Noodles in Houston, TX

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

“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 ❤️“

“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.“

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

“Glad my husband and I visited this place on our trip. We got tokbokki with cheese and spicy kimchi pork; awesome flavors!! Our server, Wendy, was so helpful as we had questions regarding the menu. Would love to come again when we’re back to Houston!“

“100 % recomendada La comida 🍲 súper rika“

“This is a hidden gem. I was traveling in Texas and I came across this place by accident. Got Yen Ta Fo. Excellent! Not many Thai restaurants in the US have this noodle soup. So I came back again few days later to get Pad Woon Sen (also not widely available) Oustanding! I used to eat in the Thai town in Los Angeles for many years when I lived there. Anna is simply the best Thai restaurant I experienced outside of Thailand and Los Angeles. I still have not found one comparable to LA Thai town in nyc.“

“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.“

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

“The food was great—we ordered three dishes and enjoyed every one of them. If you're into spicy, the Spicy Beef with Rice is a solid pick. The Shanghai Fat Noodles (F16) were fresh and probably our favorite of the bunch. The Salt and Pepper Spare Ribs didn’t disappoint either.

The atmosphere was nice, but the service could use some work. Our server was... efficient, let’s say—but definitely on the abrupt side, especially compared to the friendly service we’re used to in Chinatown.

We paid in cash, and the change was set on the table. About 30 seconds later, while we were still sitting there deciding on a tip, she swooped back in and took the change. Apparently, she made the decision for us—bold move!

All in all, the food was great, but with so many excellent options in Chinatown that offer both great food and warm service, we’ll probably explore elsewhere next time.

P.S. The french toast with sweetened condensed milk was quite good!“

“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!“

“Had a great bowl of ramen today! The noodles were crunchy and the egg was perfectly cooked! The soup-base is rich and I like it spicy!“

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

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

“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!“

“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!“

“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“

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

“I had an amazing experience at JINYA Ramen Bar, thanks to Eddy. His service was exceptional—he was incredibly knowledgeable about the menu, guiding us to the perfect ramen choices, and his recommendations were spot-on. Eddy’s friendly and attentive demeanor made us feel genuinely welcome, and his attention to detail elevated the entire meal. The food was fantastic, but Eddy’s outstanding service made it truly memorable. Highly recommend dining here and asking for Eddy if you can!“

“Food was amazing and delicious!!!“

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

“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 ordered from this place via Uber Eats. I was not disappointed. They have an offer of order 1 dumpling order and get one free. I ordered 2 by mistake but I was soo happy I did. They were super yummy.
The Goi Cuon and the Bo Bia were ok (a little on the flavourless side but ok size. I might order again from this place (specially the dumplings)“

“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!“

“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“

“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. ❤️❤️❤️“

“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.“

“👍 best kottu in town, delicious“

“Great food! all delicious.“

“Delicious food and the most friendly and attentive staff. We visited twice in 4 days. Mapo Tofu was incredibly tasty as was the sweet-and-sour pork and a shrimp dish. Staff is super friendly and attentive. If you want to experience top notch Mandarin cuisine then do yourself a favor and visit North China. ♥️“

“Their beef soup is delicious.“

“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.“

“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.“

“Such a great spot for some great Vietnamese food!
Ordered vegetarian Pho, Shaken Tofu, steam buns and spring rolls!
Great selection of food, owner is super friendly and helpful! Atmosphere is calm and clean. Food was fresh and delicious! One of the best Pho I’ve had in a while!“

“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.“

“Got seawoo bimbimbap, chicken rice, seafood noodle, kimchi stew, and snails. All of the food was great, very savory with big portion sizes. My favorite was the chicken rice- the chicken comes from a local farm, and you can tell the quality difference! The rice was also very yummy with very savory broth. The snails and noodles were quite tasty! The owners were very nice; would definitely come back!“

“We love the original location, so it only made sense that we had to try this new Heights location with an updated menu. We came with some friends which gave us the opportunity to try new dishes and our tried and true favorites. Chili Oil Dumplings (aka Hot & Spicy Dumplings): 5/5 - delicious as always!! For those that are spice adverse, you'll enjoy these tasty dumplings as they are not too spicy. Biang Biang Noodles: 5/5 - slightly bigger portion size (which is adequately reflected in the price) Sichuan Style Biang Noodle: 4/5 - Family style platter, delicious, beware accidentally eating a pepper! Sichuan Lamb Flat Noodle: 3/5 - Family style platter. Good dish, but the group tended to prefer the other Sichuan noodle dish. Garlic Pork: 4.5/4 - Family style dish. Full of flavor, absolutely delicious....I'm kicking myself for not taking a picture to show you this beautiful dish. Honey Ginger Tea: 5/5 - This was sooo much better than what we've had the last few times at the original restaurant, which was watered down and not flavorful. This location returned this delicious tea to it's former glory and I can't wait to go back and drink it again! There was not a single dish we did not like. Nothing was overly spicy, in fact, I'd argue it was a very nice level of spice in each dish. As this location is still new, it was not crowded at all and the inside is quite nice. It feels a little more upscale and modern compared to it's original location, but not pretentious and still comfortable to be in. The servers work at both locations - if you don't know what to get, they have not steered us wrong yet! Friendly and attentive, great service. If you haven't tried out Hi Trendy Dumpling before, this is your sign to go eat here. You won't regret it!!“

“The duck blood and vermicelli soup in this restaurant is the most authentic in Houston! The soup was delicious, the duck blood was tender and smooth, and the vermicelli had a very chewy texture. Our family of five ate every drop. The lamb chops are definitely the highlight. They are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The aroma is fragrant. The seasonings are just right. Every piece is very delicious. Taste of hometown??“

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

“Delicious food. Full you up. I love the soup.“

“Tasty pho with good amount of meat, good value

But to cheap out on a bowl for a pho soup delivery order isn’t good. I had to be very creative to eat the thing… maybe charge me $1 more but give me something I can eat with haha“

“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.“