JapaneseHouston.com

Asian City Restaurant in Humble

If you live North of I-10 in Houston then you probably already know of Asian City Restaurant in Humble. Asian City has been a popular destination for years and serves a combination of Japanese and Chinese mostly. There are a few square pegs on the lunch menu like baked pork chops with spaghetti but they really cater to the Japanese and Chinese food seekers.

I am not usually a fan of the combination approach. You see a lot of this Thai + Japanese or Chinese + Vietnamese which I always feel lukewarm about. Asian City does however provide some pretty decent, above average Japanese food. The Chinese is fine but that's not why we're here.

Sushi, Agadashi Tofu and Chefs

Agadashi Tofu is hard to find in Houston but they have it here. Not only do they have it, they serve Agadashi Tofu that is made just right consistently, and that is to be admired. The tofu is fried perfectly, the broth is not too salty, the ginger is the right kind, and it has been this way every time I order it, about every two months for the past 5 years. Really remarkable.

They added a teppanyaki section in 2008 that has become a big attraction. I don't know why but up till now I have never eaten the teppanyaki there. I guess I stick to my favorites from the regular and sushi menus. I have however watched closely and admired the skill of the chefs. There are tons of teppanyaki chefs in Houston restaurants but most are mediocre at best. Asian City has some really professional and entertaining chefs.

Same for the sushi bar. They have a small core of sushi chefs, like two, who have been there forever and it shows. The sushi is consistently good and fresh. I recommend the small sashimi sampler for about $10, but I am one of those people who can do without the rice entirely. Plus, PLUS they always serve sashimi with a shiso leaf. If you have never tried wrapping a piece of tuna sashimi in a shiso leaf then do it and you will thank me. Shiso is sometimes called Japanese basil. They always give me one leaf so I have to ask for extra. I'm sure most people leave it on the plate, treating it like a pretty piece of parsley next to their cheeseburger at Denny's. Eat it!

The Atmosphere and Prices

Asian City has a slightly upscale, but not stuffy atmosphere. They remodeled the interior in 2009 and if you haven't seen that, take a look. Perfect place for a first date: always busy, cool atmosphere, **fish tanks to stare at, and an I'm-still-in-school-but-want-to-impress-you priced menu. You can dress up or down for dinner. The Deerbrook Mall shoppers will make you feel comfortable in jeans and a T-shirt.

The menu prices are quite reasonable, in the family style restaurant range. So why can I not get out of there without spending at least $40 on two fast lunches? I mean $40 for two on date night is fine but for a married couple in a hurry, we can get out of most places for less. The reason is we always add a few little things to the meal that we don't see elsewhere often: edamame, uni sushi (When available), Agadashi tofu, etc. If you actually stick to the lunch menu you'll do better.

If you have watched the restaurant change over the years, you know they spared little expense in decor and service. It just feels like a well run business. Clean tables, clean restrooms, always friendly wait staff, always a manager on the floor running a tight ship.

I feel like I'm doing readers a disservice if I have nothing bad to say, no criticism. I guess I will say that if you're a true Japanophile then you might notice the awkward mix of Japanese and Chinese cultures in the decor and on the menu, two cultures and culinary styles that are actually night and day, yin and yang. I got over it and you should too. If it was named Japanese City Restaurant maybe I would complain about it.

Location and Contact Information

It's in the Deerbrook Mall complex. East side bordering Highway 59.

20205 Highway 59 N
Humble, TX 77338
(281) 319-4567

They must have a website but I couldn't find one in my 1-minute search.

**Some of the fish in the tanks actually have hearts on them, really. Look closely and you will see them. I thought at first someone drew a heart on the fish I was staring at. I don't know what kind of fish these are but look it up and impress your date.

Update - March 10, 2010: During another another lunch at Asian City I learned from the waitress that the fish which have hearts on them, are in fact laser tattooed with "I-Heart-U" on both sides when they are raised on Hong Kong. And sure enough, it's not crystal clear on all of the fish, but they definitely heart me. It's not quite as neat anymore, knowing they are strapped into chairs and tattooed as kids, or something like that. I kind of felt sorry for them. The sashimi sampler was great as always. It's a good deal for only $10.

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