Welcome to our kitchen! At Silk Road Asian Tapas Bar, we believe food is the ultimate language of love. Dim sum specifically translates to touching the heart, and that is our mission every single day. When you look for the best fried dim sum Houston offers, you are likely searching for that perfect, golden-brown crunch. We have carefully curated a menu that celebrates the textures and flavors of traditional Asian snacks with a modern, soulful twist. Our fried and baked selections are more than just appetizers; they are handcrafted treasures meant to be shared. From the sweet crust of our BBQ pork buns to the spicy warmth of our curry chicken puffs, every bite tells a story. We invite you to explore this guide and discover why these crispy delights have become local favorites. Whether you are a regular or a first-timer, let us help you find your new favorite dish at Silk Road.
To start with, we have to talk about what makes dim sum so special in our city. Houston is a melting pot of cultures. Consequently, the food scene here is incredibly vibrant and demanding. When we set out to create our menu, we knew we had to respect the classics. For instance, the traditional techniques used in Cantonese kitchens are the foundation of everything we do. Fried items require a delicate touch and precise temperature control. If the oil is too cool, the pastry becomes heavy. However, if it is too hot, the delicate fillings lose their moisture. We take great pride in finding that perfect middle ground every time.
Moreover, we understand that our guests are looking for quality and authenticity. Many people explore the best dim sum spots in Houston to find hidden gems. We strive to be that place where you feel at home. Our chefs spend hours prepping these small bites because they know the details matter. Specifically, the “fried and baked” category offers a unique satisfaction that steamed items simply cannot match. It is all about the sound of that first bite. That crunch is a signal that a delicious experience is about to happen. Therefore, we invite you to sit back and savor the craftsmanship in every plate we serve.
Next on our journey is a dish that truly warms the soul: the Chicken Puff. To illustrate, imagine a pastry so flaky it practically melts on your tongue. We achieve this by layering the dough repeatedly. Inside this golden shell, we pack a savory mixture of tender chicken, potatoes, and onions. What makes this dish truly stand out is our blend of curry spices. These spices offer a gentle warmth that lingers without being overwhelming. As a result, it is one of our most popular items for those who enjoy a bit of aromatic depth. We serve these in pairs because, honestly, you are going to want at least two.
People often ask us why the potato is so important in this dish. In fact, the potato absorbs the curry flavors perfectly. It creates a creamy, soft texture that contrasts beautifully with the crisp pastry. Additionally, the sweetness of the sautéed onions rounds out the spice. This combination is classic yet refreshing. Many diners find that this puff reminds them of home-style cooking from various Asian traditions. Because of this, it has become a staple of the fried dim sum Houston experience at Silk Road. We suggest enjoying it while it is piping hot to fully appreciate the flaky layers.
For our vegetarian friends, we have something extra special. Most people think of an egg roll as just cabbage and carrots. On the contrary, we believe veggies deserve more respect. Our Vegetarian Egg Rolls feature a sophisticated blend of mushrooms. We use wood ear, eringi, and shiitake mushrooms to create an earthy, meaty flavor profile. These are mixed with fresh carrots and wrapped in a thin, crispy shell. To finish the dish, we serve them with our house-made sweet and sour sauce. It is a simple combination, but the quality of the ingredients makes it truly remarkable.
Furthermore, we are very careful about the frying process. We want the shell to be light and bubbly, not greasy. This ensures that the flavor of the mushrooms remains the star of the show. Many of our meat-eating guests order these regularly as well. This is because the umami flavor from the shiitake is so incredibly satisfying. Clearly, you don’t need meat to have a bold, savory dim sum experience. If you are looking for a lighter yet flavorful option, these egg rolls are calling your name. They are served in a set of three, making them an ideal sharable plate for the table.
If you love seafood, you absolutely cannot miss our Stuffed Tofu Skin. This dish is a masterclass in texture. We take delicate tofu skin and stuff it with a hearty mixture of shrimp and water chestnuts. The tofu skin is then fried until it becomes incredibly thin and crisp. Inside, the shrimp stays juicy and sweet. Meanwhile, the water chestnuts provide a refreshing, watery crunch. We serve this dish with a side of plum sauce. The fruitiness of the plum provides a beautiful counterpoint to the savory shrimp. It is a refined, elegant bite that showcases the beauty of simple ingredients.
In addition to the flavor, this dish is a favorite because of how light it feels. Tofu skin is a wonderful alternative to traditional flour-based wrappers. It is naturally gluten-friendly in many preparations, though you should always check with our staff. Most importantly, the way the tofu skin bubbles up in the fryer creates a unique mouthfeel. It is a bit different from your standard egg roll or dumpling. Consequently, it often surprises people who are trying it for the first time. It is a testament to the diversity of the fried dim sum Houston landscape. We highly recommend this for anyone who wants to explore beyond the basic menu items.
Now, let’s talk about a true icon: the Baked BBQ Pork Bun. Most dim sum fans are used to the white, steamed version. While those are delicious, our baked buns offer something entirely different. We use a Chinese-style BBQ pork filling that is slow-cooked until tender. The real secret, however, is on the outside. We top our buns with a “sugar dough” before baking. This creates a crackled, slightly sweet crust that crumbles as you bite into it. Therefore, you get a combination of sweet, salty, and savory all in one go. It is essentially the ultimate comfort food.
Moreover, the dough of the bun itself is soft and pillowy. It acts as the perfect vessel for the rich, glazed pork inside. We believe that a great BBQ pork bun should be generously filled. There is nothing worse than biting into a bun and finding mostly air. At Silk Road, we ensure every bun is packed with flavor. This dish is so popular that it often sells out early. It is a perfect example of why the Houston restaurant scene is so celebrated for its international flavors. If you haven’t had a baked pork bun with a sugar crust yet, you are in for a treat.
Finally, we have the Ham Sui Gok. This is a fried glutinous rice dumpling, and it is a favorite among dim sum purists. The shell is made from glutinous rice flour, which gives it a distinctively chewy and slightly sweet character. Once it is fried, the outside becomes crisp while the inside remains elastic. We fill these dumplings with a savory mix of chicken, dried shrimp, and shiitake mushrooms. This creates a fascinating “sweet and salty” dynamic that is very addictive. Indeed, if you are looking for a texture masterclass, this is the dish for you.
The addition of dried shrimp is particularly important. It provides a concentrated burst of umami that cuts through the sweetness of the rice dough. In fact, many people find that Ham Sui Gok is the highlight of their meal because it is so unique. It is not quite a pastry and not quite a traditional dumpling. It is something special. Our chefs take great care to ensure the dough is the perfect thickness. If it is too thick, it becomes too heavy; if it is too thin, it cannot hold the savory filling. This balance is what makes it a staple of fried dim sum Houston dining. We hope you will give it a try on your next visit!
So, are you hungry yet? We certainly are! When you come to see us at Silk Road, we want you to feel relaxed. Our staff is always here to help you navigate the dim sum menu. If you are unsure what to try first, we often suggest a mix of fried and steamed items. This gives you a full range of textures and flavors. Specifically, starting with a pair of Chicken Puffs and a set of Baked BBQ Pork Buns is a great way to kick off the meal. These items are crowd-pleasers and provide a great introduction to our kitchen’s style.
Additionally, don’t forget to pair your snacks with something from our cocktail and drink menu. While tea is traditional, our unique cocktails are designed to complement the bold spices and rich textures of our food. For instance, a crisp martini can be the perfect palate cleanser after a savory fried dumpling. We have put a lot of heart into creating an atmosphere that is both sophisticated and welcoming. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or just having a casual lunch, we want Silk Road to be your go-to destination for fried dim sum Houston TX experiences. We look forward to seeing you at the bar or at a table very soon.
Wrapping up your fried dim sum Houston journey is only the beginning. We hope this deep dive into our fried and baked menu has given you a glimpse into the passion we have for our food. Every item we serve is a labor of love, from the hand-layered Chicken Puffs to the perfectly seasoned Ham Sui Gok. At Silk Road Asian Tapas Bar, we are more than just a restaurant; we are a part of the Houston community. We invite you to come in, grab a seat, and share these heart-touching bites with the people you love. If you enjoyed learning about our dim sum, why not come experience it for yourself? You can book a table or simply stop by to see us. We are always ready to serve up something hot, crispy, and delicious.
An authentic Asian tapas and dim sum experience in Houston, TX.
Experience the best of Asian cuisine at Silk Road in Houston. We offer delicious dim sum and tapas in a stylish, welcoming atmosphere.
