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    Le Lai

    4.0 (111 reviews)
    InexpensiveChinese
    Closed 10:30 am - 9:30 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Le Lai Photos

    Business Info

    LE LAI ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for groups
    Good for kids

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    Kacy M.

    Came here for the lunch special and they were packed (even at 1pm on a weekday). It's a good deal with everything under $10. I asked for steamed fish with black bean sauce (18) but pointed at 19 on the menu which was sautéed fish (my fault), so they brought the wrong dish. They apologized and brought me the right one. Fish was soft and the black bean sauce was flavorful and great with the steamed rice. Lots of regulars here - the table next to me had an elderly couple whom the waitress asked about their grandchildren.

    Catherine L.

    grew up on le lai and some things never change; its been an iconic establishment for decades. it gets PACKED around noon for their lunch specials. you can get delicious comforting canto dishes for less than $9 each!! very tender beef, silky scrambled eggs, and generous portions. the main downside is the wait and service, but makes sense given how busy it gets. truly a (not so) hidden gem in bellaire

    Matthew C.

    I've been coming here for the past 15+ years with my family, so it's safe to say this place is definitely a Chinatown staple for me. If you're looking for affordable, authentic Chinese food that is not too salty, not too oily, pretty healthy, but also still very flavorful, this is the place to go! They're a small mom and pop shop, and the food tastes like homemade Chinese cooking, which is probably why my family and I like it so much. Some of my favorite dishes are the salted pork chop, mushroom and tofu, and steamed fresh fish!

    Andrew C.

    5 stars and nothing less for this place. It's a small, unassuming restaurant that has an extensive menu and delicious food. I let our expert cantonese friends order the dishes, but everything was amazing. Specifically would like to call out the crispy golden fried tofu, which is nice and silky inside with a lightly crunchy/saucy outside. Pork rib claypot rice, beef chow fun, pea shoots, beef with veggies, etc. - you really can't go wrong with any of the dishes here. This place can seat larger parties and it's definitely better if you come with a bigger group so you can try more items. Waitstaff is nice and attentive. Would highly recommend this spot for delicious food with a reasonable price!

    This is the location
    Peggy L.

    If I can make negative Star, I definitely will do it. Food: are good and the price are reasonable. Service : the first time I go there buying to go the ladies service are good funny. The second time I go, there dinner with whole family and friend it is good service nice and she make sure we order the dish is correct. She patiently explain everything about the we order ,, because at the manual sometimes didn't spring very clearly how the food cook like (dry or a lot of sauce) and I think she understands Chinese restaurant have the same thing cook out, but the name of the dish are different . That I really appreciate that lady . BUT the third time I go in there, it was totally disappointed . Come out a man take care our table , he is brush you off the order . When we try to say about the dish the way, and he keeps saying that is only one time we had .... So we can't even say more because he is rude brush and loud. Finally came out two wrong dish . one of the ordered is boneless fish but he give us fish with bone (my children visit me for just three days and he really want to eat a salt and pepper fish with the bone ). OK the first one we take it is not easy to eat, but that is right.. The second dish we asked for the tofu with the vegetable and mushroom ... he keeps saying they only have one kind of the tofu dish so right we believe him . But it comes out a deep fried tofu.... Which we can't accept it. So he finally change the correct dish for us. That is right we don't want to make anything big deal . But the teach come out more than 30 minutes. We almost want to give up.. Finally, the dish come and he come out saying we are wrong. He just tried to be nice to change for us, but no more next time. My son was speak out, pointing the way he said is wrong and he just silent, but he still think he's right. And he tried to make the happening. He's really kind man to helping us. I feel sick of his reaction. And my son said that is really rude and not professional services. So I suggestion people just order to go don't set in . Except is the lady, service is good. Ambiance: for Asia Chinese restaurant this place are acceptable. CLEAN .

    Steamed Fish Mow

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    18 days ago

    Food was great! The tastes were on spot with home cooking. Portions were great too! Coming from NY, the prices were very reasonable.

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    7 months ago

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    2 months ago

    Food was great and timely, portions were just right and prices were fair. What more can you ask for.

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    6 months ago

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    1 year ago

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    7 months ago

    Great food and great hospitality! Excellent value. Lunch menu starts at around $7. Lunchtime gets busy though.

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    9 months ago

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    4 months ago

    Authentic chinese, excellent food and excellent service - Looking forward to going back...soon

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    6 months ago

    Best Cantonese restaurant in town. Friendly service, excellent food. Lobster and royal chicken are 2 of my favorites.

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    4 years ago

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    1 year ago

    One of our favorite spots for Cantonese food in Houston. The food is good and I'm always satisfied with the service.

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    4 years ago

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    2 years ago

    This was rather mediocre Cantonese food. Perhaps I ordered poorly but I was underwhelmed

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    3 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Homely.... Feels/tastes good. Like going home once a week. Wife even promised the waitress that we see them next week

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    7 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Love their lunch menu. Fresh steamed fish is not to be missed. I dine in as well as doing takeout all the time.

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    2 years ago

    Good service, excellent menu choices. A favorite for my Asian friends, and apparently for those families being served.

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    4 years ago

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    Bamboo House - Twice Cooked Pork Belly

    Bamboo House

    4.4(731 reviews)
    23.3 mi
    $$

    I have heard great feedback about Bambok House and and their authentic Chinese Cuisine. The first…read moretime I visited I planned it to the T and when I visited their bar was not operational any longer, and that was apart of my planning. So I left. The second time I visited, I had the Hong Shao Rou with mushrooms (Braised Pork Belly) to-go, not a huge fan of takeout and this didn't disappoint and it was good. The takeout team member was pleasant enough. They feature an open kitchen with two tops closer to the wall/glass and larger tables more toward the middle of the restaurant. From the outside it features the traditional Chinese architecture with western building base. I look forward to yaksying the rest of the menu this year.

    I've eaten at Bamboo House enough times to know that the food can be a hit or miss depending on the…read morenight. When it's done right, the flavors are bold and satisfying. But the inconsistency has been an issue for me, and the flavors aren't as good as they once were. Dishes I regularly ordered like Kung Pao Chicken, Mongolian Beef, Japanese Egg Tofu, and Honey Walnut Shrimp haven't stood out as much as of lately. Dishes like Szechuan Spicy Chicken is still one of my favorite, and Garlic Snow Pea Leaves are delicious when in season. Bamboo House still holds its place as great spot for group dining. The portion is generous, prices are fair, and overall a solid restaurant that's still worth recommending.

    Photos
    Bamboo House - Inside

    Inside

    Bamboo House - Peking Duck + Pancakes

    Peking Duck + Pancakes

    Bamboo House - Outside

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    Outside

    China Garden - Fried wanton and sweet sauce

    China Garden

    4.0(400 reviews)
    11.6 miDowntown
    $$

    Idk the ladies name that served us but she is hilarious! There was also a Hispanic gentleman there…read moreand he was funny and very attentive as well. I wore my margaritaville Rockets shirt for the game and they kept calling me margaritaville. Before we even sat down, they offered wine. "Would you like some wine, or do you need something stronger?" Hahhaa Our waitress suggested one plate for us to share since we werent really hungry. The eggrolls are huge and very good. They make their own spicy mustard and sweet/sour sauce and its already on the table for you to enjoy. Let me tell you... Our sinuses were cleared after we sampled the spicy mustard. The food was delicious but the personalities were 10/10

    I was craving Chinese food today, and this spot popped up as just a mile from my job with good…read morereviews, so I decided to check it out. Lucky for me, they have their own parking lot, which already made everything super convenient. I walked in around 1:30 PM and was back out by 1:55 PM, so the service is definitely fast and friendly; perfect for a lunch break. The lunch menu has a huge variety of options, and every plate comes with fried rice and a pretty big egg roll. I honestly didn't know what to expect, but the quality of the food was fantastic. I can totally see how they've stayed open for 50+ years. I ordered the beef and broccoli... which honestly should be renamed to beef and vegetables, because it came with broccoli, carrots, and onions. Not complaining, though! The beef was tender and kind of reminded me of a beef fajita texture with how flakey and tender it was. The sauce was savory with garlic and soy sauce flavors and I really liked it. The veggies were cooked perfectly for my taste: still a little crunchy and not soggy. My only complaint was the onion. They were a bit too crunchy and raw, which made them super spicy and pungent, so I just moved them to the side. The egg roll was good, too! It tasted freshly made with cabbage that still had some crunch, which I love. Portion-wise, it was absolutely perfect. I finished everything except the onions and left feeling satisfied. Not heavy and not carrying leftovers, which I appreciate because some Chinese spots over serve. I paid about $20 including tip. Overall, I would 100% recommend this place and would definitely come back for lunch again.

    Photos
    China Garden - Entrance

    Entrance

    China Garden - Veggies are always fresh.

    Veggies are always fresh.

    China Garden - Entry

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    Entry

    The Rice Box - Sesame Tofu, really good!

    The Rice Box

    3.8(1k reviews)
    11.2 miThe Heights
    $$

    The Honey Shrimp, amazing!!! Love the decor and ambiance, the place has good energy. 10/10 I would…read morerecommend.

    Box of rice Haven't…read morebeen here in almost 8 years. 1st experience was great, second was terrible so I didn't go back. My friend Aurora wanted to meet Donna early dinner and gossip session and she really liked this place. (We tried having a team lunch at the Rice Village location during the cold front last Oct but they had no heat so we opted for a warmer place but she grabbed a to go on the way home) Here we are for a late lunch 3:45 pm on a Friday. Parking was none had to drive around the block and saw some movement and bam, someone was leaving. We ordered at the bar, staff was super nice and opted to sit outside. Did not realize they deliver to the table. Order: Mongolian beef combo with fried rice and egg roll $14.99 The food comes in takeaway style containers. Win. Mongolian beef (2.5/5) - slightly over sauced for me; beef was pretty tender and there were carrots and edamame which is not the standard so maybe that's what makes it fusion? Fried rice (3/5) - standard style fried with small pieces of bean sprouts which I love so that was a nice surprise Egg roll (3/5) - I assume it was chicken because I didn't realize there was a choice) - it was crunchy and soft on the inside which I like, and pairs well with sriracha (did not eat till I got home) They seem to do a whole lot of take away. The staff were nice and hard working. I was excited when they first opened bc they had chow fun on the menu and being HK Cantonese, I love that dish but when I ordered it the 1st and 2nd time eight years ago instead of bean sprouts they had cabbage and that alters rhe flavor tremendously. I see why it's popular among the people but just don't think it is for my taste.

    Photos
    The Rice Box - The counter/bar area

    The counter/bar area

    The Rice Box
    The Rice Box

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    Cooking Girl - Montrose - Spicy Chicken Cube

    Cooking Girl - Montrose

    4.5(195 reviews)
    10.0 miMontrose, Fourth Ward
    $$

    I love all of the soups, but hot & sour is one of my favorites here…read more We usually order family style and have ordered all of these items to date: Fried Shrimp Fried Rice, no peas or carrots Eggplant with Garlic Orange Beef King Pao Chicken King Pao Beef Scallion Pancake Across the Fire Egg Drop Soup Hot and Sour Soup First off, WONDERFUL hot and sour sauce! Both the Kung Pao Beef and Kung Pao Chicken were delicious and had plenty of spice and peanuts. They do not chintz on chicken or beef. The food is always fresh and made to order. Here is where I ordered my first scallion pancake, and let me tell you, there is no going back now. It's scrumptious and totally addicting. Oh yah, all other orders were delectable as well. I'll try to keep an update on other dishes as I ordered them here.

    Wow, going back to this Cooking Girl brought me back to 2016…read more Fond memories of the CG on Fairview. I hadn't been here since they moved/took over the Les baget space. The vibes were so reminiscent of Fairview. Food was really good, yummy! Pretty large portions and large shrimp in both dishes we got. Perfectly seasoned and perfectly Sichuan. Parking lot is tinnnnnny but we luckily snagged a spot as someone was walking out. Inside is small, maybe less than 15 tables (idk, I'm really bad at gauging). Staff is workin' working, between just the two of them they did great- they were very busy. Pleasantly surprised and refreshed my memory. I feel like I had put CG off my radar since then discovering some other fave Sichuan places. This will be going back on my list, and v close to home

    Photos
    Cooking Girl - Montrose - The bar

    The bar

    Cooking Girl - Montrose - Hot Diving Fish

    Hot Diving Fish

    Cooking Girl - Montrose - Beautiful inside!

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    Beautiful inside!

    Hi Trendy Dumpling - General Tso's Chicken

    Hi Trendy Dumpling

    4.4(429 reviews)
    10.2 miThe Heights
    $$

    Wow! I went for the first time tonight and my wife and I had a struggle not ordering everything on…read morethe appetizer menu. Our server was as so kind and had the absolute flow down, checked on us at the most opportune moments (we couldn't help but order more). It was truly hard to close out my tab, which was incredibly affordable. This might seem like a sponsorship but I'm just truly in wow. 10/10 no notes. 7 apps, 2 entrees and 1 drink for $97.53, an absolute steal..

    I recently visited this restaurant and unfortunately had a disappointing experience, mainly due to…read morethe service. When our server first came to the table, there was no greeting or welcome. She immediately asked what we wanted in a rude tone, which set an uncomfortable atmosphere from the start. There was a sign on the table advertising a "free appetizer" if you take a photo and tag the restaurant on social media. I followed the instructions exactly as stated, but when I mentioned it, the server initially refused to honor the promotion. After I pointed out the sign, she appeared upset and walked away. I saw she went to speak to another employee and cracked a smiled and looked over. She later returned and offered a small discount instead. The issue wasn't about the money or the discount, it was the principle. The promotion was clearly advertised, and I simply followed the restaurant's own policy. It was disappointing to feel like the restaurant was reluctant to honor something they were actively promoting. I hope management addresses this because customer service and consistency with advertised promotions make a big difference in the overall dining experience.

    Photos
    Hi Trendy Dumpling - Interior

    Interior

    Hi Trendy Dumpling - Biang Biang Noodle.  Ig: @absofreakinglutelyyummy

    Biang Biang Noodle. Ig: @absofreakinglutelyyummy

    Hi Trendy Dumpling - Braised chili oil fish

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    Braised chili oil fish

    Le Lai - chinese - Updated May 2026

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