Wanna Bao

Hey there, Houston foodies! If you've been on the lookout for a Chinese restaurant that truly brings authentic flavors to the forefront with a touch of modern flair, then let us introduce you to Wanna Bao. Located conveniently in Houston's vibrant Midtown, this bistro aims to be your go-to spot for delicious Chinese cuisine, particularly if you're a fan of expertly crafted dumplings and traditional dishes with a contemporary presentation.

In a city as diverse and bustling as Houston, the demand for authentic international cuisine is always high. Wanna Bao, founded by husband-and-wife team Dean and Grace Dee, petroleum engineers who transitioned their passion into this culinary venture, seeks to fill that niche by offering a taste of Shanghai and Chengdu right here in Texas. They've consciously designed their space to align with Midtown's aesthetic – sleek, clean, and modern, offering a more upscale ambiance than typical Chinatown establishments, while still delivering genuine flavors.

While some newer reviews mention service concerns, it's clear that the core of Wanna Bao's appeal lies in its food. Many patrons have found specific dishes to be truly exceptional, highlighting the restaurant's potential to deliver a satisfying Chinese dining experience. This article will explore what makes Wanna Bao a noteworthy contender in Houston's Chinese food scene, from its accessible location and menu offerings to its standout dishes, helping you decide if it's the right place for your next culinary adventure.

Wanna Bao is conveniently located at 2708 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77006, USA, placing it squarely in the bustling Midtown district of Houston. This makes it a highly accessible destination for a broad range of Houstonians, including those working in downtown, living in the surrounding residential areas, or simply exploring the vibrant Montrose and Midtown neighborhoods.

The restaurant's address on Bagby Street provides good connectivity to major city arteries, making it easy to reach by car. A notable advantage, often appreciated by inner-loop diners, is the presence of a dedicated parking lot. This can be a significant convenience in a dense urban area like Midtown, saving visitors the hassle of searching for street parking.

Furthermore, its proximity to public transportation, including being just 0.13 km from the Ensemble/HCC METRORail station, enhances its accessibility for those preferring to use public transit. The surrounding area is characterized by a mix of businesses, residential buildings, and other dining and entertainment options, making Wanna Bao a suitable spot for a casual lunch, a business meeting, or a relaxed dinner as part of a larger outing in Midtown. The venue's "nice and orderly ambiance" also contributes to a comfortable and appealing dining environment.

Wanna Bao positions itself as a modern Chinese bistro, offering a variety of authentic dishes with a focus on dumplings and signature specialties. Their services cater to both dine-in and takeout needs:

• Dine-In Experience: The restaurant offers a "nice and orderly ambiance in business casual dress," with a "modern and relaxed interior." This includes sleek wooden furniture, exposed brick, and gleaming light fixtures, providing an upscale yet comfortable setting for a meal.
• Extensive Menu: Wanna Bao features a broad menu covering Szechuan and Shanghainese cuisine. This includes "Wanna Bao Signatures" like various Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings) and Crispy Bottom Baos, along with street food offerings, more substantial entrees, and a lengthy list of vegetable dishes.
• Hand-Made Dumplings and Baos: A key selling point is their fresh, hand-made to order dumplings and baos, including popular items like Pork Soup Dumpling, Chicken Soup Dumpling, Shrimp Soup Dumpling, Pork Crispy Bottom Bao, and Nutella Xiao Long Bao for a sweet twist.
• Variety of Main Dishes: Beyond dumplings, the menu includes dishes like Crying Tiger Beef, Mapo Tofu, Water Spinach, Jasmine Tea Smoked Duck, Crispy Spicy Chicken Popcorn, and more, catering to diverse tastes and spice preferences.
• Beverage Selection: They offer a range of beverages, including various hot teas (like Organic Jasmine Green Tea, Lychee Oolong Tea), iced tea, and bottled drinks.
• Takeout and Delivery: For convenience, Wanna Bao provides takeout services and is available through major third-party delivery platforms like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub, allowing customers to enjoy their food at home.
• Catering for events: While not explicitly stated in the provided reviews, many restaurants of this caliber offer catering services for events. Checking their website or contacting them directly for such inquiries would be advisable.

Wanna Bao has several features and highlights that draw in its clientele and define its appeal, even amidst mixed reviews:

• Exceptional Pan-Fried Pork Shrimp Dumplings: A definite standout, described by one reviewer as "10/10 very good, wish I had more." This points to a strong mastery of dumpling preparation. Their "Crispy Bottom Pork Dumpling" is also highly praised as a signature.
• One of the Best Mapo Tofu in Houston: The Mapo Tofu receives high accolades, noted for its "hint of spice, nicely fresh tasting tofu, and a simplistic feel 10/10." This suggests a commitment to authentic and well-balanced Szechuan flavors.
• Fresh and Tasty Vegetables: Dishes like the "Water spinach" are recognized for being "pretty good and fresh," emphasizing the quality of ingredients used in their stir-fries.
• Appealing Presentation: The food consistently has "great presentation and make such pretty photos," indicating attention to detail and an enjoyable visual dining experience.
• Modern and Orderly Ambiance: The venue itself is described as "pretty nice with a nice and orderly ambiance in business casual dress all around," providing a sleek and comfortable dining environment distinct from traditional Chinatown eateries. This "upscale ambiance" is often highlighted.
• Xiao Long Bao (Soup Dumplings): While some find the soup dumplings "good but not worth the price" or "fell short compared to others," they are a core offering and frequently mentioned. The Pork Soup Dumpling is their most liked item on delivery platforms, indicating a strong general appeal.
• Diverse Menu Beyond Dumplings: Beyond their namesake, dishes like "Crying Tiger Beef" (thinly cut, saucy beef with rice crackers) are noted, showcasing a broader range of flavorful offerings from both Shanghainese and Szechuan traditions. Other popular dishes include Jasmine Tea Smoked Duck, Crispy Spicy Chicken Popcorn, and Red Oil Dumplings.
• Dedicated Parking Lot: A practical convenience for a Midtown location, making visits easier for those driving.

For those interested in visiting or contacting Wanna Bao, here's their information:

• Address: 2708 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77006, USA
• Phone: (832) 623-7265
• Mobile Phone: +1 832-623-7265

It is always recommended to check their official website (if available) or popular online food delivery platforms for the most current operating hours, detailed menu information, and to place online orders for pickup or delivery. While phone contact is available, online resources often provide the quickest way to confirm details before your visit.

For us Houston locals, Wanna Bao presents an intriguing option for Chinese cuisine, particularly for those seeking a more modern dining experience within the Midtown area. It is suitable for locals who appreciate the convenience of its central location, especially with its dedicated parking, a significant plus in such a busy part of the city. While reviews offer a mixed bag of experiences, the consistent praise for specific dishes, such as their pan-fried pork shrimp dumplings and the Mapo Tofu, suggests that the kitchen is capable of producing truly excellent food.

Locals who are willing to overlook occasional service inconsistencies, which can happen in any restaurant, will find that the quality of the standout dishes and the appealing, clean ambiance make for a worthwhile visit. It's an ideal spot for a business casual lunch or a dinner where you're looking for flavorful Chinese food without venturing into the larger, more traditional Chinatown area. The diverse menu, offering both classic and signature dishes, ensures there's something to tempt various palates. For those who value delicious food and a contemporary setting, Wanna Bao certainly offers a compelling reason to make it a regular stop in their Houston dining rotation.

Wanna Bao

2708 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77006, USA