Conveniently located in the Houston Tunnels system in the McKinney food court (which also contains Top Taste, Mayuri Express, Taka Sushi and Ramen, and Time for Thai). Star Chef offers a choice of pork, chicken and veggie dumplings that are either pan-fried, steam-fried, or deep fried with sides of different kinds of soups and rice plates also available. At lunch time on weekdays, this is a popular spot for downtown Houston workers, and many people often populate the line, though it usually moves quite quickly with wait-time not being too ridiculous. The service is good with the staff being quite friendly, and you can get a decent-sized meal of 10-12 dumplings for between $10-11. The dumplings are decent if not great, and while there are better dumplings options in the Tunnels (such as Doozo's at the Park Shops), Star Chef is still a creditable lunch option. If I want dumplings and don't feel like making the walk to the Park Shops, Star Chef is where I go. read more

Star Chef Dumpling House - View from front - Chinese Near Me - Houston, Texas

See all

went today during my lunch and tried their pan fried and steamed dumplings since they let you mix the order. They were both very delicious. The service was quick and friendly. She helped me decide on a combo order so I could try all of their flavors. It's located in the McKinney tunnel so it's pretty easy to find. They do offer seating as they are located in a small food court. I will definitely be back again soon. read more

The service was great and the food was amazing until the employe named hannah started saying rude things to me for no reason

The chicken dumpling is very good. It is a mix of chicken with vegetables. The pork dumpling is okay/bland. It's just the pork in the filling. read more

Great tasting dumplings for the price and awesome service by the two ladies that run the place. I really like both the pan fried and steamed dumplings (either chicken or pork). There's usually a line during weekday peak lunch hours, but it's worth it and moves pretty quickly. read more

I consider myself a bit of a dumpling aficionado. I am a lover of dumplings across all cuisines though having grown up with a Japanese grandmother, I tend to be partial to the East Asian varieties. While venturing the downtown tunnels, I happened across this little gem and oh my goodness. Their food makes my soul happy. The staff was really polite and I could overhear them answering everyone's questions. The line moved decently quick though I had to wait a couple minutes for my dumplings since they were finishing up a new batch but they gave me the heads up when I was giving my order. I got a (small) wonton soup, pork pan fried dumplings, and a side of white rice. The wonton soup has a delicate broth with 3 large wontons, fresh spinach, and green onions. The rice was perfectly cooked for the type it is (I have found out there is a such thing as bad rice). The dumplings are just plain heaven. Decently thick wrapper, and the pork filling is so insanely flavorful that I didn't even need the side dipping sauce. I can't get over how good this all tasted. The dumpling and wonton fillings have such a good flavor - good quality meat with just the right amount of (what I think I'm tasting) garlic and ginger. So many times I've gone to Asian restaurants and ending up having a plain, weak filling in a thin wrapper, so disappointing. It was love at first bite. I will happily make the 10-12 minute walk from my office building to come back and order again. read more

Star Chef Dumpling House - Wonton soup, steamed rice, pork pan fried dumplings - Chinese Near Me - Houston, Texas

Star Chef has a variety of dumplings you can order steamed (vegetable, pork, or chicken), pan fried pork, and deep fried pork or chicken. I've tried every single kind of dumpling that Star Chef has and I enjoy each one. You can get a mixed dozen for amount $9.99 plus tax but it's a good portion. Their customer service is impeccable and they go out of their way to make sure you have a good experience each and every time. read more

Conveniently located in the tunnels of downtown, this place offers some of the tastiest pan fried pork dumplings I've had. I also enjoy the veggie dumplings - the flavor profile is so yummy and different from other veggie dumplings that have spinach. It's a very popular spot so plan ahead and give yourself an extra five minutes to wait in line. read more

Star Chef Dumpling House - Mix order dumplings, fried pork and veggies - Chinese Near Me - Houston, Texas

See all

In terms of value for lunch in down town it doesnt get much better than this. I will certainly be frequenting here for their dumplings

Firstly, the people/workers here are the absolute sweetest! This place is tucked in the tunnels and so convenient when you work downtown. The service was fast and the food is a great deal compared to a lot of the expensive, overpriced fare you get anywhere in downtown. This is a decent dumpling place. This to me is not as good as doozos compared to filling of dumplings and sauce provided, but overall does the job of a dumpling craving. read more

No freaking way! The last time I was here -- well, according to Yelp -- was more than two years ago? And I rated the eatery four stars? Time for an update! I swung by the tunnels earlier today and noticed the not-so long line. Remembering how I enjoyed the food here last time, I joined the queue. Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls: the dumplings still slap! Alright, alright. I'll speak like an adult. The dumplings continue to amaze my taste buds! I want to pat myself on the back for settling on a dozen steamed pork dumplings. Hot, fresh, chewy, just like God and nature intended to be. And the fried rice? Still yummy as well. It also didn't hurt that the prices remain wallet-friendly. Star Chef is sadly underrated Downtown joint. That needs to change STAT. read more

Color me surprised that dumplings this good are in the downtown tunnels. My friend suggested this so we took the long trek through the tunnels to come get dumplings. It was not a disappointment at all! Though in future I will get just the half order of dumplings if I'm getting soup. Got the pork steamed dumplings. They were absolutely packed full and huge. I ended up bringing half of them home for my husband for dinner and he said they were super delicious even reheated. I also had the "small" wonton soup. I say "small" because the container was huge! So much! And I got 3 wontons within, again completely filled with stuffing. Finally, my friend and I split the last Chinese meatball. I was NOT expecting it to be so flavorful. Again, yum! Definitely going to have to go back. read more

Star Chef Dumpling House - Pork steamed dumplings, meatballs, and wonton soup - Chinese Near Me - Houston, Texas

See all

Consistently delicious. I usually get a half order of dumplings with a mix of pan fried and steamed pork with a side of the steamed veggies. Their dough to filling ratio is just right. Veggies are cooked well - not too tender, not too hard with a light flavoring. I also like their spicy ginger dipping sauce. read more

I've walked by this place for years because if I'm making the trek over I go to the meatballs or Indian place. Their line is often long, so I thought it had to be great. I finally gave it a try last week. I ordered the big order of the pan fried pork dumplings and an egg roll. After I brought them back to the office I realized the error of my action because in enclosed spaces, they make a room smell like farts. I decided to eat them in my co-workers of office as payback for some of the pranks he pulls on me. He was not happy about it, but didn't fuss too bad. The egg roll was decent (3-1/2 stars) as were the dumplings (3 stars). I'm glad I finally tried it, but likely will not revisit them. If I'm making the trek, I'll stick to Indian or meatballs there. read more

The dumplings were very tasty. My favorite was the steamed pork dumplings. I also got the pan fried dumplings, but I found the wrapping to be a little tough. read more

This restaurant is in downtown tunnel. You can get here by coming towards McKinney tunnel/ follow the green arrow/come under 1000 main St. Huge line during lunch as this is only dumpling place on this side of the tunnel. I usually get chicken fried rice and half order of dumpling. Runs around $12 and it's a lot of food! The chicken fried rice comes with about same amount of steamed rice that your mom would try to force feed you. And a tea egg, and a whole side of boiled steamed veggiesanf literally a whole chicken breast. As I said it can be your lunch snack and optional dinner depending on how much you eat. Be sure to ask for the garlic spicy soy sauce. It's the best! read more

Star Chef Dumpling House - Chinese Near Me - Houston, Texas

After trying other items on the menu I would recommend sticking with the soup and dumplings. The other items are pretty bad. The fried rice, fried chicken and vegetables are horrible. Everything is just bland with no flavor. read more

I was pleasantly surprised at the good quality dumplings that I found in the tunnels of downtown Houston. I got steamed dumplings: 6 chicken, 6 veggie. I thought that they were very tasty, particularly with the spicy ginger sauce. I especially enjoyed the veggie dumplings, which were much more substantial in my opinion than other veggie dumplings I've had downtown. My friends got some other things, that I also tried. The side of steamed veggies was kind of blah, but let's be honest. It's steamed veggies. How can it not be blah? And another got the steamed pork dumplings, so I tried one. That was equally tasty as well, but I still preferred the chicken and veggie. read more

Great lunch option in the tunnels! Food is hot, fresh, and reasonably priced ($10.50 for rice plate + soup combo). I've had the fried chicken and pork chop rice plates, and both were delicious! The serving size is generous and both come with a side of veggies and tea egg. The chicken and pork is always piping hot from the fryer and well seasoned. I've also tried the wonton and egg drop soups. Both were ok, and I wish the wontons had a bit more filling. There is a line, but it moves pretty fast! I'd definitely recommend you to give this a try if you're in the area! I'll be back again for lunch soon :) read more

I was teetering between 4 and 5 stars, but with all things considered it's a 5 star to me. I've been working downtown for 6 years and good asian food is seriously hard to come by here. I've probably eaten here at least 30 times by now and they have ALWAYS been so sweet and nice. This is my number 1 for asian food on my lunch break. My go to menu items: -Chinese meatball and rice (comes with veggies/mushrooms) -Beef noodle soup (Add chili oil) -Steam pork dumplings (Spicy ginger soy sauce) -Chicken steak rice (Fried cornstarch battered chicken thighs, comes with hard boiled egg and steamed veggies) read more

Star Chef Dumpling House - Beef noodle soup and pan fried pork dumplings - Chinese Near Me - Houston, Texas

See all

Amazing dumplings and the price is just as good! First time I went here I saw the long line and was not sure if it would be worth it well it was and now I am a weekly customer....I enjoy the dumplings, hot and sour soup, beef noodle soups, fried rice and their bok choy. I have mixed and matched many combinations and all have been good. Personal favorite combo is half order steamed pork dumplings, and hot and sour soup. Always very good you should definitely give it a try and stand in line.... read more

Star Chef Dumpling House - Steamed pork dumplings, $1 fried rice, and bok choy - Chinese Near Me - Houston, Texas

Star Chef is one of my favorite places to grab a quick lunch in the tunnels. They serve authentic Chinese food at a great price. (When you see lots of asians eat there it must be good) Located on the end of the food court across from Rajin Cajun, you will see that there is usually a line during prime lunch hour. Don't worry, it moves quickly and is worth the small wait. For $5.99, I usually order 12 steamed chicken dumplings. Dumplings here are homemade which is a plus. If that's not enough food, you can also order a side of vegetables or a soup for $2.75. Their egg drop soup is also a good choice. They serve a variety of dumplings both steamed and pan fried, and also rice plates with meat. I highly recommend Star Chef! read more

See all

I think this might be my second time ever, to be down in The Tunnels. But it was a one or two minutes walk from where I was, so I thought, sure, why not? The boyfriend informed me that Star Chef makes their own dumplings, which is always promising, because I can chow down on pre-made frozen dumplings at home, yanno what I mean? It was $5.50 for twelve vegetable dumplings, boiled I believe? Maybe they were steamed? Anyway, they were pretty competent - bumped up to "pretty good" with the spicy ginger soy dipping sauce. The boyfriend ordered the chicken steak on a whim and was none too impressed. He had perhaps been expecting something other than a hammered out tough slab of fried chicken. It's all right, because twelve non-wimpy dumplings was adequate for sharing, which in fact is caring, in case you didn't know. I'm not sure that I would return here because the food and service weren't remarkable, but if you like dumplings and you're nearby, might as well stop by! read more

Always good, comfort dumplings. Lines can get long during the peaks but their service is fast and efficient. read more

Star Chef Dumpling House - Steam chicken dumplings - Chinese Near Me - Houston, Texas

I came here for lunch and had the pork fried dumplings and wonton soup. The dumplings were alright and the wonton soup was pretty bland. Not sure what kind of meat they used for the wontons. Definitely not something I'm familiar with. I've tried all three dumpling places in the tunnels. My favorite would be Dozoo, Baoz, and Star Chef. I was hoping for the dumplings here to win me over but it's actually my last choice. Maybe I'll give it a try sometime and try their beef noodle soup. Maybe it was an "off" day for Star Chef. read more

Located in the McKinney (green) tunnel line. The review is for the beef noodle soup (niu lou mein) NOT the dumplings. My expectations were not too high since it is "tunnel fast food." It was a quick cheap lunch. However, the beef was sliced and cured not stewed. Clearly stored cold and added to the soup. The soup seemed to be heavily flavored by msg. The whole point of "beef soup" was lost since it appeared that that soup was not created from stewing the actual beef. Veggies and rice noodles were average. Would not order again. The dumplings looked and were deemed to be authentic by a fellow lover of dumplings. Will be back to try that. Service was friendly. Line can be long. read more

Star Chef Dumpling House - Chinese Near Me - Houston, Texas

See all

I'm so glad that we have a Chinatown-style restaurant in the Downtown tunnels. Tough to beat the prices and authenticity. The owners are nice, too. read more

Star Chef Dumpling House - Chinese Near Me - Houston, Texas

Only had the dumplings, but they were really good! This was my time in the tunnels. The line was really long at lunchtime, so it is always a good sign. Will try more next time. read more

Star Chef Dumpling House - Chinese Near Me - Houston, Texas

***Update (1/24/13): as per Zane H.'s review, it appears that the owner has changed. It is no longer the same owner as Sandong Noodle House. I have not been here since!*** Lucky for us fellow tunnel lunch dwellers, Asian cuisine of Chinatown caliber can be found nestled in a small food court across from Rajin' Cajun. The original owner of the authentic noodle house and snack food restaurant, Sandong Noodle House, started up a new location to broaden their customer demographic -- much obliged. Instead of the variety of menu items served at their Sandong restaurant, only simple pan fried and steamed dumplings (pork, chicken, or beef) as well as your typical wonton and hot and sour soup can be found here. They also have fried rice, but I have yet to try it (I tried to order it once, but it was sold out; so, it must be good). My typical order consists of steamed chicken dumplings (order of 12) and a small wonton soup. Their chicken dumpling is stuffed with chicken and cabbage, which I find adds a pleasing texture. The cabbage is slightly crunchy and the chicken is soft and meaty, and when you add both of them together, the marriage is delightful. Moreover, the thick dumpling skin balances well with the amount of stuffing. I really enjoy the quality of their wonton soup. Their broth actually tastes like a product crafted by a chef with years of experience. Also, diced scallion and spinach leaves add a wonderful aroma to the already tasty broth. Unlike other wonton soups from established "Chinese" restaurants, the dumplings that go into the wonton soup here are not shoddy, thin-skinned, low quality wontons, but actual dumplings served in entrees. Thus, it is not uncommon to find people satisfied with just ordering a large wonton soup for lunch. This place has met my expectations of a dumpling joint and more. If I were to rank this among the other dumpling shops is the downtown area, I'd say this place is second -- below Doozo and above Baoz. read more

If I had to pick by dumplings alone, I would pick Doozo, Star Chef, then Baoz. (Baoz last because of the value.) Here at Star Chef (like Doozo), I get 12 very large dumplings for about $5.50. Only reason Doozo gets a higher rating is because I can get chicken and veggie at Doozo (I don't eat pork dumplings). While at Star Chef, they use CILANTRO in their chicken dumplings. Thus, I can only get veggie, but the filling kind of reminds me of an egg roll. The sauce here is the worst of the three- not much flavor, tastes like straight-up soy sauce. By service, Baoz wins. Star Chef, and then Doozo. Both the people that run Baoz and Star Chef are extremely friendly, but Baoz man chit chats with you. Star Chef is one of those really polite Asian ladies who bows every time you pay. Doozo lady is just really unpleasant. read more

We decided to come here for lunch today. This is my first time back since yelping. I think their dumplings are very authentic. The skin is light and the dumplings are very filling. For $5.50, you get 12 steamed dumplings. I will try their wonton soup next as Stephen M suggests. If it is anything like the one at Sandong, then I am sold. I am a big fan of their original store Sandong Noodle House, and this place does not dissappoint. They have added a chicken fried chicken or fried pork chop plate for $5. It is not as robust as the one's you will find in Bellaire, but it is more than adequate for a cheap downtown substitute. It comes with Broccolli and Carrots and a full container of rice. I will be adding this place to my regular rotation. You will get full on tasty food and you won't feel like crap afterwords. (but your burps may be stinky) note: i think they take credit cards now. It used to be cash only which kept me from coming here more often. read more

I usually get the beef noodle soup but decided to try their dumplings. I popped over around 11am when they just finished setting up for the day and everything was so fresh looking. I ordered the 10 pcs DEEP FRIED Pork dumplings for $5.50. Yes, deep fried. I usually go to Baoz or Doozo for dumplings but decided to finally try out the dumplings at Star Chef. Now I used to not be excited to try them out cause I would see the steamed dumplings sitting out in the trays but I should not let that deter me. Anyways, the girl took my order always is so nice. Within less than a minute or two, my deep fried dumplings came out. They had a variety of sauces but I asked for Ginger Soy Sauce. When I opened my box at my desk, oh my, those deep fried morsels had a great aroma and I happily dunked away in the ginger soy sauce and munched on them. Mmmm, deep fried goodness! Will I be back? Yes! This time I will try the other dumplings as they had beef, chicken, and veggie ones. I cannot wait! read more

Great dumplings. Service is always on point. Limited hours becausee they are in tHe tunnels. Great and quick lunch spot.

You know it's a relatively decent Chinese place when the people lining up to order are all Asian. This place which I'm told was started by the same people who run Sandong in Chinatown does not disappoint. The beef noodle soup is not quite like Sandong's but it's still savory and tasty. The soup base is a bit on the salty side but the meat is tender and easy to eat. For around $6 you get a very large order of noodle soup that is sure to fill you up for lunch. The dumplings are all right but they tend to be sitting out in the open which = cold. Service is quick and friendly and there are plenty of seats available in that part of the tunnels. Hands down the best Chinese place in downtown. If you're looking for a filling bowl of noodles, look no further than Star Chef. read more

If you arent from the area you nay not know this exists. There is a small food court type area in tunnels that go underground through diwntown. This place had good dumplings. There was a decent line and lots of people eating them. Its a decent lunch for 6 bucks. read more

Star Chef Dumpling House - Steamed pork and fried rice - Chinese Near Me - Houston, Texas

See all

I should have walked a few extra blocks to go to Doozo. I ordered 1/2 order of each pan fried pork dumpling and steamed chicken dumplings with a small wanton soup. The pan fried pork dumplings were OK. Both of the types of dumplings were very greasy. I did not like the chicken dumplings at all. I think they do use thinner wrappers on their dumplings, but that's about the best thing I can say for them. The ginger soy sauce was bland. I didn't taste any ginger at all. I liked that there were lots of vegetables in the wonton soup but I had to kick it up a notch with some soy sauce. There were about 6 people working there and about 10 people in line when I got there. It took 10 minutes to get through the line. At Doozo they can move a line of 50 people in about 10 minutes. Not to mention their dumplings and sauce which are are soooo addictive. Next time I will walk to Doozo. In the meantime, I am going to go find a coworker to pawn 9 leftover dumplings on read more

I'm literally here at least once a week and get the mixed plate of dumplings. They're cheap, quick, friendly, and very tasty. I love the cilanttro in the pan fried pork dumplings, it adds a little "quirk" to the dumplings which I find flattering. I'm not too big on the pan fried veggie dumplings (just not my thing), but I definitely enjoy them. Usually I just tell the girl making my plate to add more of something else. I personally enjoy their soups. A mixed plate & a bowl of soup is a VERY filling lunch; I like their beef soup the best. You can easily eat for under $10. If you go between 11:30-1, seating can be hard to find since EVERYONE in the surrounding area is on lunch break & eating at the same time. I get mine to go. HIGHLY suggest it!! read more

Both the food and people are super good. We had lunch at Star Chef, and decided to go back and bought "Guotie" for dinner. Steamed and fried dumplings, "guo tie", beef noodle, and fried pork rice plate are highly recommended. 谢谢老板和老板娘四点还给我们两个来旅游的学生做锅贴和炸猪排，很好吃，是真的很好吃。谢谢你们！新年快乐～ read more

Star Chef Dumpling House - Delicious fried pork! - Chinese Near Me - Houston, Texas

See all

Favorite dumplings in all of Houston. Lines get long and for good reasons. One of my go-to for an affordable and tasty lunch.

Love, love, love the dumplings! I get the full order steamed mixed - chicken, pork, vegetable. I like them all. Their vegetable dumpling is one of the best! Great price for great food! I've gone to Doozo but these dumplings are better. The skin is thinner than others and gives the filling a chance to be the star as it should be! Though I haven't tasted it yet, the wonton soup looks awesome! The people are really nice. I like supporting a real family business. read more