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I came here because I was craving bun bo hue and this was the closest place from my apartment. This place was downtown and close to where I live. I really wanted vietfood without having to drive into chinatown for it. When we arrived, the parking lot was packed but it was also super small with only 5 spaces to park in the front and 3 on the side. Luckily we parked on the side where a big white van was parked. When we came in, there were 3 tables already taken, with 2 being to-go orders so they weren't that busy. There was an older man taking payment for someone at the register and then he walked off, so I looked at the lady in the back and asked if we could just sit somewhere and she said sit anywhere. The older gentleman came by our table after we sat with menus and then asked what we'd like to drink. We asked for waters. He gave us about 10 minutes as another group of people came in to sit and ask for to-go orders so he went to take care of them. When he came back, we placed our orders. The wait, was 45 minutes. I asked the gentleman why it was taking so long and he said because the cook makes everything to order and goes in order that it's received so there was a table of 4 people across from us who was still waiting for their food and the chef messed up on their order so we had to wait much longer. We had ordered spring rolls for an appetizer but they didn't make it until all of our food came out at once. The food was average. I probably wouldn't come back. The service really needs work. The lady who delivered food to the table of 4 was on the phone with someone as she brought food out and talking at the same time. It was really unprofessional. It's the true definition of "mom and pop". I think their son came out to help at some point and he helped us pay out but honestly I'd probably just make the trip to chinatown next time because I would have eaten and been done within an hour instead of waiting an hour for the food to come out.
You might not think it based on the unassuming exterior appearance, but Kim Tai is actually quite the solid quality local Vietnamese restaurant! I got this vermicelli bowl with grilled chicken and egg rolls and enjoyed it very much. Also, the prices at this place are super reasonable (typically $10-15 for a bowl). The service is decent too. The only thing about this that I have to detract some rating for is the atmosphere- let's just say it's not the most polished looking (from both the outside and inside). That being said, it does sort of add to the local small shop vibe. There's also a small parking lot in front. Overall, I'd highly recommend Kim Tai if you are looking for tasty and good value Vietnamese food and are either ordering to go or don't mind a slightly less polished environment.
TL;DR I think there are better Viet spots in Houston to try (even in the midtown area). Came with my family and tried a variety of dishes. I think the standout is the fried rice flour cake with egg. Nice crispiness to it, but everything else was pretty mediocre with pretty subpar portions. The pho dac biet I found to be the most underwhelming. I found the beef cuts tough and dry. The seafood egg noodle soup also had some pretty clumpy noodles. Flavors were solid though for that and the vegetable stir fry. The place was tiny and while we were seated immediately at 2ish on a Sunday, there was a wait forming afterwards. I don't see myself waiting for this spot. It also seemed like they were just understaffed with one person working the front and another cooking so waited probably over 30min to get all our food. Overall, probably wouldn't come back here anytime soon.
This is a small, local spot that churns out awesome food. I've been here twice now and tend to forget I like it and that it's close by but would highly recommend it as a little local gem. There are very few tables so I can see this being hard to get a seat during rush hours but the times I've been, we were sat quickly. This most recent time service was a bit slow/inattentive but it was the holidays (though they weren't super busy). The food has been consistent and delicious. I've had the pho dac biet and it has a wonderful, clean broth and generous chunks of beef. The banh mi dac biet is also really good with again large, hearty pieces of meat. There was some char siu in it which made it all the better for me. The combo egg noodle soup was also really good and had a good mix of meats and wonton noodles, it provided much nostalgia for me. This is definitely a good spot for solid viet and viet/canto foods. I've not been let down by anything I've ordered here so far. Parking can be a bit tricky but again, I've lucked out so far!
Solid four. The customer service is an easy 5 stars! Lewis is a top notch professional! The funny part is I've been in Houston for 42 years, my entire life, and I've never heard of this place. I saw a TikTok online and the food looks amazing so I decided to give it a try. Food: the pork plate with fried rice was pretty good. It wasn't my favorite nor was it my least favorite. Very middle of the road for me. I'm just gonna be honest I feel like the pork was a little bit lower quality meat. However the fried rice was real good. The eggrolls were OK, but I think they had a little bit too much shrimp or something in there that I wasn't really a fan of. The Vietnamese coffee is amazing! I would definitely say the customer service and the Vietnamese coffee was probably my favorite and I would rate that five stars. It was real nice talking with luis and getting to know him and more about his restaurant and his family. Support local, give them a try !
It would be apropos to describe Kim Tài as a kind of Vietnamese diner, which I find rather exciting in a city which seems to have forgotten the diner/cafeteria/true hole-in-the wall concept over the years. This is a place I've passed by so many times over the years. It's a place embarking on its own existentialist restaurant journey away from the old Little Saigon area of Midtown. The irony is: Kim Tai has outlasted many of the popular restaurants in that area over the years. Basically, it has staying power in a rapidly, constantly changing culinary and metropolitan landscape. What works here: 1. Great service. The manager/owner is affable and happy to answer questions. 2. An interesting menu. Delicious food. 3. Convenient location near my home. 4. Located in Midtown near Leon's Lounge. I ordered Pho Tai (takeout) and thought it was the best Pho I've tried in quite some time. The broth was well developed. I was given the choice to have the sliced beef cooked on site, which is not my usual choice when ordering takeout Pho, but I really enjoyed and savored the high quality Pho. Overall, I would rate Kim Tai a 5/5 and really look forward to returning to try banh mi and bo luc lac. Highly recommended.
My visit was by accident. My tried and true Vietnamese spot was tending to a family emergency overseas, the craving hit for a banh mi. I did pass 3 others Viet spots before finally coming to Kim Tai in Midtown (and it was worth it)? I was just a bit rattled when I entered as the service was efficient as opposed to friendly. Then a bit skeptical when another couple dining in ordered after me, but received their sandwiches first. However, the real test for me was what I came for in the 1st place- a properly priced banh mi! And yes, this banh mi, was appropriately priced! Upon first bite, I opened wide in anticipation and...it was fine. Fresh, relatively flavorful, with tender meat...I'd order from this spot again, but I personally wouldn't seek it out. However, I can see how others would! There's honestly nothing wrong with the sandwich, I can see their crew works hard. I just prefer another shop's method of preparation. This spot is certainly worth a try.
Service was speedy, prices are so affordable, and everything tasted fresh and flavorful. Easily one of the better pho broths I've had in Houston. I got pho with meatballs, my brother got bun bo hue and we both really enjoyed our dishes. Would absolutely be back!
My favorite little Vietnamese spot in midtown. The sweet older man usually takes my order. Can't come without getting the Bo luc lac - rock and roll beef. It's always tender and tasty. I love dipping it in the salt and pepper with lime. They also have the best pork banh mi for $5! Wish they were open a bit later sometimes.
The kettle tea Yall. So good not sure what brand they use. it hit all my boxes when it comes to Vietnamese quick dining also the traditional family hanging around isn't a bad touch for that extra authenticity. And it was delish and quick.
Omg amazing!! I'm so happy to have a viet restaurant less than ten minutes from my house. I happened to pass by it one day and it seemed like one of those hole in the wall restaurants. The menu is HUGE. The service was good and efficient as well. The food was great as well and very affordable. Their bot chien was sooo good. Will be back!
Such a great hole in the wall restaurant for Vietnamese comfort food! My friend recommended this place and Mai's as his go-to restaurants. Since I went to Mai's the week before, decided to try the "mom and pop" restaurant this time around. Fair amount of parking and seating for about 8 parties of 4. Menu is varied and very thorough. There were so many options to choose from! Decided to be basic and got the steak and tendon pho. My friend got the stewed duck and yuchoy egg noodle soup, mom got a steak pho and we shared 2 apps - the spring rolls and egg & fried rice cake dish. If you ask for extra bean sprouts and Thai basil, they'll definitely give you more! The spring rolls were so good! Homemade and delishly filled to the brim with juicy pork, shrimp and squid bits. I don't generally like spring rolls (more of a throwaway app where alot of restaurants refry store bought rolls or really skimp on the stuffing) but these were bomb! Fried egg & rice cake dish was interesting....not really my cup of tea but a familiar taste when dunked in the soy-based dipping sauce. Pho broths were well salted and had pretty okay umami flavor. Tried a bit of friend's duck broth soup - very rich and smoky! Would like to order that myself next time, but prefer rice noodles over the egg noodles. Price was fairly reasonable - $44 without tip!!! Such a great deal! They also go very light on the msg or don't put it in at all. Definitely, a better gastronomic experience than the one at Mai's! Support mom and pops! It's just great food and honest service.
4 months ago
Small mom&pop restaurant that's closer to a grandma and pop in terms of age. The building and inside could use a deep cleaning or renovation since it looks like everything is falling apart. This was once a diner. The bar seating area is now covered by supply boxes so it gives you an idea of the small amount of space that's behind the restaurant. They have a large menu and a decent amount of vegetarian item. The prices are reasonable compared to their competitor a block away. The tables were mostly taken by college age people. The family is nice though and they make everything to order so it will take a while. I ordered the Mi Xao Chay which is basically vegetarian chow mein. Even though I couldn't see the kitchen, I could hear them cooking back there. I wondered if they even had a high heat wok burner given the the low sizzling I could hear. My friend had a banh mi bo. The beef slices were cooked rare which took her by surprise. My mi xao was slightly sweet which threw me off so I wondered if they used oyster sauce or if it was just hoisin. Portions were good though. read more
20 days ago
It's a local spot I walk to sometimes. Very old school vibes. Decent food. Tried a few dishes. They do close early. I just haven't had the time to explore more but wouldn't sleep on it if you're in the area read more
I came here because I was craving bun bo hue and this was the closest place from my apartment. This place was downtown and close to where I live. I really wanted vietfood without having to drive into chinatown for it. When we arrived, the parking lot was packed but it was also super small with only 5 spaces to park in the front and 3 on the side. Luckily we parked on the side where a big white van was parked. When we came in, there were 3 tables already taken, with 2 being to-go orders so they weren't that busy. There was an older man taking payment for someone at the register and then he walked off, so I looked at the lady in the back and asked if we could just sit somewhere and she said sit anywhere. The older gentleman came by our table after we sat with menus and then asked what we'd like to drink. We asked for waters. He gave us about 10 minutes as another group of people came in to sit and ask for to-go orders so he went to take care of them. When he came back, we placed our orders. The wait, was 45 minutes. I asked the gentleman why it was taking so long and he said because the cook makes everything to order and goes in order that it's received so there was a table of 4 people across from us who was still waiting for their food and the chef messed up on their order so we had to wait much longer. We had ordered spring rolls for an appetizer but they didn't make it until all of our food came out at once. The food was average. I probably wouldn't come back. The service really needs work. The lady who delivered food to the table of 4 was on the phone with someone as she brought food out and talking at the same time. It was really unprofessional. It's the true definition of "mom and pop". I think their son came out to help at some point and he helped us pay out but honestly I'd probably just make the trip to chinatown next time because I would have eaten and been done within an hour instead of waiting an hour for the food to come out. read more
9 months ago
You might not think it based on the unassuming exterior appearance, but Kim Tai is actually quite the solid quality local Vietnamese restaurant! I got this vermicelli bowl with grilled chicken and egg rolls and enjoyed it very much. Also, the prices at this place are super reasonable (typically $10-15 for a bowl). The service is decent too. The only thing about this that I have to detract some rating for is the atmosphere- let's just say it's not the most polished looking (from both the outside and inside). That being said, it does sort of add to the local small shop vibe. There's also a small parking lot in front. Overall, I'd highly recommend Kim Tai if you are looking for tasty and good value Vietnamese food and are either ordering to go or don't mind a slightly less polished environment. read more
TL;DR I think there are better Viet spots in Houston to try (even in the midtown area). Came with my family and tried a variety of dishes. I think the standout is the fried rice flour cake with egg. Nice crispiness to it, but everything else was pretty mediocre with pretty subpar portions. The pho dac biet I found to be the most underwhelming. I found the beef cuts tough and dry. The seafood egg noodle soup also had some pretty clumpy noodles. Flavors were solid though for that and the vegetable stir fry. The place was tiny and while we were seated immediately at 2ish on a Sunday, there was a wait forming afterwards. I don't see myself waiting for this spot. It also seemed like they were just understaffed with one person working the front and another cooking so waited probably over 30min to get all our food. Overall, probably wouldn't come back here anytime soon. read more
This is a small, local spot that churns out awesome food. I've been here twice now and tend to forget I like it and that it's close by but would highly recommend it as a little local gem. There are very few tables so I can see this being hard to get a seat during rush hours but the times I've been, we were sat quickly. This most recent time service was a bit slow/inattentive but it was the holidays (though they weren't super busy). The food has been consistent and delicious. I've had the pho dac biet and it has a wonderful, clean broth and generous chunks of beef. The banh mi dac biet is also really good with again large, hearty pieces of meat. There was some char siu in it which made it all the better for me. The combo egg noodle soup was also really good and had a good mix of meats and wonton noodles, it provided much nostalgia for me. This is definitely a good spot for solid viet and viet/canto foods. I've not been let down by anything I've ordered here so far. Parking can be a bit tricky but again, I've lucked out so far! read more
Solid four. The customer service is an easy 5 stars! Lewis is a top notch professional! The funny part is I've been in Houston for 42 years, my entire life, and I've never heard of this place. I saw a TikTok online and the food looks amazing so I decided to give it a try. Food: the pork plate with fried rice was pretty good. It wasn't my favorite nor was it my least favorite. Very middle of the road for me. I'm just gonna be honest I feel like the pork was a little bit lower quality meat. However the fried rice was real good. The eggrolls were OK, but I think they had a little bit too much shrimp or something in there that I wasn't really a fan of. The Vietnamese coffee is amazing! I would definitely say the customer service and the Vietnamese coffee was probably my favorite and I would rate that five stars. It was real nice talking with luis and getting to know him and more about his restaurant and his family. Support local, give them a try ! read more
It would be apropos to describe Kim Tài as a kind of Vietnamese diner, which I find rather exciting in a city which seems to have forgotten the diner/cafeteria/true hole-in-the wall concept over the years. This is a place I've passed by so many times over the years. It's a place embarking on its own existentialist restaurant journey away from the old Little Saigon area of Midtown. The irony is: Kim Tai has outlasted many of the popular restaurants in that area over the years. Basically, it has staying power in a rapidly, constantly changing culinary and metropolitan landscape. What works here: 1. Great service. The manager/owner is affable and happy to answer questions. 2. An interesting menu. Delicious food. 3. Convenient location near my home. 4. Located in Midtown near Leon's Lounge. I ordered Pho Tai (takeout) and thought it was the best Pho I've tried in quite some time. The broth was well developed. I was given the choice to have the sliced beef cooked on site, which is not my usual choice when ordering takeout Pho, but I really enjoyed and savored the high quality Pho. Overall, I would rate Kim Tai a 5/5 and really look forward to returning to try banh mi and bo luc lac. Highly recommended. read more
2 years ago
My visit was by accident. My tried and true Vietnamese spot was tending to a family emergency overseas, the craving hit for a banh mi. I did pass 3 others Viet spots before finally coming to Kim Tai in Midtown (and it was worth it)? I was just a bit rattled when I entered as the service was efficient as opposed to friendly. Then a bit skeptical when another couple dining in ordered after me, but received their sandwiches first. However, the real test for me was what I came for in the 1st place- a properly priced banh mi! And yes, this banh mi, was appropriately priced! Upon first bite, I opened wide in anticipation and...it was fine. Fresh, relatively flavorful, with tender meat...I'd order from this spot again, but I personally wouldn't seek it out. However, I can see how others would! There's honestly nothing wrong with the sandwich, I can see their crew works hard. I just prefer another shop's method of preparation. This spot is certainly worth a try. read more
Service was speedy, prices are so affordable, and everything tasted fresh and flavorful. Easily one of the better pho broths I've had in Houston. I got pho with meatballs, my brother got bun bo hue and we both really enjoyed our dishes. Would absolutely be back! read more
10 months ago
1 year ago
My favorite little Vietnamese spot in midtown. The sweet older man usually takes my order. Can't come without getting the Bo luc lac - rock and roll beef. It's always tender and tasty. I love dipping it in the salt and pepper with lime. They also have the best pork banh mi for $5! Wish they were open a bit later sometimes. read more
6 months ago
1 year ago
10 months ago
1 year ago
The kettle tea Yall. So good not sure what brand they use. it hit all my boxes when it comes to Vietnamese quick dining also the traditional family hanging around isn't a bad touch for that extra authenticity. And it was delish and quick. read more
Omg amazing!! I'm so happy to have a viet restaurant less than ten minutes from my house. I happened to pass by it one day and it seemed like one of those hole in the wall restaurants. The menu is HUGE. The service was good and efficient as well. The food was great as well and very affordable. Their bot chien was sooo good. Will be back! read more
4 years ago
Such a great hole in the wall restaurant for Vietnamese comfort food! My friend recommended this place and Mai's as his go-to restaurants. Since I went to Mai's the week before, decided to try the "mom and pop" restaurant this time around. Fair amount of parking and seating for about 8 parties of 4. Menu is varied and very thorough. There were so many options to choose from! Decided to be basic and got the steak and tendon pho. My friend got the stewed duck and yuchoy egg noodle soup, mom got a steak pho and we shared 2 apps - the spring rolls and egg & fried rice cake dish. If you ask for extra bean sprouts and Thai basil, they'll definitely give you more! The spring rolls were so good! Homemade and delishly filled to the brim with juicy pork, shrimp and squid bits. I don't generally like spring rolls (more of a throwaway app where alot of restaurants refry store bought rolls or really skimp on the stuffing) but these were bomb! Fried egg & rice cake dish was interesting....not really my cup of tea but a familiar taste when dunked in the soy-based dipping sauce. Pho broths were well salted and had pretty okay umami flavor. Tried a bit of friend's duck broth soup - very rich and smoky! Would like to order that myself next time, but prefer rice noodles over the egg noodles. Price was fairly reasonable - $44 without tip!!! Such a great deal! They also go very light on the msg or don't put it in at all. Definitely, a better gastronomic experience than the one at Mai's! Support mom and pops! It's just great food and honest service. read more
Pleasant surprise. Yelp isn't giving this place enough credit. Yes it's a hole in the wall. But it's 1) very affordable 2) has a certain hole in the wall charm and 3) surprisingly delicious. We had the beef pho, the beef lu lac and the beef bahn mi. All delicious. The lu lac was extraordinary and a steal at $12. The service was better than you'd think for a hole in the wall. It was pretty busy considering we went on a Sunday mid afternoon, but it should be line out the door and down the street with this combination of food and price. Easiest 5 star review in a while. We need to go back soon to try more dishes. read more
Great hole in the wall spot with a robust menu (lots of options, veggie friendly) and nice staff! We tried the spring rolls with shrimp, combo banh mi, rock and roll beef with fried rice, and combo pho. Spring rolls - Well made and tasted fresh, but I was expecting a peanut sauce instead of just straight up hoisin sauce Combo banh mi - Delicious! Even better if you dip it in the pho! Bread was fresh and they were generous with toppings Rock and roll beef with fried rice - The sauce was very flavorful and portions were generous. I enjoyed this dish, but I think the banh mi and pho were better in my opinion. Combo pho - Very flavorful and savory broth. Hit the spot! In terms of ambiance, this place is very small and feels family run and cozy. It's not sparkling clean, but as it is hole-in-the-wall vibes that's part of the charm. Be prepared to be packed in tight at the tables. We had a group of 6, and we did have to wait a while for the food to come out, and not everyone's came out at once. I'm sure they were fielding many to-go orders as well. The place had customers streaming in and out the whole time we were there! When you're ready to leave, you go up and pay at the counter. Heads up, the parking lot is small, but you can probably find street parking or a nearby lot to stop at. I think this spot is great for takeout and if you need some comfort food. The restaurant space itself is not the cleanest, but the food was excellent and well priced, and I think it's the perfect place to stop by for casual and comforting food with your friends and family. Would love to come back and recommend for anyone looking for great, authentic Vietnamese in Houston. read more
3 years ago
I'm from out of state, I was looking for a good banh mi dac biet and also ordered some cha gio to go. The cha gio was incredible! On its own, very well flavored, wrapped in lettuce and dipped in Nước mắm (theirs was unique, floating garlic and pepper seeds, a touch sweet, tangy); off the charts! Great sandwich packed with delicious meats, toppings and all planted in a good crusty bread. Service was quick! I highly recommend you check out this quaint spot! read more
11 months ago
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4 years ago
Great little hole in the wall with great prices!! The lemongrass chicken was pretty good, a staple dish. It was pretty empty around 3 when we arrived but quickly filled up within the hour. Located right next to the red line rail station. They accidentally overcharged me, but was happy to correct it so I'll give them the benefit of the doubt. I would go back! read more
1 year ago
3 years ago
Shrimp fried rice & Combination Pho is good. Cute little viet restaurant where the grandpa looking man I assume is the owner said they've been here 47 years and older than I am. Never been here and craving some shrimp fried rice which they have on their menu. Next time I gotta try the other extensive list of items they have. Wouldn't have expected but they have boiled crawfish here too. Next time! Parking is tight with only a small amount of parking spaces in front of the restaurant. There's also street parking if you know how to parallel....luckily I didn't have to attempt that yet. But I would for a cute little hole in the wall restaurant like this. read more
3 years ago
I found the counter/bar dirty. Also, one employee was eating behind the counter. I ordered noodles with tofu and veggies. The taste was just ok; however, I'm glad the tofu was fried. Parking is limited. I did like the limeade and they're not trying to gouge prices. A big cup is $3. read more
4 years ago
Yummmm, this small "hole in the wall" restaurant had great food and great service!! I especially enjoyed the egg rolls, wontons, and their sesame balls!!! The beef pho + combination noodle soup both came with a lot of meat, which was tender and warm and perfect for a cold day!! The rice plates offered a variety of flavors (and look how perfect that egg is). The sesame balls contain mung bean and were so delicious. They're bigger than they look in the photo. We finished everything so fast and left feeling very satisfied. Will definitely be coming back!! read more
3 years ago
Delicious tofu dish with perfectly cooked veggies. The sauce is yummy! Hot jasmine tea was a perfect compliment on a cold day. read more
Flavours of my wonton egg noddle soup was authentic and intense. LOVED it! I can ONLY eat wonton when the wrappers are super thin (pictured), that the wonton skin is almost transparent. Not too big on pre-packaged soy sauce, but at least they had soy sauce. Just waiting on my banh mi. read more
Drove past this dumpy exterior for years. Usually the best places are in these dumpy exteriors, so I finally have it a shot. Wow is all I can say. This or Hughie's is my favorite wonton soup! Big ole' wontons and several of them in each cup. For my entree, I've only gone with the firecracker beef or chicken. Sooo good, I have adventured to try anything else. Even their jasmine iced tea is great! Service is hit or miss, but I enjoyed the food so much I didn't dock it a star. Parking can be a little difficult if there busy, the venue is tiny. read more
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More info about Kim Tai Restaurant
2602 Fannin St
Houston, TX 77002
Midtown
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(713) 652-0644
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