Hui Lau Shan

It's neat to see Hui Lai Shan in the mall.  

I've never been to the Galleria location before.  It is hidden under the escalator by the staircase from food court going up to the shopping area inside the mall. 

I got the Mango Sago.  I always forget that their version is not a drink unlike Lomichi (formerly Mia's Goodies).  It's really a dessert in a bowl.  It comes with chunks of mango, mango blended goodness on top of a bed of tapioca.  Of course you mix it all up so every bite you get some of the sago (tapioca), some of the mango blend and some of the mango chunks.  It's not like the real deal, but it came close to it. 

Hui Lau Shan

inside Galleria food court

5015 Westheimer Rd 

#1452 A

Houston, TX 77056

https://huilaushan.us/

 

Loro

Went back to Loro for lunch. 

Since I usually go after the lunch crowd so easy to find parking and lots of open seating. 

Started with a Yuzu Soda - YUMM!

Then got the zero proof cocktail - Spicy Cucumber.  It has lime, cucumber, agave, pepper (which gave it the spicy).  You drink it and at first it tasted sweet, but when it goes down is when it feel like heat.  Not too spicy, just enough to have a kick. 

I ordered my usual - Seasame Rice Noodle.  

It has black sesame, scallion, chili vinaigrette, and cilantro.  I just mix it all up and add a side of protein.

Protein of choice, I got the Char Siew Pork Belly.  They have a house hoisin sauce that is delicious.  This round however, there were more fat than meat on some of the pieces.  I mean, I know it's pork belly and fat is part of it, but entire piece of fat it's not exactly ideal. 

Anyway, I will still come back, don't get me wrong.  And next time I might mix my proteins, but this is a quick meal.

Loro

5333 Kirby Dr

Houston, TX 77005

713-930-2330

https://www.loroeats.com/locations/houston/kirby/ 

 

Hey Tea

When you're in the mall and just wanted something to drink....

They are obviously promoting tea, lots of tea cups and leaves to proof.

I've never had them before, the decor is very sleek, so had to check that out.

I got the Supreme Matcha Latte - it has matcha with real milk blend topped with matcha cloud (foam).  It is very full-bodied of a drink.  

They were pushing the cloud pretty hard though, that's essentially is cheese foam.  Now, let's not poo poo on it yet.  Cheese foam doesn't taste super duper cheesy like you're thinking Asiago or something.  But it does provide that saltiness with the drink.  Basically to cut the sweet if you were to get your drink with normal sugar.  That said, I don't usually do normal sugar, I do 50%, so that's cut in half.  Though calories-wise the fully leaded milk is not going to help me there. 

Overall, it's a good drink.  The service is quick, and they are ready for a mad rush with their service system.  Will definitely return.

Hey Tea

inside Galleria - food court level

5015 Westheimer Rd

Ste 1305A 

Houston, TX 77056

 

Snooze

Sometimes a girl just wanted to have a decent breakfast.  

It's easy to just hop over to Snooze. 

But first, stay hydrated.

Got me a Corn Beef Hash with eggs sunny side up.  They add poblano pepper and caramelized onion into the hash, gives it an oomph to the flavor. 

Got a side/slice of the upside down pineapple pancake.  It's literally my favorite pancake of theirs of all time. 

I don't usually get a chance to sit at the bar, because it's' always packed.  But I must say, I get really good services there.  And the barista/bartender is very attentive and also see that I have drinks left over, offer to-go and pack it for me.  It just really enhance the breakfast experience.   Of course, you get to eavesdrop on what the staff are gossiping about is fun too!

Snooze AM Eatery

3217 Montrose Blvd

Houston, TX 77006

713-574-6655

https://www.snoozeeatery.com/ 

 

Dutch Bros

It was serendipitous that I drove past Dutch Bros. 

There aren't a whole lot of those inside the Loop, so it's like seeing a unicorn out in the dessert. 

I got the Kicker - which has espresso, Irish Creme syrup and breve (which is usually half n' half steamed), but I'm trying to cut calories, so I did a milk alternative.  

The coffee is not bad, and not too sweet, which is just how I like it.  If you drive by, you see a line around the building and 2 drive-thru lane.  But you can definitely walk up.  Their staff are super friendly even when their hands are full with making drinks.  That is always appreciated. 

Dutch Bros

20720 Gulf Fwy

Webster, TX 77598

https://www.dutchbros.com/locations/tx/webster/20720-gulf-freeway

 

Kura Sushi

There are days where you just want to have some conveyor sushi.

Yes, I know quality is different, but like junk food, sometimes you just want some.

Once we sat down, we immediately grabbed a few plates.  We got sesame balls, Philadelphia Roll (which I don't really care for the cream cheese),  Snow Crab California Roll, and Umami Oil Beef (it wasn't as good as I remember it from before).

Got the Garlic Slipjack Tuna - it's actually pretty delicious. 

Umami Oil Hokkaido Octopus - The flavor is good, the mix of the texture surprised me, I don't hate it but not sure how I feel about it. 

And I got the Jalapeño Yuzu Tuna, that's a must.

This trip was interesting.  There's some that are good, but some that are missed.  And let me bust your bubble, unless it's something fried or soup noodles, if you order sushi dish, they are not made to order.  They are probably pre-made by the staff in the back as they prepare each flavor to be put on the conveyor.  I will admit, it's fun to order and then have them zip it to your table. 

Kura Sushi

11161 Westheimer 

Ste B

Houston, TX 77042

832-767-5208

https://kurasushi.com/locations/houston-tx-westchase

 

88 Dumpling House

Saw this place on IG and not realized how close it is to me. 

I immediately grabbed my dumpling loving friends to come with me. 

I really love the mini pan fried pork bun, I really like these even on the regular size.  But if it's bite size I'm here for it.  It's meaty, the bun skin is nice and solid, and the bottom is nicely fried and crispy.  So good. 

And we got the Chicken Sautéed Noodles - it does have tons of flavors, large bits of chicken, lots of veggie.  Don't think the bowl is small, there's actually alot of noodles in that box.  Luckily, they have lids for you and ready for take home.

It's kinda interesting, you walk in, and you place an order on the kiosk and pay there.  Then, you grab a number and sit down.  The staff will bring you the food as they are out.  They have a counter for sauces, water, and extra utensils, but everyone is very friendly. 

88 Dumpling House

8017 Main Street

#400

Houston, TX 77025

346-718-2881

https://88dumplinghouse.com/