Whether you’re a fan of seafood or just enjoy a hearty bowl of noodle soup, this dish is a must-try. It’s the kind of comforting, satisfying food that makes you want to come back for more.

We also decided to try one of their limeade drinks, which was refreshing and tart, making it the ideal pairing with the spicy, seafood-heavy soup. The cool drink provided a nice contrast to the warmth of the broth and helped cleanse the palate between bites.

The service was also top-notch. The owner, who served us, was kind and attentive throughout the meal, offering helpful recommendations and ensuring we were well taken care of. There’s something genuinely warm about the experience, which adds to the overall appeal of the place.

And the best part? The total bill for two people came to just around $30—an incredible value for the quality and quantity of food we received. In a city full of trendy spots, Quan Ba Ky’s combination of great food, generous portions, and affordable prices is a real standout.

If you’re looking for traditional Vietnamese food with a homey feel and a focus on quality, look no further than Quan Ba Ky. It's not flashy or trendy, but it’s authentic, delicious, and an excellent value. Highly recommended!

Vegetarian options: Several options

Parking: Lots of free parking right in front of the restaurant

Kid-friendliness: Not very kid friendly if they are picky or not into Viet food

Wheelchair accessibility: No stairs and plenty of room to navigate a wheelchair“

“Está delicioso recomendado cien por ciento debería de ir toda la gente ❤️“

“Very fast service and super friendly severs.Food are freshly made and so good. ❤️❤️❤️“

“Food was good for a quick bite. The XLB was one of my favorites. Surprisingly the chicken and vegetable wontons in chili oil were surprisingly the best. The Thai tea was delicious. I’d skip the noodles I got in the photos. They were mid. The cucumbers were nicely presented and delicious. The staff were friendly and kept checking on us. Will be back as this is closer and just as good as bellaire.“

“100 % recomendada La comida 🍲 súper rika“

“This restaurant is my personal favorite. Definitely Houston Best Bulgogi and Tteokbokki seriously. The pork is also amazing with the unlimited side dishes and sauces. Additionally, with a sweet coffee candy to finish it off. 10/10 recommend you won’t regret it!!“

“Hand made authentic food!!“

“I've been to various Houston Pho spots over the last 20+ years and can say I am astounded by how flavorful that bowl was. Also, the bone marrow and egg bowl was PHENOMENAL.

This is now my new favorite spot for PHO specifically.“

“very excellent Thai food 👌“

“First time here under new management really love the customer service really enjoyed the number 46 I highly recommend“

“My sister amd I decided to try House of Bowls on a whim. The menu is very daunting and long, but the waitstaff was super helpful in choosing items.

The portions were large amd made great leftovers the next day for breakfast. The flavors were strong amd delicious.

There are rice bowls and noodle bowls. You can also get soups and specials. I can't say enough good things about House of Bowls.

As a side note, I loved the fish appetizer.“

“We were there last weekend and they were the best and most authentic tasting noodles we’ve ever had (and my husband and I have tried many places)! The service and atmosphere was great and the staff were kind and patient despite my son crying much of our time there. If we’re ever in the Houston area again this is for sure a stop we’ll be making again! P.S. the sweet tea was perfect 🙂“

“Very authentic, delicious, flavorful Vietnamese food if you are looking for something different than phở. We ordered the bún đạu mắm tôm, bánh khọt, and grilled scallops. #1 standout to me was how fresh tasting the organ meats were, which is a testament to how well they were thoroughly cleaned during preparation. We only came here during our vacation, but if we lived in the state we would be coming here every week!“

“The kill me level of spice on the lemongrass chicken with buckwheat bowl at Jenni’s Noodle House is f’ing fire 😋💜💯🔥🔥🔥 DELICIOUS“

“Best noodles ever. Also a unique garlicky kimchi.“

“Excellent dim sum! If you have a hankering for Chinese food this is the place to eat!“

“This is the best place ever I love the pepper chicken omg really thankful they are in Gainesville! Amazing!“

“Had a wonderful meal today at Jinya! Tried eel for the first time-the Unagi Inari Sushi was delicious. The Crispy Chicken and Salmon Poke tacos were great too. Ended the meal with super creamy Matcha Tiramisu. The atmosphere was very nice and chill. Great service!“

“Not just the best pho place I’ve been too but hands down my favorite restaurant in Houston. My only complaint was not finding out about this place sooner.

The seafood boils is well worth the price and the shrimp garlic noodles is like nothing else I’ve ever had. Man if I could leave 2 reviews I would. Super friendly owners and they’re open til 12. I’ll be a lifetime customer“

“I loved the vegan broth options! Glad we could find a place that has more vegan friendly broth and toppings! Our server Jeraldine was awesome and she took care of our complicated order due to our food allergies! We will be back again!“

“Best place for ramen we drove 5hrs just for some best in Houston!“

“Food was amazing and delicious!!!“

“My girlfriend and I stopped by while we were in Houston, and she ordered a “Biggie” for me. It was absolutely delicious, especially with the hoisin sauce and sriracha. We were both very full by the end of our sandwiches, and the lady working up front was super friendly. I can’t wait to visit this place again!“

“Great Customer service and friendly staff. Food came out fast and smelled delicious. Soup was the best I’ve had. I would definitely come back“

“Food was amazing and the server Linda was sweet and knowledgeable. I had the spicy garnet with chicken and it was just the right amount of heat, not overly hot but got the job done“

“I stopped by this lovely restaurant during lunch and enjoyed a delicious meal. The elderly couple who owns the place is incredibly kind and took the time to explain the menu to me. I had the Tom Kha soup and it was absolutely divine, especially paired with an egg roll. The pad see ew was the best I've ever had, and I regret not taking a picture of it, but I was too hungry to think about it! I also took some mango sticky rice home because it was so delicious. I highly recommend giving this place a try!“

“My god, best Chinese food in town. Went to try it for the first time on Friday and came back Saturday for seconds. The beef they use in their dishes is very tender and beautifully marbled. So glad I was recommended this place. Saves me a trip to bellaire or Katy Asia town.“

“Their green curry is just like comfort food. Very delicious. Service is excellent!“

“Very fast service and super friendly severs.Food are freshly made and so good. ❤️❤️❤️“

“muchas gracias por su atención, es excelente el servicio y muy rica la comida y se puede pasar una rato muy agradable con la familia y amigos.“

“Food was hot and good. Could've had more spice but edible and it hit the spot“

“Great food and service. Would definitely eat here again, when in Houston“

“I ordered the lunch Cajun Chicken Pho bowl and it was good. I did not like how they made you choose between the side options; bean sprouts was a side all by itself & did not automatically come with the veggies. There is no fried rice option and the prices were high. I needed sustenance before my shift at NRG and this was right across the street. Would I return? No, because I did not feel like I got my money's worth. However, my bowl was empty when I left!“

“Delicious tofu or vegetable curry and fresh spring rolls for vegetarians. Medium heat was plenty hot for those of us who love spice. Four of us ate out, three got curries and one fried rice dish, and we all enjoyed our food. The favorite of the meat eaters was the crab rangoons, though. The staff were very friendly and the inside was nicer than expected from the outside.“

“Their beef soup is delicious.“

“Great food! all delicious.“

“Trendy dumpling was an amazing restaurant with awesome service and even more amazing food. I would highly recommend this super cool restaurant. -Fynn, 10 yrs old“

“I recently had the pleasure of dining at the best Chinese rice noodle house in Chinatown Houston and it was an exceptional experience. This noodle house offers an array of mouthwatering appetizers that set the stage for an unforgettable meal. The star of the show was undoubtedly the Chinese rice noodles. They were perfectly cooked, with a delightful chewy texture that left me craving more. The wide variety of noodle options allowed for a customized dining experience, catering to all tastes. We tried their signature items like the chicken soup rice noodle and the Mala rice noodle soup. The appetizers were a highlight, with an extensive selection that included sticky rice cake, marinated pig feet, and cucumber salad. The sticky rice cake was a delightful blend of sweet and savory, with a satisfyingly chewy consistency. The marinated pig feet were tender and flavorful, a true delicacy. The cucumber salad provided a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the other dishes, with a delightful balance of tanginess and crunch. The service at JiBeiChuan noodle house was impeccable, and the staff were friendly and attentive, adding to the overall positive experience. The ambiance of the restaurant was inviting, making it a great place to enjoy a meal with family and friends. Overall, this brand new Chinese rice noodle house is a must-visit for anyone looking to savor authentic and delicious Chinese cuisine. The combination of delectable rice noodles and a tantalizing selection of appetizers ensures an unforgettable culinary journey. I can't wait to return and explore more of their menu. And since it’s a authentic Chinese franchising noodle house, I don’t have to fly back to China to enjoy it. Highly recommended and will definitely come back.“

“Brisket Bahn Mi with bone marrow butter and a cup of pho for dipping. Second time here love it. Absolutely delicious!“

“Great experience overall!
I first went in without realizing that the ownership had changed. It used to be run by a Korean family, and I was a little worried the food wouldn’t be as good as before—but I was wrong. The new owner has done a not bad job with the food.
We ordered the spicy squid, beef soup, Vietnamese sandwich, and seafood pancake.

Seafood pancake: I’d been craving this for a while, so I ordered it right away. Unfortunately, it was a little burnt this time and didn’t taste as good as usual. (Tip: order it first since it takes some time to prepare.) ⭐ 2.5/5

Beef soup: The broth was excellent—rich and flavorful. However, I wasn’t a fan of the ingredients inside. I expected vegetables like cabbage or mushrooms, but instead there were long, thin pieces that looked a bit odd. Still, ⭐ 3/5 (all points for the broth).

Spicy squid: Absolutely fantastic! ⭐ 5/5

Vietnamese sandwich: My friend really enjoyed it. ⭐ 5/5

Service was good, and overall the food was solid. The only downside is that this place is far from my home, so I can’t come as often as I’d like. SAD!“

“Cool little Thai cafe...absolutely amazing flavors reminds me of my travels east. The beef curry was outstanding , pad Thai was really good, eggrolls perfect. The Thai tea was the best I ever had. If your in the area I'd strongly recommend stopping by this authentic Thai restaurant!! Oh and the owners and employees here are really friendly. What a warm enjoyable place for lunch.“

“How have I never heard of this restaurant before now? I loved everything about it, from the connecting wine bar with a supreme menu to the friendly counter service in the restaurant, low key neighborhood vibe, and the most comforting Italian food in the city. This will undoubtedly be my new go-to place.“

“We’ve been back several times now—this cozy little Japanese spot is such a gem! The owner, a warm and welcoming Korean lady, always greets customers with a big smile and switches effortlessly between English, Korean, and Japanese to make everyone feel at home.

The sushi combo is an unbeatable deal, with fresh sashimi that never disappoints. Other must-try dishes include the cold tofu, potato salad, Ten Don, Japanese curry, and the weekend special: hamburger steak.

Even though it’s a bit off the beaten path, it’s absolutely worth the trip for the quality, value, and genuinely friendly atmosphere.“

“I've been coming here for about 2 years as I work close by.

Staff are very friendly and the service is great. Pho combo is my favorite. Well priced too.

Drunken Pho definitely has one of the best pho broths I have ever had!!

If you are feeling under the weather, the pho is the perfect choice for nourishment.

Go try it out!“

“The interior is very beautiful, not usually what I see at good pho restaurants. The food is amazing and delicious with great portions and reasonable prices. I wish I had stopped here sooner.

Got the grilled chicken rice and egg roll, the #18 pho beef brisket flank and tripe. We also got grilled pork egg rolls but they were eaten very fast.

Would recommend.“

“Wow, wow, wow! Last night, my wife, friend, and I visited Hi Trendy Dumplings in the Heights for the first time. The food was absolutely divine! The service was on point. Our meal was possibly the best Asian food we've ever had in Houston. From their freshly prepared soup dumplings to their homemade noodle dishes (soups and stir fries), to the unique appetizers, our taste buds were treated to a symphony of Asian flavors and favorites, each with a unique twist. If you're seeking delicious and authentic Asian eats, you've got to try Hi Trendy Dumplings.“

“Most Vietnamese places that I've gone to have your typical pho, bahn mi, vermicelli plate and rice dishes but this spot has a lot more variety. I actually tried their wonton egg noodle soup instead of something I usually go for (i.e. pho).

The broth was fantastic! I think it's the same soup as Hu tieu where it was light yet flavorful. For the topping, there were pork slices, pork wonton, and a fried shrimp wrap(?) I'm personally very picky when it comes to pork and it's gaimy taste so I gave my wontons away to my coworkers. Everything else about this dish was great though!
I also had a bite of my coworker's combination stir fried noodles and it was just okay. I've had better at different restaurants but it's not a bad choice if that's what you're craving.

As for service, I'm not sure if they're used to people knowing what they want to order before they get into the restaurant but our server was hovering over our table from the minute we were seated so that was interesting. Also as a heads up, all the workers here are Vietnamese- but don't be discouraged about trying spot if you can't speak the language! Most customers here are Vietnamese too (that's how you know it's legit) but there were also good number of people from different ethnic backgrounds who all seemed to really enjoy their food!

Overall, I'm glad I found this restaurant and I'm looking forward to trying other dishes from them.“

“The service and ambiance were what you’d expect from a traditional Chinese restaurant, but the food truly stood out. The duck was incredibly tender and flavorful, perfectly seasoned without being overly salty. The marinated delights combination was exceptional—each item was packed with rich, authentic flavors. If you’re a fan of Teochew cuisine, this place is a must-visit. Highly recommended!“