Xiaolong Dumpling sits at 1901 Taft Street in Montrose serving authentic Szechuan food and hand-pulled noodles that earned “best Chinese in Houston” praise from multiple reviewers.
The kitchen specializes in the intricate balance of Szechuan flavors – the heat of chili peppers, the tingling sensation of peppercorns, the nuttiness of seeds, and aromatic savory elements that create complexity beyond just “spicy.”
Owner Helen runs the front of house with the kind of warm, attentive service that turns first-time visitors into regulars who come back weekly.
What Makes Xiaolong Dumpling Special
The hand-pulled noodles get made fresh creating the kind of texture and flavor that separates this from places using dried or frozen noodles.
Their biang biang noodles – those wide, hand-pulled Shaanxi-style noodles – arrive with proper chew and the ability to hold the bold sauces the kitchen creates. The sizzling pepper beef comes with perfectly cooked vegetables rather than the overcooked, soggy mess that often accompanies Chinese restaurant proteins.
The cozy atmosphere and Helen’s hospitality create the kind of intimate environment where you can actually taste the freshness in every dish from the crystal dumplings to the cumin beef.
The Story Behind the Restaurant
This Montrose location opened with a focus on authentic Szechuan preparations rather than adapting for American palates or playing it safe.
The kitchen uses the intricate balance of flavors that defines real Szechuan cooking – not just heat for heat’s sake, but the numbing peppercorns, aromatic spices, and savory depth that creates genuine complexity. The hand-pulled noodles represent a technique that requires skill and daily preparation rather than opening a package.
Helen’s friendly, attentive presence combined with the kitchen’s commitment to fresh ingredients and proper techniques built a loyal following that fills this small space regularly.
Food Highlights
- Biang Biang Noodles: The hand-pulled wide noodles deliver excellent texture with the fresh preparation that makes these a highly recommended signature. 🍜
- Beef Flat Noodles: Perfect balance of flavors with the tender beef and hand-pulled noodles creating generous portions worth the price. 🥩
- Sizzling Pepper Beef: The flavorful preparation with perfectly cooked vegetables showcases the kitchen’s attention to detail across all components. 🌶️
- Crystal Dumplings: The delicate wrappers showcase proper dumpling technique with fillings that maintain the quality level across the menu. 🥟
- Dan Dan Noodles: The classic Szechuan preparation with spicy, nutty sauce over noodles creates authentic flavors without watering them down. 🥜
- Chili Oil Wontons: The pork wontons swimming in house-made chili oil deliver the numbing heat and depth that defines good Szechuan food. 🔥
Atmosphere
The 1901 Taft Street location in Montrose creates a cozy, well-lit space that feels intimate without being cramped.
The tables offer cute details while maintaining functionality, and the whole space stays clean and comfortable in a way that lets you focus on the food. Helen’s warm presence and attentive service elevates the experience beyond just good food to genuine hospitality.
The small size means this fills up during peak hours, but the turnover stays reasonable and the quality makes any wait worthwhile. The casual environment works equally well for solo diners at the counter or groups sharing multiple dishes.
Bottom Line
Visit Xiaolong Dumpling for authentic Szechuan food where hand-pulled noodles and proper technique create what multiple reviewers call Houston’s best Chinese.
The biang biang noodles, beef flat noodles, and sizzling pepper beef prove this kitchen respects both tradition and execution. The crystal dumplings, dan dan noodles, and chili oil wontons show the range from delicate to bold maintains consistent quality.
Helen’s warm hospitality combined with fresh ingredients, house-made noodles, and genuine Szechuan flavors create the kind of neighborhood spot that becomes a regular rotation restaurant. Order through DoorDash or dine in. 🌟
Address: Xiaolong Dumpling
1901 Taft St, Houston, TX 77006
Phone: (832) 699-6161
Hours: Daily: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM | Lunch Specials: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Features: Hand-pulled noodles | Authentic Szechuan | Family-owned | Montrose location | Vegan/vegetarian options | Lunch specials