Zake Japanese Cuisine2946 S. Shepherd Dr.
Houston, TX 77098
Zake Japanese Cuisine is a very stylish and contemporary restaurant that provides a lot of great fusion cooking. Inside, they have a restaurant section and a lounge section. This is a very cool place to get traditional sushi at the sushi bar while enjoying modern music and the surrounding setting. Zake has DJ spinning dance music every Friday and Saturday night so after you have your meals with your friend or your date, you can just enjoy your weekend night hanging out there. Zake is also a good place to meet a lot of young professionals, so if ever you want to try some place new, meet some new people or impress your date, this is the right place to go.
Best of Chinatown Rating: 5.0 (scale of 1-5, 5 being excellent) . Please visit
www.chinatownconnection.com,
Chinatown Houston for more restaurant reviews.
Cocos Cafe Review
CoCo's Cafe
4565 Hwy 6 South, Suite F
Sugar Land, TX 77478
(Next to Welfarm)
Opened in 1999,
CoCo's Cafe brings Taiwanese style food onto the tables.
ChinatownConnection Editorial Profile
The Scene:
Located next to Welfarm Supermarket in Sugar Land,
CoCo's Cafe has a nice cozy cafe ambience and is a great place to just hang out. Pictures of different types of dishes posted on the walls is a nice touch for those who are not sure what to order.
The Food:
CoCo's Cafe most popular dishes are the beef/tomato noodle soup and crispy chicken bits with rice. But by looking at the pictures of some of the other dishes offered you would want to try them all. They have a variety of beverages (bubble tea, etc.) and also shaved ice bowls (refer to the menus in the information section on the left).
Heads Up:
They have a drink rewards program where you get a stamp each time you purchase a drink. Buy 6 drinks and the 7th is free. If you have the urge to have the icy bubble tea or fruit flavored smoothies to cool you down in this hot summer, and you also happen to be in the Sugar Land neighborhood, well then
CoCo's Cafe will be the best choice for you.
Chinese Restaurant Houston Guide
Qin Dynasty Chinese Restaurant
5115 Buffalo SpeedwayHouston, TX 77005
The Scene:Trendy and radiant restaurant designed to perfection, Qin Dynasty should win an award for best decor. The interior is authentic and filled with towering ceilings, detailed crown molding, majestic mahogany windows with rich tapestry drapes and an exotic collection of Asian artifacts. A grand piano by the front door completes this beautifully orchestrated design interior. The restaurant is clean and spacious; A perfect environment to take a date or loved one.The Food:Qin Dynasty's great service and Hunan cuisine measures up to the impressive decor. Soulful sauces are made with premium ingredients and devoid of sugar and oily goop. Begin with deftly prepared hot and sour soup or distinctive steamed dumplings bathing in a pool of aromatic Szechuan sauce. Segue into the red-hot shredded pork and bamboo sprout entree or the tamer, tender kung pao chicken, abundant with cashews. The yu shiang shrimp with just-picked snow peas, asparagus tips, pungent ginger and fresh jalapeños teeters on the edge of perfection.Heads Up:The art of Chinese cooking has been developed and refined over many dynasties. However cooking could not be considered an art until the great classical age of China 122-249 B.C., roughly the period of Qin Dynasty. The two dominant philosophies of this period were Confucianism and Taoism. Each influenced the course of Chinese history and the development of the culinary arts. Confucianism concerned itself with the art of cooking and placed great emphasis on the enjoyment of life. Confucius taught that good cooking depends on the harmonious blend of ingredients rather than the taste of the individual elements. Confucianism also stressed the use of color and texture in the presentation of dishes. Taoism was responsible for the development of the hygienic aspects of foods and cooking. In contrast to confusianists, Taoists were concerned with the live-giving attributes of various foods. Under Tao's influence, the Chinese have explored the world of plants, roots, herbs, fungus, and seeds over the dynasties. They discovered many beneficial food ingredients that are incorporated into the everyday Chinese cooking.At Qin Dynasty, "we combined these philosophies and apply them to our cooking. We emphasize "flavor, aroma, and taste". We also stress the healthful aspect of our dishes."Please visit Chinatown Houston for more information.
Chinese Restaurant in Houston
Peking Duck, Houston Chinese Restaurant dish
History of Peking Duck
The origin of the Peking Duck dates back to the Ming Dynasty, about 600 years ago. Cooks from all over China traveled to the capital Beijing to cook for the Emperor. It was a prestigious occupation as only the best chefs could enter the palace kitchens. A top cook was even able to reach the rank of a minister! It was in these kitchens where dishes of exceptional quality such as the Peking Duck was first created and crafted to perfection by palace chefs. However, many of the recipes for such foods of the Emperor were later smuggled out of the kitchen and onto the streets of Beijing. With the eventual fall of the Ching dynasty in 1911, court chefs who left the Forbidden City set up restaurants around Beijing and brought the Peking Duck and other delicious dishes to the masses.
The Dish
Peking Duck is originally from Beijing, which is the capital of Mainland China. It is prepared with a kind of fruit tree, so it has a fruity flavor. Its skin is very crispy. You also eat it in a very special way. First you need to use a special bread. Then you can start your tasty meal. Usually, you cannot finish a whole Peking Duck, so you can make soup with the leftovers.
Most Chinese people are very fond of Peking Roast Duck. You can go to a Chinese restaurant to order this dish rather than prepare it at home because it takes some time to cook it, and you need a lot of things to prepare it.
The duck is divided into three parts and made in three different ways. The first way is the most popular. The meat is selected from the best part of the duck and is boned. Green onions and dressing are added to make it savory and a little sweet. It is served with thin crepes. You just spread the dressing on the crepe, add some green onions, and roll it up.
The second way is to use the part of the duck with less meat. It can be fried with garlic, chilies, ginger or onions. A third way allows you to make use of the entire duck. You can make soup with cabbage and the duck meat with bones.
I would recommend you try it if you want to try something different. Once you try it, you will understand why this dish is loved by so many. You can try Peking duck at any of the following restaurants in Houston listed below.
go to
Chinese restaurant in Houston Guide to find out where to buy peking duck.
Qin Dynasty in Houston, Texas
Chinese Restaurant in Houston Review
Qin Dynasty
5115 Buffalo Speedway
Houston, TX 77005
Trendy and radiant restaurant designed to perfection, Qin Dynasty should win an award for best decor. The interior is authentic and filled with towering ceilings, detailed crown molding, majestic mahogany windows with rich tapestry drapes and an exotic collection of Asian artifacts. A grand piano by the front door completes this beautifully orchestrated design interior. The restaurant is clean and spacious; A perfect environment to take a date or loved one.
The Food:
Qin Dynasty's great service and Hunan cuisine measures up to the impressive decor. Soulful sauces are made with premium ingredients and devoid of sugar and oily goop. Begin with deftly prepared hot and sour soup or distinctive steamed dumplings bathing in a pool of aromatic Szechuan sauce. Segue into the red-hot shredded pork and bamboo sprout entree or the tamer, tender kung pao chicken, abundant with cashews. The yu shiang shrimp with just-picked snow peas, asparagus tips, pungent ginger and fresh jalapeños teeters on the edge of perfection.
Heads Up:
The art of Chinese cooking has been developed and refined over many dynasties. However cooking could not be considered an art until the great classical age of China 122-249 B.C., roughly the period of Qin Dynasty. The two dominant philosophies of this period were Confucianism and Taoism. Each influenced the course of Chinese history and the development of the culinary arts. Confucianism concerned itself with the art of cooking and placed great emphasis on the enjoyment of life. Confucius taught that good cooking depends on the harmonious blend of ingredients rather than the taste of the individual elements. Confucianism also stressed the use of color and texture in the presentation of dishes. Taoism was responsible for the development of the hygienic aspects of foods and cooking. In contrast to confusianists, Taoists were concerned with the live-giving attributes of various foods. Under Tao's influence, the Chinese have explored the world of plants, roots, herbs, fungus, and seeds over the dynasties. They discovered many beneficial food ingredients that are incorporated into the everyday Chinese cooking.
At Qin Dynasty, "we combined these philosophies and apply them to our cooking. We emphasize "flavor, aroma, and taste". We also stress the healthful aspect of our dishes."
To read more Chinese Restaurant reviews in Houston, go to www.chinatownconnection.com.
Chinese Food - Dumplings
Chinese Restaurant in Houston Guide
The history of dumplings/jiaozi dates back to ancient times, some 500-600 years ago. As the Spring Festival marks the start of a new year, people choose to eat jiaozi to connote their wishes for good fortune in the new year. China has been perfecting the art of dumpling making since the Sung dynasty.FillingsThere is no set rule as to what makes dumping fillings. They can be anything from vegetables, meat to seafood. Whatever the fillings, the wrapping skill needs to be exquisite to make jiaozi look attractive.Shape and variety Chinese dumplings may be round or crescent-shaped, boiled or pan-fried. The filling may be sweet or savory; vegetarian or filled with meat and vegetables. Of course, all this variety can be confusing. As China is a country with a vast territory, there are great difference in various regions in ways of making jiaozi or even serving it. For example, dumplings wrappers are made with a rolling stick in most areas of Beijing and Hebei Provinces, whereas in some parts of Shanxi Province and inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, wrappers are hand-pressed.How to make Chinese dumplings?To make Chinese dumplings, first of all, chop the meat into pieces and mash them, then add salt, sesame oil, soy sauce, ginger, scallions, Chinese cabbage and MSG if you like. Mix thoroughly the ingredients; add two spoonful of water if necessary.In a big bowl, add water to flour gradually. Mix and knead by hand to form soft dough, then cover it with towel and put it aside for about an hour. Then scatter some dry flour on the board, knead and roll it into a sausage---like dough about 5 centimeters in diameter, then chop it into small pieces. Press each piece with your hand and get a pancake. Finally, to hold the pancake with your palm and put the filling in the center and wrap into half-moon shaped and seal the edges.The next step is easy. Put the dumpling into boiling water, when it is well cooked, it is ready to be served. Before eating, you need to prepare some small dishes to contain the mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, and sesame oil or pepper oil [to your own taste.Ways of servingWays of serving Chinese dumplings also vary from place to place. Generally, Chinese dumplings are boiled in clear water and served dry with vinegar, soy sauce, garlic or pepper oil if one likes them hot. In some parts of the Northeast China, however, dumplings are boiled in broth together with vermicelli made from bean starch, and served together.
Chinese dumplings and cultureNew Year's Food Chinese dumpling is one of the most important foods in Chinese New Year. Since the shape of Chinese dumplings is similar to ancient Chinese gold or silver ingots, they symbolize wealth. Traditionally, the members of a family get together to make dumplings during the New Year's Eve. They may hide some coins in one of the dumplings. The person who fined the coin will likely have a good fortune in the New Year. Chinese dumpling is also popular in other Chinese holidays or festivals, so it is part of the Chinese culture or tradition.
Family Link Making dumplings is really a team work. Usually family members will join the work. Most Chinese started making dumplings when they were small. They were good at particularly making skins, which is the hardest part of making dumplings.
go to
Chinatown Houston to view more Chinese food articles.
Ay-Chung Rice Flour Noodle in Houston
Ay-Chung’s famous House Special Thin Noodle history goes back more than 30 years. The price is good and the thin noodle tastes great. This famous thin noodle is made from rice flour and the soup is made from thick cornstarch mixed with basil, black pepper and oysters. If you have never tasted it before, then you should give it a try.
Houston Chinese Tapioca House
This place is awesome.
Houston Chinese Web Portal rated this place a 4 out of 5. It is a great place to hang out, get free wireless internet, and drink bubble tea. Go to
www.chinatownconnection.com/restaurant.htm to view a complete review and see pictures of this place. You won't be disappointed.
Houston Chinatown
Experience a new culture Ever wondered what
Houston Chinatown might be like? Ever wanted to drive down here and eat a traditional Asian meal? Ever wanted to shop at unique stores for items you won't find at the local malls or grocery stores? Ever feel a bit timid coming to Chinatown because you have no idea where to go? If you answered yes to anyone of these questions, then you have come to the right place. ChinatownConnection.com is a portal established to provide you with everything you need to know about Chinatown and Asian businesses around Houston. It is also a community website for fellow Houstonians to utilize. From
Houston Chinese Restaurant Guides and reviews to our Business Directory, everything you need and want to know is here. Go to the
Houston News/Articles page and enjoy all the news you want; go read interesting literature in English or Chinese. Sell and buy items on our
Classifieds marketplace page for free from fellow Houstonians. Check out the
Community Events page to see what is going on in the Asian Community, Houston, Austin, and Dallas areas. You can also check out movie reviews and showtimes. Take a trip to the
Travel page and view the places you want to go someday, or go
Shopping in Chinatown. Jump over to the
Cell Phone page to read about the latest on cell phones or drive into the
Automotive page for car tips and reviews. How about checking out the online
art gallery featuring local and famed artists. Many new features will be added in the very near future, including a "night life" section. A "virtual map" of Chinatown is also in the works so you can get an exact location of your destination. So welcome again to
Houston ChinatownConnection.com and enjoy an experience
Houston Chinese Community Center
Houston Chinese Community Center had its grand opening ceremony 8/18. With more than 400 people on hand to honor this special occasion, notable guests included Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, Rep. Al Green, and Houston City Council members Gordan Quan, Mark Ellis, and M.J. Khan. Shern-Min Chow from KHOU-11 News was the master of ceremonies.
Today was a very special moment for me. Back in the late 1980's, I was a student at the
Houston Chinese Community Center. I participated in all of their events, their youth organization, and activities. It was a fun place to be, to learn, and to meet people. I recollected back then, when the building was small and so were the classrooms, there were a handful of students and teachers. Some of my teachers were on hand today and I felt really proud to be part of this event. To see the center grow as big as today is extraordinary. I am able to retain my Chinese heritage and language through the
Houston Chinese Community Center and I will cherish it forever.
Today's speakers talked about how big the Asian community has grown since the beginning of the 1900's. From a population of five to a quarter of a million today, it is just extraordinary. The honorable Sen. Hutchison made it possible for the
Houston Chinese Community Center to be what it is today with generous funding and donations. And with prominent influence from local politicians,
Houston Chinese Community Center has flourished and succeeded in fulfilling its mission. Of course we cannot forget the hard work of Nine-Min Chen, the directors of
Houston Chinese Community Center, and everyone who made today possible. They made it happen.
On behalf of ChinatownConnection.com we applaud the
Houston Chinese Community Center for its achievement in the Chinese and Asian communities. To see pictures, please visit
www.chinatownconnection.com.
Houston Chinese Restaurant
Sichuan Cuisine, originating in the Sichuan province of western China, has an international reputation for being spicy and flavorful. You can read more at
www.chinatownconnection.com/restaurant.htmThis new generation
Chinese Restaurant combines contemporary-style decorations complemented with friendly service. A stylish chandelier hangs in the middle of the dining area while pictures of several old Sichuan cities hang on the walls. The atmosphere is familiar yet exotic. Vegetarian dishes are also available.
