Not your typical Chinese takeout! Houston’s regional Chinese restaurants serve up authenticity in every bite

In this episode of “Eat Like a Local”, Chris Shepherd goes all in on Houston’s regional Chinese food —and it’s way more than traditional takeout. From the numbing heat of Sichuan peppercorns to the intriguing dishes of Korean-Chinese cuisine, this episode takes a trip through the intricacies of Chinese food.

• Watch “Eat Like a Local with Chris Shepherd” Saturdays at 10 a.m. on KPRC and KPRC 2+

North China Restaurant | 14525 Katy Freeway, Houston

Chris kicks things off at North China Restaurant, a longtime spot bringing Korean-Chinese flavors to the Energy Corridor. Chris sits down with owner Fred Wu whose family started the restaurant over 50 years ago.

The menu features longstanding traditional dishes like Zhajiang Mian and fun dishes like fish tacos made with bao buns and sizzling rice soup with its crispy rice and dramatic presentation.

• PREVIOUS EPISODE: Hungry for a short trip? 4 flavorful restaurants to try in Baytown

Mala Sichuan Bistro | Multiple Houston Area Locations

Next, Chris heads to Mala Sichuan Bistro, where Sichuan peppercorns bring a heat that doesn’t just burn—it tingles. As owner Cori Xiong explains it’s that tingle that gives the meaning to the name mala (‘ma’ in Chinese stands numbing, ‘la’ for spicy heat).

Chris orders one of his favorite dishes: crispy spicy chicken made with dried chilies and Sichuan peppercorns.

Then, comes the oddly named, but equally addicting, Ants on the Tree—glass noodles tossed in chili sauce with ground pork. It’s as fun to say as it is to eat.

Duck N Bao | Locations in Cypress, Memorial, & Rice Village

Chris wraps things up at Duck N Bao where the soup dumplings (xiao long bao) come thinly wrapped and filled with savory broth. But the star is, of course, the Peking duck, lacquered and roasted to perfection, then served with your choice of pancakes or bao.

Watch the episode to learn the history behind the families bringing regional Chinese dishes to Houston’s food scene!

“Eat Like a Local with Chris Shepherd” is your guide to the best food in Houston. Watch new episodes Saturdays at 10 a.m. on KPRC 2.

Season 3 of “Eat Like a Local”

• SEASON 3, EPISODE 56: Season 3 of ‘Eat Like a Local’ launches with chefs recognized by the James Beard Awards
• SEASON 3, EPISODE 57: Beer + Bites: Discover two of the Houston-area’s best craft breweries
• SEASON 3, EPISODE 58: Hungry for a short trip? 4 flavorful restaurants to try in Baytown
• Watch seasons 1 & 2 of “Eat Like a Local with Chris Shepherd”