DEFINITELY A PRECIOUS GEM FOR VEGETARIAN FOOD! First of all, I fall in love with the poetic name of the restaurant. Speaking of the name has already delivered calmness, stillness and clarity. In Houston, it's not easy to find an authentic vegetarian restaurant. So my friend and I decided to drive from Cypress to Water Drop Teahouse. Water Drop Teahouse is much like a small, quiet canteen located in a temple. You can park outside and walk in slowly. And enjoy the serenity of the garden. We came by lunch. The tables were almost occupied yet the ambiance was calm and quiet. The food we ordered was great, fresh. They tasted so good. Our favorite was the 6-item appetizer and we ended up ordered 2 big plates. Jadeite Fried Rice was very impressive to me. The tea was served in a very nice, inviting pot. We finished our lunch with 2 petite mochi desserts, filled with red bean and taro. The outer skin layer was soft and the fill-in was on point. ( The red bean was sweeter than the taro one, to my palate.) The service here was warm-welcoming. Helping us and serving the food were volunteers and they helped us with kindness and patience. My memory is still lingered with the arts of gentleness, not only in food but also the human connection I experienced here with the volunteers/helpers. I fall in love with Water Drop Teahouse. Best, Chloe read more

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Really unique spot! Found it from some reel in Instagram of 'unique Houston spots'. It's definitely outside of the usual stomping grounds for me (outside of the loop) but worth the drive. It's in a Buddhist temple, and it is extremely calming inside. There were people doing tai chi inside of the building, and the gardens were lovely. The food was great! We got the pot stickers. I got a berry drink and my husband got hibiscus tea. Great spot! read more

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Restaurant inside a temple, which you'll be hard-pressed to find in the states. There's a decent amount of parking, and the grounds are nice. The staff are friendly. There's a few items to choose from on the menu, and it's 100% vegetarian. Highly recommend the mixed platter, especially the one with the lotus root. The kale fried rice was super fragrant, slightly disappointed with the portion size given the price. The special fruit tea is great to get, a bit on the sweeter side. The special item was Malaysian Laksa which was superb value, a good amount of spice and not too oily. The bill ended up being higher than I would've expected for a restaurant at a temple, but I guess consider it a donation with your food :) read more

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The ladies here were really sweet and the place is impeccably clean. It feels very calming as soon as you enter. This was my first time eating this clean and I would have liked a little more umami flavor. We enjoyed our meal - except for the fake fish dish. It was extremely tough to bite. The fruit tea is tasty. Overall this is definitely a place everyone should try at least once. read more

Water Drop Teahouse - The spread - Vegetarian Near Me - Stafford, Texas

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Recommend? Only if you're vegetarian. I'm vegan. My first two choice items weren't available, the curry noodles and the rice cakes. I ordered the A set thinking it comes with vegan stew. It only comes with the vegan tendon. The set A also has Parmesan herb king oyster mushroom and seaweed salad. I also got the dumplings and the minced mushroom noodle soup. I would say if you prefer your food on the more savory side then this might be too lightly flavored for you. I did enjoy their lotus tea a lot. You don't often see lotus tea on menus, even at dim sum places. Overall, it just wasn't my preference. Note: I asked if the food did not have eggs, milk, cheese. And the lady that helped me said no. I believe there might have been a miscommunication because when I attempted to add the minced mushroom noodle soup to my order she did try to tell me they did not have it. The king oyster mushroom had Parmesan cheese. read more

Water Drop Teahouse - Minced mushroom and vegetarian ham noodle soup - Vegetarian Near Me - Stafford, Texas

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I have lived here for over a year and I didn't even know this place existed. I've found it as I was googling tea houses. I don't think they advertise because it's a restaurant within a Buddhist temple. Actually pretty cool. The outside gardens are really nice and really nice for photo opps. Then when you go inside, you have the temple and then to your left is the teahouse. It's all vegetarian, but the potstickers are really good. The lotus root is really good and the lavender tea and fruit tea were spectacular. I will go back because I want to try all their teas as they had a good selection. We had only ordered two to start with since it was our first time. We also got a platter of food and some other dishes. The fried rice was surprisingly, really good as well. read more

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People say cameras eat first. I say, my nose knows where to find good food. I had no idea there was a restaurant inside of Fo Guang Shan Chung Mei Temple 佛光山中美寺. I can't resist the yummy smell as I toured the temple halfway and saw Water Drop Teahouse 滴水坊 just right there. A friendly employee welcomed me as I walked in. Because I was alone, I couldn't be paired with another customer to be seated. As I was ordering takeout, a couple sat down at a 4-person table. Then, she asked if I wanted to sit at that table. I understood they wanted to maximize the use of seats. My eyes were hungry for interesting dishes but my stomach was pretty full from a big breakfast. I proceeded to order anyway. I got a 3-item mixed platter $10.00 with tendons, fish and lotus salad. I really enjoyed these choices. Especially the lotus salad, it was plenty and slightly sour and spicy. Could be eaten along with some rice. I saw Pocket Sandwich 如意角 got an interesting name. Unfortunately, it had loaded cheese in there. I couldn't continue eating. I also ordered the daily special - curry noodles soup 咖喱冬粉. I had a very high expectation of it but ended up disappointing. Because there weren't enough curry flavor and the proteins were bland. What really wowed me was the Lotus Flower Tea 蓮花茶 and $8.00 well spent. It came in a big clear pot. Watching it expand in the pot as I sipped from my teacup with a saucer. So relaxing. I was sitting in front of the Zen Garden. That's double pleasured. I couldn't ask for more. Yeah. I'll be back. I'll try the fried rice and other teas. read more

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Ambiance is relaxed, clean, and peaceful. We enjoy the garden view and the green table. You're sitting indoor but felt the connection to the outside garden through multiple glass doors. Service by many volunteer aunties who are sweet, kind, and accommodating. They're so cute trying to figure out their registered counter machine so expect checking out/payment processing slower than your typical restaurant. Food: I personally felt their food is under season but hey, I'm not complaining since their type of food should be on healthier and less sodium side. Their noodle soup is so good and tasty. I didn't like the kimchi soup bc it's under season for me and all I can taste is the kimchi. But overall, I could tell the kitchen staffs our great effort in making healthier food options that suppose to be plain, tasteful, and healthy. Overall, I would come back again to support the temple and all these lovely aunties. read more

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The ladies that work at the restaurant are incredibly nice, and the food was amazing. We tried a little bit of everything, and there was nothing that was bad. The restaurant is inside the temple, and the grounds are extremely nice. The place is just very clean. I just love the place; it's a place to go and unwind. read more

Oh it was delicious do visit. It is located in a temple, the restaurant is tucked in the back right. I went on a weekday afternoon and they were quite busy, as far as most tables being occupied. Everyone was so kind and attentive, they seated me promptly and were very warm towards me obviously knowing it was my first time by my demeanor. The menu was not too confusing. I made a selection and the food was out in an appropriate time. Everything was delicious, very clean and delicious! I was looking for some vegan food, and I got it. Not heavy or too oily or overbearing. Just right. I ate until I was full, and didn't feel overstuffed or bloated. The meal carried me for hours and felt like sustenance. I would definitely return if I were in the area! read more

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The little restaurant is very pretty. The ambiance, the deco is so beautiful, so calming that a cup of their tea in hand, looking out at the beautiful garden at the cute little buddha sculptures in various poses can really change your mood and sooth you from within- it is afterall associated with the adjoining temple. Its just so unbelievable for a place like that to be existing so close to the hustle and bustle of Sugarland. The restaurant itself operates only from 11 to 3 pm everyday and on Sundays there is service in the temple, where, people like me can get headphones for translation. I am given to understand its been around for 20 years. The tea there is not to be missed, typical Chinese pot of tea, but they do have food as well. Since its a temple its ALL vegetarian. We got the kimchi tofu rice and the small appetizer plate. The lady who helped us was all smiles and adorable and explained each item on the menu in detail. There is also a gift shop where some spiritual/ decorative items can be purchased. It is a spiritual place so please be respectful of the place and the people. You will actually run into monks here. read more

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It's a great little hidden gem inside Fo Guang Shan Chung Mei Temple. Once you drive through the open gates, park on the left side. The spots near the temple are all handicap spots. Make your way to the main entrance to the right and the teahouse is inside on the left. If you can't find it, just ask the person at the front. Once inside, there's a decent amount of seating and you can just seat yourself. They will bring you a paper menu and pen where you can mark your order. So far I've tried the pan-fried dumplings, ground mushroom and vegetarian ham rice, tomato chili soup, kimchi hotpot soup, and the combo set where you can choose 3 dishes. My favorite thing here is probably the ground mushroom and vegetatian ham rice. It's super flavorful and I could eat it with anything. They also have it on noodles too. The pan-fried dumplings are also excellent. Perfect combination of crisp/chewy exterior and veggie/tofu filled inside. The choose 3 or 6 dishes combo allows you to choose 3 or 6 items that change daily on their board. They come in appetizer size and include a bowl of rice. They also have a lot of teas to choose from, all are excellent. If you're looking for vegetarian food, give this place a try. I'm not vegetarian and even I love eating here. read more

Water Drop Teahouse - Vegetarian Near Me - Stafford, Texas

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Food was appropriately priced and flavorful! It was also very clean which I appreciate. I also liked the service bc the people there come to chat with you about your opinions. I also really enjoyed the fruit tea as it seems to be a highlight of this place. but my only recommendation is that it would be better if it was iced. Hot fruit tea can be quite sour and Houston is hot most of the year. I'd suggest making a big batch and keeping it in the fridge. read more

Water Drop Teahouse - Location - Vegetarian Near Me - Stafford, Texas

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I've only been once so far. Always heard great things about this place. Site is lovely and feels lovely. A mix of expected Buddhist things, and then some pop culture interpretations of Buddhist things. My friend and I arrived early. The cafe feels a bit sleepy. It was at least 15 minutes after opening time, and no employee arrived to help us. My friend went to get someone at the front. It was also too warm indoors, but know the season was warm too. So it's not a place for respite from hot weather, at least not that day. So my temptation to bookmark this place also for studying was tossed out the window, at least til there's cold weather. Every dish was delicious, strange-looking and foreign to us. I thought I'd have a reference point as an Asian, but I didn't or very obscurely did. Tea was so excellent, we ordered another and stayed longer. read more

Menu is limited to a few dishes but that's a good thing in this case because you know that they have perfected these few dishes. What ever we ordered were all good! The fruit tea was a little too sweet but nothing an extra pour of water wont fix. Staff were very friendly and quick! Overall place is relaxed and vibes zen. read more

Water Drop Teahouse - Vegetarian Near Me - Stafford, Texas

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I brought my friends over to this place because we wanted to try something new. Their vegetarian dishes were amazing! We had the huge sampler and split the jasmine rice among us. We also had two tea pots. We were recommended the fruit tea since that was their most popular. I think we were more into the leafy ingredients b/c the fruit tea didn't suit our taste. (We're heavy leaf tea drinkers.) We also walked around the property and came across the small park and garden. Very beautiful and relaxing. In terms of service, we have a friend who has a hijab and was a little nervous but they were very welcoming to us. Very accepting and her fears were in vain. So please do not think wearing another religious item is going to make them give you bad service. They are super kind and attentive and the food is amazing. Finding really good vegetarian food is an art. read more

Came here with my parents this afternoon after having been here previously with my husband. The Water Drop Teahouse is a relaxing spot to have a great lunch, nestled in the back of a Taiwanese Buddhist temple. Relaxing music plays in the background and you get an excellent view of a beautiful rock garden. The women working here are very friendly and polite and are happy to answer any questions about the food. My parents wanted to try a little bit of everything, so we ordered the lotus flower tea, the six item mixed platter, the pot stickers, the jadeite fried rice, the tomato soup noodles with ground mushroom and vegetarian ham, and the ground mushroom and vegetarian ham dry noodles. The food was incredibly fragrant and packed with flavor. I honestly couldn't believe it was 100% vegetarian, especially the ground mushroom and vegetarian ham with dry noodles, which had an incredibly meaty taste and texture. I was also a big fan of the vegetarian beef tendon, the pot stickers, and the vegetarian fish. I highly recommend the Water Drop Teahouse for anyone looking for an incredible experience with great food! read more

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Restaurant is located inside a temple. When you walk in from the front doors go towards your left to find the restaurant. They have great vegetarian food that even my kids will eat. The food is very flavorful and does not make you miss meat. I always order a tea as well to go with my meal. read more

The waitstaff was so nice and attentive.Service was fast. Food came out fast and hot. Lavender tea was delightful! Never had a tea like that. So fragrant. Jadeite Fried rice with vegan ham (mushroom) was excellent. So flavorful The Dumplings were so good. Tender juicy and so umami. This place feels like you're not in a big city. The property is huge with an amazing park full of Buddhist figures. So far from the main road so it's so peaceful. The Buddhist monks were so nice. They gave us a complimentary Moon cake bcuz it was their Fall Festival. Take lots of pictures!!! read more

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It's an excellent place for vegetarians. Weekdays are very quiet. I love their fried rice.

This cafe is in a Buddhist temple, and so the ambiance is deep and authentic. Someone in the temple lobby directed us to the right area for lunch. We ate things like lion's mane mushroom, lotus root in chili sauce, kale fried rice, had a pot of amber tea, and all was delicious. The servers were lovely. It felt like a little vacation. read more

Lovely restaurant inside a temple. They are really friendly. The food came out fast and fresh. The price is really affordable. Around $8-10 for a bowl of noodle. read more

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Delicious vegetarian food and peaceful atmosphere! Would definitely come back to enjoy more of their fruit teas!!

Food, service, and ambiance are all 5 stars. My wife and I love their small plates--especially the vegan stew tendon and the king oyster mushrooms. The teas are a must try. Once you stop in the cafe, just a sense of calmness comes over you and time seems to slow down. Great place to satisfy a veggie craving for a healthy meal. read more

If you're looking for a bit of a zen inside a temple, I'd recommend this quaint teahouse. They have some daily specials and a helpful menu with pictures.My fave was their fruit tea, sweet and loaded with fruits - would recommend! I've went here years ago and finally went back and its still as good. I also enjoy their unique pocket sandwich, simple cheesy corn and mushroom toast. I also like their green jasmine rice. They also have a lot of other vegetarian appetizers and dishes, but it's a simple little place for some tea and snacks if your ever in that temple. read more

I'm not even vegetarian - but I thoroughly enjoyed eating here. It's a small restaurant with Taiwanese vegetarian food that's located inside a Buddhist temple. Every single dish we tried was tasty, with one exception - There were mixed opinions on the deep fried imitation "nuggets" due to the texture of the meat substitute used. We tried a total of at least 8 dishes and 3 different teas. The flavors were solid and savory, and everything tasted pretty fresh. Some of the dishes were a little on the greasy-looking side, but it wasn't enough to mar my dining experience. It's just that the plates looked a little oily once the food was all gone. The fruit tea was most popular amongst our group, but the amber tea was solid too. The lavender tea was actually not bad, had a tangy base with lavender notes. Getting there can be confusing - there aren't any signs and Google Maps didn't tell me which side of the street (Jebbia) I needed to be on -- there are 2 temples directly across from each other. FYI Water Drop Teahouse is in the temple that is set farther back from the street and is a little harder to see. The gate sign announcing the temple name is white (the gate sign for the wrong/other temple is maroon). Getting to the restaurant is a little confusing too once you're already on the premises, because there are no signs for where the Teahouse is. Park in the back, and the main entrance to the temple is to the side. Enter there through the wall of glass doors and the Teahouse will be to the back left once you get inside. read more

Real life keeps blowing my mind beyond my expectation. While working in the Sugar Land Office today, I searched for a Vegetarian place to get a quick lunch. What I found was a most tranquil and peaceful cafe inside of a Buddhist Temple so closed to my office. My heart explodes with joy being at this charming cafe, with Buddhist Nuns and volunteers preparing healthy delicious vegetarian food, and an atmosphere that just calms and soothes me. A kind and joyful Sifu even showed me around the temple, before I was given the opportunity to walk the surrounding gardens. I'm totally in love with this place and will be back frequently for sure. They are having a Fun Fair this Sunday to celebrate Mother's Day. I'm pretty sure I'll be back with Vanessa to join the festivities and enjoy some more delicious Vegetarian Food. Namo Amitoufo. read more

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I loved this restaurant and would definitely recommend it to anyone who loves flavorful food and tea. I normally get the dumplings and tofu pot. It has the perfect amount of spice and flavor for the pot and the dumplings have the perfect amount of crunch. It's a go to lunch spot after church for me and my family. The seasonal tea makes my tea at home look basic. The fruit, honey, and pomegranate juice enhances and strengthens the natural flavor. All in all I love this place and would recommend it to anyone who wants to try something unique, interesting, and spreading awareness on cultures in Houston. read more

A little cozy spot with flavourful vegan options and the best fruit tea you can have.So refreshing!!We ordered the starter of six varieties.That was something unique and good but if you like spicy food like i do then I would suggest to ask them for hot sauce on the side.Next we had dumplings and kimchi which was good.Service is great but we went during busy hours so it was little slow.Otherwise it is a hidden gem near Houston. read more

Water Drop Teahouse - Place - Vegetarian Near Me - Stafford, Texas

There's a cute little tea house inside of the temple with 4 small tables and two long tables for bigger dining parties. The temple is a large one originating from Taiwan and it includes a mini garden right next to it (outside) and a statue garden on the opposite side of where the cafe is. It's very tastefully decorated and one wall is made of full length glass windows and doors so plenty of natural light. It opens into the little grassy garden I mentioned before. If not for the people in monk robes or temple vests (volunteers?) walking around and the distinct quiet-ness or low murmurs I always link with temples, it could have been a cozy cafe elsewhere. I'm a no allium vegetarian and this place serves no allium vegetarian food (YESSSS). Their menu is a small one with a few tea selections; nothing fancy. A few appetizers, a few noodle dishes, and a few fried rice dishes. I already had an idea what I wanted to get since we tried going two weeks before but they were closed for some event some of their staff were volunteering at. By the way, they have a website but it isn't updated with any special hours so call ahead. The hours themselves are limited too. We were a party of three and we ordered: - Kimchi - I LOVE kimchi. I used to like in Korea as an expat and I will never forget the vegan kimchi I had there. I make my own now and this place's kimchi tastes like mine. It lacks that depth of flavor the Seoul temple got in theirs. I still dream of it. Having said that, it's not bad. It's spicy and lightly fermented. - Potstickers - the price is a bit steep for one plate but they are full to the brim. Yum! - Vegetable Calzones - I thought the English name a bit funny but the way the pastry is sealed, they do remind me of mini calzones. Also pretty good. Get this if you prefer firmer, less doughy skins. - Fried tofu - these reminded me of the agedashi tofu you can get at Japanese restaurants. They're cubes of extra soft tofu deep fried in an incredibly light batter. Perfectly crisp! The dipping sauce is saltier and thicker than the one you get with agedashi though. I prefer the agedashi dipping sauce but the tofu themselves are still good! Green fried rice - That isn't the actual name on the menu (the one they used was strange) but I can't remember it. It's the only green fried rice they have though. I thought of this as the Asian version of pesto but in fried rice. There were also pine nuts in it as well as chunks of veggie meat. IT WAS SO GOOD. Probably my favorite of them all if I had to pick one. It had that certain aroma you just can't get from your typical home stove. - Kimchi fried rice - Used the same kimchi that they sell as appetizers. Spicy and pretty good. Still can't compete with Korean temple kimchi and their fried rice. - Thai Noodles - noodles with bok choy and an aromatic and spicy sauce that vaguely reminded me of Tom yum. It is more of a dry noodle dish. Good, but my nose was dying from the kimchi dishes so I limited myself. - Noodles with Asian meat sauce - I think the name on their menu mentioned bean curd but what I saw looked more like TVP. Anyway, a non-spicy dry noodle dish with a savory topping whose limited "sauce" coated every noodle. Yummy. We actually ordered a different noodle dish but they didn't have our second request and they didn't have our third request, Haha. A nice quiet place to catch up but don't be too loud. The food is pretty good and prices are "okay". I assume the profit goes to helping to maintain the temple and temple grounds. There is a gift shop around the corner. Help is adequate; they don't stare at your table so you may need to request for things but once they're aware, they rectify it quickly. It warrants a return! Plus, I can eat freely here. Maybe next time, I'll try one of their teas! I love that fried rice... read more

Food is delicious, people are nice. Would definitely recommend trying it out. Sometimes it gets very busy though.

A wonderful and quiet lunch place inside a temple. The ambience couldn't be better for a vegetarian meal. We ordered a pot of Prosperity Tea which is fruity with real apple and kumquat pieces. We had the sesame cold noodle and jade fried rice as the main meal plus fried tofu, corn and cheese puff and vegie box as side dishes. All very well prepared and nicely presented. We're definitely coming back to try other items on the menu Since it is in a temple, you enter the main entrance and turn left and follow the sign to the cafe. Paying respect to Buddha is a plus but not required! read more

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Wow!!!! What a beautiful place. We came here to try the teahouse, and as soon as we walked in we were greeted by someone. We advised we were looking for the tea house and the lovely lady directed us to the beautiful team room. The dining area was well lit and very clean. We placed our order and the same lady that showed us the team room asked us if we would like a tour. We went on the tour while we waited for a our food. She was polite and explained various aspects of the temple and explained the stations and areas and what they meant. Now for the food... AWESOME!!! Its a must try. We had the lavender tea, the green fried rice, the noodle soup bowl and the chicken nuggets. All of it was delicious. This place is a must visit even to just take a look at the property and walk around. They were decorating for the Chinese new year. read more

The best vegetarian food to go place! Super clean and nice service. I would love to come everyday if I could! read more

Water Drop Teahouse - mince "meat" dry noodle - Vegetarian Near Me - Stafford, Texas

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This tea house is AMAZING. The food is the best vegetarian cuisine I have ever had!!! I have been here 5 times already and always order the Jadiete Fried Rice. Special Fruit Tea is also my go-to tea here. But definitely try the noodles. Every bowl of noodles is delicious. Everything was perfection. People of the temple are so inviting and kind as well. I can not stress how special and beautiful this experience is. Im beyond blown away by the food, tea, and people. read more

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I came back again after a long time! The Jasmine fried rice is still really good! This time, I got the fried potstickers which I think was ok, although it was filled to the brim, but not tasty tasty. I also didn't find the veggie chicken that tasty either. However, it's a nice place to have vegetarian meals. It was peaceful and quiet while I ate, and the environment is definitely very zen-like. I want to try other things on the menu soon! read more

I have been wanting to try this place for sometime now but they close early so it was difficult until now. Worth the wait! I got the lunch combo and it was an amazing array of flavors and earthiness. Ambiance amazing. The lemon and ginger tea was rich and satisfying. Will definitely be back to peruse the menu. Make time. It's worth it. read more

Hidden gem! My friend and I ordered two bean curd noodle soups. The broth was hearty and the noodles (our favorite part) were thick and chewy. The dumplings were ok. The chicken nuggets and tofu were perfectly crispy. Our favorite appetizer was probably the seasoned vegetarian chicken. The flavor and texture were on point! Everything is affordable. Nothing is over $6. To accompany our meal, we ordered a pot of hot fruit tea. It was sweet and tart with lots of fruit. This place is kind of inside a Taiwanese buddhist temple. The temple is beautiful and scenic. The inside of the restaurant had tranquil meditation music on. We're definitely coming back! read more

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Wow what a beautiful and serene place, had no idea this was here. Went to this place with some coworkers, had the bittermelon, gyoza, noodles, and rice, everything was good. They had some trouble splitting our check though haha. Would definitely go back to try other items and their tea! read more

Water Drop Teahouse - Vegetarian Near Me - Stafford, Texas

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I was amazed by the food. I grew up as a vegetarian but not my husband nor his family. They all enjoyed it and realized trying vegetarian food does not have to be tasteless. Here, everything was wonderful! Robust flavor enhanced with natural seasoning from all the fruits and vegetable. Because we had a large party of 10, we were able to try everything on the menu. My favorite was the tomato and chili noodle soup as well as their pot stickers. I'm sad I was not able to take pictures. The food was gone as soon as it hit the table! What I can say is, we are all full and happy. Especially our 95 yr old grandma. read more